Init 1 by Matt Horanzy is the NBA Young Composers Jazz Composition Contest winner for 2018. This original work will be performed by the United States Air Force Airmen of Note, directed by Master Sergeant Ben Patterson, at the 2018 Midwest Clinic. The performance will take place on Thursday, December 20, 7:30 PM, at McCormick Place. All NBA members are encouraged to attend this performance.
Matt Horanzy is a jazz guitarist, composer, and educator living in Washington, D.C. Having recently completed a Masters degree in Jazz Composition at the University of South Florida, Matt has shared the stage with musicians such as Nick Finzer, Danny Gottlieb, Frank Greene, John Clayton, John Beasley, and Steve Allee. During the summer of 2017, Matt joined the USF Jazz Ensemble to perform throughout the United Kingdom at the Edinburgh, Liverpool, and Birmingham Jazz Festivals. As a composer, Matt has written for ensembles ranging from solo performer to jazz orchestra. Currently, Matt is a member of the BMI Jazz Composers Workshop in New York City, under the direction of Andy Farber and Alan Ferber. Matt has studied with Grammy nominated and award winning artists such as Chuck Owen, Jim McNeely, LaRue Nickelson, Joshua Bayer, and Fernando Benadon.
A special thank you to the VanderCook College of Music for providing a $500 award to this year’s winning jazz composer.
Congratulations to Matt!