Sam Dillon

Background

About Sam Dillon

Sam Dillon is a saxophonist, woodwind player, composer and teacher based in New York. In 2013 Sam was selected as a semifinalist in the Thelonious Monk International Saxophone Competition. As a semifinalist, Sam performed at The Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C. for Wayne Shorter, Jimmy Heath, Branford Marsalis, Bobby Watson and Jane Ira Bloom. Most notably, Sam has performed at Carnegie Hall, Jazz @ Lincolin Center, Symphony Space, Smoke Jazz Club, The Iridium, Yoshi's Jazz Club, Smalls Jazz Club, The 55 Bar, The Zinc Bar, The Kitano Hotel, Cornelia Street Cafe and live on WBGO 88.3 FM. In 2009 Sam received his Masters in Jazz Performance from SUNY Purchase College. As well as leading his own groups, Sam has had the honor of performing with The Joe Chambers “Moving Pictures” Jazz Orchestra, The Smoke Big Band, The Artie Shaw Jazz Orchestra, The Cecilia Coleman Big Band and The Paris Wight Quintet featuring David Weiss. In addition, Sam is currently composing and arranging music for his first CD. Sam has also been teaching music for over 8 years. His private teaching studio includes students of all ages and levels on saxophone, clarinet and flute. Sam’s students cover all areas of study from classical repertoire to jazz improvising. Sam has also conducted several instrumental master classes and workshops for schools and summer programs including The North Shore High School Jazz Band and Combo, The Great Neck North High School Band and Orchestra and The Oyster Bay High School Jazz Band. In addition, Sam has been a woodwind teacher for The All Island Music Center for the past three years. Previously he has taught for The Tarrytown Music Works Program, The Hackley School Music Conservatory, The Laconia Music Center, Catalano’s Music Center and Hey Joe Guitar. Sam was also part of the 2011 Vandoren sponsored “generation artists” program.