Biography

Dave Sporny Biography

After earning his Bachelors and Masters degrees from the University of Illinois, he became the Low Brass Instructor at the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan. During his 16 years at Interlochen he founded the Jazz Studies programs at the Academy and at the National Music Camp. He led the Dave Sporny Big Band and the Interlochen Jazz Quintet while being an active performer throughout the Midwest. Since coming to the University in 1982, he has been a frequent recitalist, clinician and freelance trombonist in New England.

Being equally comfortable in both classical and jazz traditions, Mr. Sporny has appeared in concert halls throughout the world including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, Tanglewood and Ravinia. Tours with various ensembles have taken him to South America, Europe, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, Japan and Russia. He has performed with the Chicago Little Symphony, the Northwood Orchestra, Opera North, the Springfield and Hartford Orchestras, Ancora Chamber Ensemble, and the Corporate Brass. In 1997 he was chosen as principal trombone for the Festival Orchestra of Santa Domingo in the Dominican Republic.

Most recently, as a member of the Silk Road Ensemble, he performs with Yo Yo Ma. He has also performed with The Tonight Show Orchestra, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey Orchestras, Les Elgart, Joe Williams, Frank Sinatra Jr., Nancy Wilson, Maureen McGovern, Aretha Franklin, Andy Williams, Dave Brubeck, Marian McPartland, Max Roach, Billy Taylor, Slide Hampton, J.J. Johnson, to name a few.

Dave Sporny is the founder and musical director of the Amherst Jazz Orchestra. In 2004 the International Association for Jazz Education presented him with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

David Sporny has recorded 12 albums and 17 CD's for RCA, Brownstone, Seabreeze, Jazz Masters and Original Cast Recordings. He is a voting member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.