Mike Tomaro
Mike Tomaro has been the Director of the Jazz Studies Program at the Mary Pappert School of Music at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA, since 1997. A distinguished saxophonist, composer, arranger, and educator, he holds a B.S. in Music Education from Duquesne and an M.A. in Saxophone Performance from George Mason University. Before his tenure at Duquesne, Mike spent 17 years in the Washington, D.C. area as a member of the Army Blues Jazz Ensemble, part of the esteemed "Pershing's Own" U.S. Army Band. During his time there, he served as Enlisted Musical Director, performing for Presidents Reagan, Bush, and Clinton, as well as international heads of state. He played a pivotal role in composing and arranging much of the Army Blues repertoire and was featured as a soloist on several albums.
Mike is a Yamaha Performing Artist and a Vandoren Diamond Artist. His most recent recording, "4 Seasons" (MCG Jazz), marks his first solo album in 18 years, showcasing his talents as both a performer and composer/arranger. This album follows four earlier releases: "Nightowl Suite," "Forgotten Dreams," "Dancing Eyes," and "Home Again." Additionally, Mike has contributed to numerous other recordings, including Grammy-winning projects like Nancy Wilson's "Turned To Blue" and "RSVP," and the Bob Mintzer Big Band's Grammy-nominated "For The Moment."
As a performer, Mike has collaborated with an array of artists and ensembles, including Rosemary Clooney, Ray Charles, and the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra. In his hometown, he has performed with the Pittsburgh Symphony, River City Brass Band, and Pittsburgh Ballet, among others, while also leading his own small groups.
Mike serves as the lead alto player for the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra, the city's premier big band, where he composes and arranges much of the material performed. The band's first CD, "Joyful Jazz," released in 2015, features 11 of Mike's holiday arrangements and received rave reviews, including a four-star rating from Downbeat magazine and recognition as one of the top seven holiday albums of 2015 by the Wall Street Journal.
His compositions have been performed by notable jazz artists such as David Liebman, Wayne Bergeron, and New York Voices, as well as by high schools, colleges, and universities worldwide. Mike's orchestral arrangements have also been featured by the Pittsburgh and National Symphony Orchestras. He has published over 200 compositions and arrangements through Doug Beach Music, Hal Leonard Publications, and Walrus Music.
In 2009, Mike scored music for MCG/Opera Theater of Pittsburgh's production of Duke Ellington's "Beggar's Holiday." He also transcribed and arranged music for Keith David's one-man show, "Joe Williams: Here's To Life."
Mike co-authored the textbook "Instrumental Jazz Arranging: A Comprehensive and Practical Guide" with his long-time mentor, Dr. John Wilson, who directed the Jazz Studies program at Duquesne University from 1972 to 1996.
In recognition of his contributions to jazz, Mike was inducted into the Pittsburgh Jazz Legends Hall of Fame. He is affiliated with several professional organizations, including the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP), the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS), Jazz Education Network (JEN), and the National Association for Music Education (NAfME).
Highly sought after as a guest soloist, adjudicator, and clinician, Mike continues to make a significant impact in the jazz community. For more information on his activities and recordings, visit his website at www.miketomaro.com.
