Crucial Elements

As a trumpet player, composer and educator, Anthony Stanco is a rising talent in today's music scene. Anthony's brilliant trumpet style is exciting and demonstrates his understanding of the jazz tradition. Anthony is equally passionate as an educator and composer. Anthony Stanco started playing trumpet in the fifth grade in the Fraser Public School System. His musical education was elevated when he joined the Detroit Symphony Civic Orchestra and Civic Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Marcus Belgrave and Rodney Whitaker. When Anthony was in high school, he established himself as a professional musician in the Detroit area. He performed as a leader at the 2006 Birmingham Jazz Festival with his quintet, as well as the 2007 Detroit Jazz Festival. Anthony was also selected as the top high school soloist during the 2007 Detroit Jazz Festival for his performance with the Fraser Jazz Ensemble. After graduating from high school in 2007, Anthony was accepted at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music to pursue his bachelors in jazz performance and also studied privately with trumpet technician Laurie Frink. He is now working on his graduate degree at Michigan State University where he has a chance to learn from jazz greats including Rodney Whitaker, Reginald Thomas, Michael Dease, and Etienne Charles. Anthony's professional work has consisted of concerts, workshops, and studio sessions. In 2008 Anthony recorded a live album with Manhattan School of Music Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Bobby Sanabria called Kenya Revisited LIVE! This record was nominated for a Latin Grammy. He has also recorded with renowned trombone player Michael Dease and saxophonist Tim Mayor. Anthony has performed with world class musicians such as Winard Harper, Michael Feinstein, James Fortune, and Aretha Franklin to name a few. In June 2013 Anthony took the 1st place prize in the International Trumpet Guild, Jazz soloist division. Anthony is also an established composer and has recently premiered his five-movement suite entitled Look up Hannah: A Suite for the Protester. As an Educator, Anthony was privileged to start at a young age. He had his first private student when he was only twelve years old and continues to teach privately to students of all ages. At Manhattan School of Music, he was part of their outreach program, Music Arts-In-Education, and taught at various public schools in New York City. In 2011 he returned to the Civic Jazz Orchestra as a mentor and director of Civic Jazz Combo B. Anthony was also a graduate assistant in Jazz Studies at Michigan State University and also teaches at the MSU, Community Music School in Lansing, MI. Currently, Anthony is proud to represent the government's Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs. The Anthony Stanco Ensemble will be conducting a five-week tour in Africa through the American Music Abroad program. Anthony will be releasing his first album with the Anthony Stanco Ensemble this September. Anthony Stanco is a very talented musician and we look forward to seeing what he will accomplish next.