To round off the month, the NWSA High School Jazz Combos, directed by Jim Gasior, will feature guest artist saxophonist, Michael Thomas. Featuring compositions by Michael Thomas, as well as Billy Strayhorn, Thelonious Monk and others, this concert will feature all students of the famed NWSA high school jazz ensemble. Award-winning saxophonist, composer, and arranger Michael Thomas has been an active member of the New York City jazz community since arriving in 2011.

Upon earning his Bachelor of Music degree in 2008, Thomas moved to Boston to pursue a Master’s Degree in Jazz Performance at New England Conservatory, where he received the jazz department’s only Presidential Scholarship. Shortly after his album release, Michael moved to New York City to participate in The Juilliard School’s Artist Diploma program, as a member of the school’s flagship jazz ensemble. While in this ensemble, he had the privilege of working and studying with some of the finest of today’s musicians, including Carl Allen, Kenny Barron, Steve Wilson, Ron Blake, and Wycliffe Gordon. As a composer and arranger, Michael has been commissioned by school and professional ensembles throughout the United States (including a 2016 First Music commission by the New York Youth Symphony Jazz Ensemble). Along with bassist and composer Edward Perez, Michael also co-leads and writes for the Terraza Big Band based in Queens, NY.