Where Are They Now? Matt Woroshyl

We are extremely proud of the JAZZ.FM91 Youth Big Band and all that these young artists accomplish. So, after the JAZZ.FM91 Youth Big Band experience, where are they now? In this new feature, JAZZ.FM91 looks to past members of the band and former "Jazzology" students to share their stories and let us know what they're up to!

This week we feature Matt Woroshyl - member of the JAZZ.FM91 Youth Big Band in 2008.

"Since first knowing I wanted to pursue a career in music professionally, I have grown to become a better performer, composer, and saxophonist. I am currently in my third year at the University of Toronto, studying Jazz Performance. Throughout my experiences I have had the opportunity to perform with some of the greatest musicians in jazz today such as, Tim Ries, Aaron Goldberg, Omer Avital, Ali Jackson, Dan Nimmer, Victor Goines, Vincent Gardner, Kirk MacDonald, David Occhipinti, Kelly Jefferson, as well as many other famous musicians internationally and locally.

During high school, I got asked to audition for a youth big band that was trying to get started (back in 2008). This happened to be the JAZZ.FM91 Youth Big Band. I had a fantastic time playing in that band through my high school years. The band is not only a great opportunity for youth interested in jazz, but it also gives an opportunity for many performances in this city. For example, every year since the band came into fruition, it has performed in the Jazz Lives annual concert series at Convocation Hall. With a large audience and internationally renowned special guests, this gives the students ample opportunity to perform in high-profile events and gain networking possibilities for future careers in music.

I was asked to perform as a guest soloist in the 2011 Convocation Hall concert with the youth big band. I had a lot of fun playing with them, as well as hearing how great they sounded! It was fantastic to work with Jules Estrin again, who has conducted that band so well over the past few years. The youth big band at JAZZ.FM91 was definitely a big part of where I am now in my musical career and I am forever grateful of the opportunities it has provided for me."

For more information about the JAZZ.FM91 Youth Big Band CLICK HERE