Mike Matarazzo, Trombone, Musical Director

Mike Matarazzo is a freelance trombonist in the Washington DC area. Originally from Mahwah, New Jersey, Mike was an active participant in the NJ regional and state bands during high school. He went on to study Jazz Trombone at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, MD, and later enlisted in the US Marine Corps band, where he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan and Quantico, VA. During this time, Mike performed for a wide range of military ceremonies, community festivals and diplomatic events.

Since leaving military service in 2009, Mike has been actively playing in the Washington DC latin music scene. Of note, he has backed up a variety of well-known latin artists, including Anthony Cruz, David Pabon, Tito Rojas, Los Adolescentes, Frankie Vasquez, Herman Olivera, Cita Rodriguez, Tito Puente Jr., Roberto Blades, Ismael Miranda and Frankie Ruiz Jr. He has also recorded with DC jazz pianist Marcus Johnson, DC latin percussionist Gary Sosias, and DC latin jazz pianist Leonardo Garcia. Since 2016, Mike has been the trombonist and musical director for Edwin Ortiz Y La Mafia Del Guaguanco. In addition to playing trombone, Mike also plays bass, arranges and composes original music.

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