Mike Dubaniewicz

Born in Syracuse, New York in 1969, Mike discovered music at the age of 9. Originally a drummer, he soon switched to the alto saxophone, and eventually found his voice on that instrument. While in his teens Mike performed with various local groups, big bands and played sax and jazz piano in his high school bands and ensembles. Following high school Mike attended The University of North Texas and played lead alto sax in the award winning Two O’clock Lab Band. After graduating from UNT with a Bachelor of Music Education, Mike moved to New York City to attend the Manhattan School of Music and pursue a freelance music career. While at the Manhattan School he played lead alto in the Jazz Orchestra performing with such jazz legends as Jon Hendrix, Sir Roland Hanna, Michael Brecker, Joe Lovano, and Frank Foster. Mike received a Master of Music in Jazz/Commercial Music from MSM in 1997. Mike is currently a DMA candidate at the Eastman School of Music and is enrolled in the Jazz and Contemporary Media Department. He is also an active teaching assistant in the school’s Jazz Department. From 1998-2003, Mike toured the world with Maynard Ferguson's Big Bop Nouveau Band serving as a featured soloist and music director (2002-03). In the summer of 2006 Mike was asked back by Mr. Ferguson to join him on a tour that culminated at the famed Blue Note jazz club in NYC. Shortly thereafter Mike joined Maynard in studio and recorded what would be his final CD, “The One And Only Maynard Ferguson”. Mike has performed in over 20 countries including England, Thailand, Germany, Azerbajan, Israel, Australia, Russia and Sweden. Mike has also performed or recorded with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Phil Ramone, Phil Woods, Aretha Franklin, Matt Catingub, The Temptations, Tim Ries, Slide Hampton, Bobby Shew and Dianne Schuur. Big Band/Jazz Trumpet legend Maynard Ferguson describes Mike as a “creative and engaging jazz soloist, whose playing is first rate”. A versatile and creative musician; noted author, and Jazz Times contributing columnist Ira Gitler calls Mike's saxophone playing "exploratory" and "very mature...". Furthermore, Don Heckman of the Los Angeles Times calls Mike a "fine young player". Mike’s musical influences include Joe Henderson, Cannonball Adderley, Jaco Pastorius and Johnny Hodges. His saxophone teachers have included Dick Oatts, Ramon Ricker, Walt Weiskopf, Ralph Lalama, Steve Slagle and Jerry Santy. Mike’s arrangements and compositions have been performed by Maynard Ferguson, jazz pianist Billy Childs and The Eastman School of Music Jazz Ensemble.