Matt Horanzy is a jazz guitarist, composer, and educator originally from Madison, Connecticut. Matt currently performs with the Falconaires Jazz Ensemble with the Air Force Academy Band based in Colorado Springs. Prior to joining the Air Force, Matt received his undergraduate degree in Jazz Studies from American University in Washington DC followed by a masters degree in Jazz Composition from the University of South Florida. After completing his studies, Matt spent several years as a freelance musician in the Washington DC area. Matt performed at notable venues in the area in addition to maintaining an active role as a composer and educator. Matt spent two years as a member of the BMI Jazz Composers Workshop in New York City, learning from fellow big band composers under the mentorship of Andy Farber and Alan Ferber. His music has been performed by the Airmen of Note, BMI New York Jazz Orchestra, New York Youth Symphony Jazz Orchestra, The American University Jazz Orchestra, The University of South Florida Jazz Ensemble 1, as well as his own jazz orchestra. He has won awards from the ASMAC Bill Conti competition, the National Band Association, the New York Youth Symphony, and the Arts Club of Washington. Matt has presented his music at the International Society for Jazz Arrangers and Composers Symposium (2019). Prior to moving to Colorad, he held faculty positions at the Community College of Baltimore County, The Episcopal School of Alexandria, and worked as a graduate teaching assistant at the University of South Florida. His prior mentors include Chuck Owen, LaRue Nickelson, Jim McNeely, Joshua Bayer, and Fernando Benadon.
