The Skyler Hagner Big Band

Firmly rooted in the jazz and creative music tradition, The Skyler Hagner Big Band freely pulls from improvised and world musics, as well as more traditional jazz and classical sources. Side by side you can hear classical chorales and gestural improvisation, bebop vocabulary next to minimalist structures, recomposed works from the classical piano cannon and groove based musics. The ensemble frequently breaks into smaller cohorts, juxtaposing, for example, a woodwind quintet with a solo trumpet, brass choirs against piano/saxophone duets, and soloists of all types in various settings. The band looks to explore all music, all ways - creating new possibilities and realities, new meetings and partnerships, through music and community.

Featured soloists include Elijah J. Thomas (flute, alto flute) and Joe Block (piano), among other rotating luminaries of the NYC jazz and creative music scenes. Band members have collectively performed/toured with: Wynton Marsalis, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Michael Bublé, Reggie Workman, The Basie Band, and Lil’ Kim, among others. The Big Band has been supported by funds from: Creative Engagement, a regrant program supported by The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) in partnership with the City Council, and administered by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC).