Biography
Alex Slomka is a trombonist located in the NYC Metropolitan Area whose work spans big band, jazz, and contemporary ensemble performance.
Alex Slomka is a trombonist located in the NYC Metropolitan Area whose work spans big band, jazz, and contemporary ensemble performance.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in trombone performance from the Crane School of Music and a master’s degree in jazz performance from the Purchase Conservatory of Music, where he honed his voice as a performer through intensive ensemble work, improvisation, and collaboration with artists across genres.
Alex has performed with numerous notable groups including The Birdland Big Band and Latin Jazz Big Band, The Stan Reuben Orchestra, and the Dan Pugach Big Band with Nicole Zuraitis, and CeCe Winans.
In addition to a busy performing career, he has recorded with many prominent artists including Debbie Wileman, Anna Wise, The Lemon Twigs, and Harmonic Aggression.
Currently a member of the Especially Everyone Ensemble, Alex is known for his versatility, musicality, and collaborative approach, and remains an active performer in the greater New York City music scene.
Originally from Schenectady, NY, Alex began his musical life playing the piano and guitar. While in high school, through the influence of his sister he became infatuated with punk rock and reggae music which led to his co-forming the ska band ‘The Late Night Show’.
In order to pursue music further, he set his focus on trombone and was able to gain acceptance to the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, NY. While there, in addition to studying with trombonists, Mark Hartman & Bret Zvacek, Alex kept a busy playing schedule and performed with the jazz and latin groups offered through the school in addition to the wind ensembles.
Upon graduating, Alex spent some time back in New York’s Capital Region, where he cut his teeth as a professional, playing with groups like Keith Pray’s Big Soul Ensemble, and The Dylan Perrillo Orchestra in addition to leading small groups of his own. During this time, Alex also became an adjunct professor of trombone at SUNY Oneonta. This newly discovered passion for teaching ultimately pushed him to go back to school to complete a Master’s Degree at the Purchase Conservatory of Music.
While attending Purchase, Alex had access to experience New York City’s vibrant music scene. Due in large part to the many friendships and connections made during his time there, he has shared the stage with countless incredible musicians, many of which were hailed as heroes of his.
Alex remains in the metro NYC area where he enjoys a busy schedule of rich playing experiences. Outside of music, he loves to talk about the Simpsons and befriend dogs that aren’t his own.
Equipment
Horns: King 3b Silver Sonic, Bach 12, Bach 36B, Bach 42BO, Conn 62H
Mouthpieces: A rotation of Ferguson, Marcinkiewicz, Greg Black, and Bach mouthpieces.
Lubricants: Slide-o-mix 2 bottle system for the slide; Hetman Linkage and Valve Oils for the other stuff.