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MATT BLESSING — Talented Matt Blessing came to us in the Summer of 2006. A commercial insurance broker by day, Matt lowers the average age of the band’s membership considerably by being under 30 years old!

Matt has a Music Education degree from Missouri State (Springfield). While in college, he participated in the music fraternity Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. It was in this group of musicians that he met many talented people from different genres. One of his best friends in the fraternity was studying insurance, and needless to say, this is how he ended up with the career he has today.

He currently lives in South St. Louis. A graduate of Windsor High School, he was in the high school jazz band and marching band. It was there that he had the experiences to broaden his horizons by getting many chances to front the jazz band with competition solo features.

Matt’s interest in trombone was fostered by his older sister, a music teacher. From an early age, he was very interested in trombone from listening to Bill Watrous. His high note skills, along with his ability to play notes so fast, was what lured him into jazz. His musical icons today are J. J. Johnson and Miles Davis.

Matt spends his spare time playing jazz music, listening to music, traveling, and enjoying the fruits of his young bachelor life. He also enjoys playing softball and golfing. When it’s Cardinals season, it’s hard to have a conversation with him about anything other than baseball.

Just wait ‘til you hear him rip into one of his high energy solos on a jump number!

Click on a name below to read about other members of our Trombone Section.
TOM COX	KAREN SHARP
MATT BLESSING	ANDY SCHIEFELBEIN (BASS)

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