Joseph M Tomasso

Joseph Michael Tomasso is an experienced woodwind specialist. Starting woodwind instruction at an early age with Roger Birkeland, Professor of Saxophone at Elmhurst College, Joseph spent his high school years performing in the Roosevelt University Chicago College of Performing Arts Lab Jazz Band under the direction of Rob Parton (flute / saxophone). Simultaneously, Joseph participated in the Youth Symphony of DuPage under the direction of Meng-Kong Tham (oboe / saxophone). Early awards include placing First Chair in the 2001 / 2002 Honors Band for the Illinois Music Educators Association (IMEA) Festival (baritone / alto saxophone), as well as being named featured saxophone soloist for the IMEA Honors Orchestra Performance of Pictures at an Exhibition (alto saxophone).

Joseph holds his Undergraduate Bachelor of Music Performance degree in Saxophone / Clarinet from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2006). Primary saxophone instructors included Professor Debra Richtmeyer and interim Professor Dr. Nathan Naab. His primary clarinet instructors included Dr. Sarah E. Burk, Katrina R. Phillips, and Dr. J. David Harris. Primary Flute instructors included Jill Burlingame and Dr. Jennifer Gartley. While at UIUC Joseph participated in the University Wind Symphony (saxophone), Symphonic Band (clarinet), Philharmonia Orchestra (saxophone), Repertoire Orchestra (clarinet), New Music Ensemble (saxophone), Graduate Saxophone Quartet (Tenor saxophone) and Black Ice Undergraduate Quartet (Soprano Saxophone).

Awards include being the recipient of the W. Clyde Young Musicians Scholarship (2002-2006), Band Division Scholarship (2002-06), Woodwind Division Scholarship (2005), and two-time State Finalist for the Illinois, MTNA Chamber Music Competition. Joseph holds his Graduate Master of Music Performance Degree in Multiple Woodwind Performance (Oboe Emphasis) from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (2008). Primary Instructors included M. Ashley Barret (oboe), Dr. Steven Stusek (saxophone), Dr. Susan Fancher (saxophone), Dr. Michael Burns (Bassoon), Dr. Deborah Egkevist (flute, chamber music) and Dr. Sean Copeland (clarinet). While at UNCG Joseph participated in the University Wind Ensemble (solo Eb clarinet), University Orchestra (clarinet, oboe, English horn), Symphonic Band (oboe, English horn), Graduate Saxophone Quartet (tenor saxophone), and the Honors Woodwind Quintet (oboe). Joseph was also afforded the opportunity to act as a substitute member of the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra (2008) on both oboe and English horn, as well as to win a substitute spot with the Louisville Symphony Orchestra (saxophone / clarinet).

Since his graduation Joseph has remained an active freelance performer and instructor in the North-Central Florida area where he maintains a large studio of oboe, saxophone, clarinet, flute and bassoon students. Current projects include chamber ensemble “Flight of the Woodchords” with pianist Amy Blackwood and woodwind duo “Ether” with Clarinetist Garrett L. Matlock. To see current performance and other events please check out the calendar section!