Seth Trachy
Saxophonist/composer Seth Trachy was raised on a farm in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains and spent his childhood exploring the Appalachian wilderness and absorbing the soulful sounds of his father's record collection, including artists such as Ray Charles and Percy Sledge. Attending high school at the North Carolina School of the Arts, Trachy helped form the group Quantum, which received recognition in the Downbeat student music awards, performed at festivals such as Arts Ignite Festival (Winston-Salem). At the Banff International Jazz Workshop, Quantum performed with guest artist, trumpeter Dave Douglas and recorded with pianist Kenny Werner.
EDUCATION
Trachy relocated to New Jersey in 2000 to study on full scholarship at William Patterson University for two years before completing his studies at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York City. In 2005, Trachy was selected to participate in the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Workshop as well as the Ravinia Jazz Festival. He has studied with Miguel Zenon, George Garzone, Armen Donelian, Joe Lovano and Eddie Salkin. In addition to studying jazz, Trachy has studied Indian classical music at the Ustad Alik Akbar Khan School of Music in San Rafael, California. Noteworthy performances include the Kennedy Center Millenium Stage (2005), the Ravinia Jazz Festival (2005), and the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival (2005).
TEACHING
Seth has eight years of experience teaching saxophone and improvisation to students of all ages and skill levels. As a clinician he has done numerous workshops on small group improvisation at the high school and middle school level. Through his studies with Eddie Salkin, Seth has become well-versed in the pedagogy of the great saxophonist Joe Allard. This affords Seth's students access to a concise and effective methodology for learning tone production on the saxophone. Each student's program is designed based on their specific goals and interests with the goal of making music a joyful enriching aspect of their life.
Get Started with BML to set up a lesson with Seth.
Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Joe Henderson, Ben Webster, Wayne Shorter, John Gilmore, Keith Jarrett, Miguel Zenon, Meshell N'degeocello, Wayne Krantz, Bach, Traditional Pygmy Music, Afro-Peruvian Music, Chico Buarqe, Guinga, Hermeto Pascoal, Jimi Hendrix, Classical Indian Music, Hip Hop
I was very impressed by Russell’s and Seth’s professionalism when they worked with my high school jazz students. As a team they not only provided great insights for my young jazz enthusiasts but also set a fine example of how professional jazz musicians interact within the community. Their love of what they do came shining through and my kids were both amazed and inspired. We’ve got to get them back here!"
Robert C. Hunter
Band Director
Enloe High School
Raleigh, NC
