Art Felluca

Born and raised in Rochester, NY, Art is a jazz composer, arranger and versatile woodwind instrumentalist. Primarily an alto saxophonist, he is proficient on soprano saxophone, flute and clarinet. He began his musical studies on piano at age 6, took up clarinet at age 10 and then alto saxophone a year later. Soon after, Art developed a strong interest in jazz and began studying improvisation. During his high school years, Art won an Outstanding Soloist Award at the 2000 Essentially Ellington Festival in New York City, played in the New York State All-State Jazz Ensemble, and was one of two winners in the Rochester Area Young Jazz Artist competition in 2001. As a result, he performed with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra “Pops” that summer in a concert directed by Jeff Tyzik.

After graduating from high school, Art served in the United States Navy Music Program for five years, stationed with Navy Band Northeast in Newport, RI. He gained a wealth of performing experience with the Show Band, Ceremonial Band, Wind Ensemble and various small jazz groups. Art began studies in Jazz Composition at Berklee College of Music in the fall of 2006. While at Berklee, he played in and composed music for two of the college's showcase ensembles, The Berklee Concert Jazz Orchestra, directed by Greg Hopkins, and the Rainbow Band, directed by Phil Wilson. In performing with these ensembles, Art was fortunate enough to share the stage with jazz legends McCoy Tyner and Benny Golson, as well as current jazz stars Hal Galper, Christian Scott and Joe Lovano. Art also received the college's Herb Pomeroy Award and Wayne Shorter Award for achievement in jazz composition. He completed his degree in May of 2009. Currently he is pursuing a Master of Music in Jazz Composition at New England Conservatory, playing in and writing for the Jazz Composers Workshop Orchestra, directed by Frank Carlberg, and the Jazz Composers Ensemble, under the direction of Ken Schaphorst.

Awards

• Wayne Shorter Award, Berklee College of Music, March 2009 • Herb Pomeroy Award, Berklee College of Music, March 2008 • Young Jazz Artist award winner, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, 2001 • Outstanding Soloist award winner, Essentially Ellington Festival, 2000

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