Michael Dubaniewicz, a Syracuse area saxophonist who has shared the stage with musical luminaries such as Aretha Franklin and The Temptations, has been named the Professor Robert H. Brunell Visiting Scholar at Cayuga Community College for the Spring 2019 semester.
Dubaniewicz has played saxophone professionally for more than 20 years, and is currently a faculty member at Syracuse University and SUNY Broome. At Cayuga, he will coach the Jazz Combo, lecture and host workshops on jazz history and improvisation.
The Professor Robert H. Brunell Visiting Scholar Series supports visiting experts of distinction in the arts and humanities. Professor Brunell’s career spanned five decades, during which he chaired Cayuga’s English Department and taught in other programs. He was also locally involved in the arts and performed as an organist with several ensembles.
Cayuga Associate Professor Michael Cortese said Dubaniewicz’s background and enthusiasm for jazz made him an ideal fit to work with students this semester.
“We’re very excited to have Mike as our Brunell Visiting Scholar for the Spring 2019 semester,” said Cortese. “His knowledge of improvisation, jazz and jazz history is superb, and I think students and those who attend his community lectures and workshops will appreciate how much he enjoys this style of music.”
Music snagged Dubaniewicz’s attention when he was only 9 years old. He started out as a drummer, but switched to alto saxophone and performed locally and while earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the University of North Texas. He eventually earned his Master’s Degree from the Manhattan School of Music and his doctorate from the Eastman School of Music.
Dubaniewicz has performed with jazz legends such as Jon Hendrix and Sir Roland Hanna, and toured the world with Maynard Ferguson’s Big Bop Nouveau Band. Dubaniewicz served as a featured soloist and music director with Ferguson’s band, and also performed with Ferguson at New York City’s famed Blue Note Jazz Club.
He has also performed with musicians including Phil Woods, Tim Ries and Slide Hampton, and in 2009 released his debut album, entitled “Drive Time.”
At Cayuga, Dubaniewicz will be the featured performer at one concert, a guest performer with the Jazz Combo and host a lecture and improvisation workshop. All events are free and open to the public:
• On Tuesday, Jan. 29, Dubaniewicz will be the featured performer at “Evening of Jazz,” scheduled for 7 p.m. in Room M157 on Cayuga’s Auburn Campus;
• On Monday, Feb. 25, Dubaniewicz will be the guest lecturer for “The Bebop Era,” scheduled for 11 a.m. in Room T138A;
• On Monday, March 25, Dubaniewicz will host a jazz improvisational workshop at 11 a.m. in Room T138A;
• On Wednesday, May 8, he will be the guest performer at the Jazz Combo Concert, scheduled for 7 p.m. in Room M157.
For more information about Cayuga’s Performing Arts: Music degree program, visit https://www.cayuga-cc.edu/academics/schools/soma/performing-arts/music/.
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