Walt Szymanski - Tribute to J.C. Heard From 1979-1982, Walt Szymanski served as staff arranger, trumpet soloist and vocalist at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, MI. It was there that he met the legendary J.C. Heard, who was so inspired by Walt's arranging ability that he hired him on the spot as music director for his newly formed repertory orchestra. Walt began his musical journey from a small home on the east side of Detroit that was full of music. He began playing trumpet in high school and was presented the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia award for the "Best Jazz Trumpet" in the State of Michigan in his senior year. After a year of classical studies at the University of Michigan, Walt transferred to Oakland University’s emerging Jazz Studies Program. He served as composer in residence for the Detroit Dance Collective, the Acoustic Arts Ensemble and the Detroit Concert Choir. Additionally, Walt has served as Instructor of Jazz Trumpet, Arranging and Composition Studies at Oakland University (Rochester, MI) 1985-92, as well as the Center for Creative Studies (Detroit, MI) 1988-90. His numerous artistic awards include 1976-77 Arranger and Soloist awards (NAJE, IAJE), 1989-92 Best Trumpet and Best Composer awards (Metro-Times Annual Music Awards), and 1993 Jazz Hall of Fame (Metro-Times Annual Music Awards). Joining Walt for this year's tribute are Russ Miller (alto sax), Scott Petersen (tenor sax), Chris Pitts (tenor sax), Mark Berger (baritone sax), Bob Fazecsah (trumpet), Jim VanDyke (trumpet), Walter White (trumpet), Ed Gooch (trombone), George Troia (bass trombone), Jeff Halsey (bass), Charles Boles (piano) and Sean Dobbins (drums).
