User:Scostantino

Born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1978, Shawn Costantino is an American jazz saxophonist, jazz educator woodwind doubler, writer, arranger, and producer. He lives in North Hollywood California where he has resided since 2006. As a student Shawn performed at various district and all state festivals but his primary inspirations toward a life in music were three fold. First, as a 4 year member of the Massachusetts Wind Ensemble or “MYWE”, Shawn enjoyed learning and studying under legendary conductor Daniel Riley at the esteemed New England Conservatory in Boston. This group was honored to perform for the president of the Sony Cooperation in Japan, as well as concretizing all around New England and Canada, Europe, and Spain. Membership in this group led to Shawn being invited as a scholarship student to the Boston University Tangle Wood Institute and then as a Governors scholar to the world respected Interlochen Arts Camp. In 1997, Shawn bagan his studies at The University of Miami to study with saxophone master, Gary Keller. This was a period of enormous development in Shawn’s playing. While at the “U” Shawn was a member of numerous award winning large and small ensembles. In 2002, with his college degree in hand, Shawn moved to Chicago. While pursuing a graduate degree at DePaul University, Shawn hit the streets at night, sitting in and playing wherever and whenever possible. Shawn developed a reputation that led to his acceptance into the vibrant Chicago music scene. Shawn’s playing truly began to flourish during his time in Chicago. Under the watchful eye of jazz masters such as Larry Novak, Bob Lark, Mark Colby, and Bob Palmieri, Shawn studied harmony intensively, and while playing lead alto with the internationally recognized DePaul Jazz Ensemble, he played behind such luminaries as Phil Woods, Bobby Shew, Wynton Marsalis, Jim McNeely, Kenny Werner, John Faddis, and David “Fat Head” Newman. The band had highly successful engagements at Chicago’s Jazz Showcase and aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines, “Jazz Party at Sea”. Additionally, he was in several local bands that were big in the “jam band” scene, appearing at many regional festivals and touring extensively. In 2006 while pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Northern Colorado, Shawn was hired at the Harvard-Westlake School in North Hollywood. He is currently enjoying his 5th year as the director of jazz studies at this elite Los Angeles High School. He directs classes including 3 big bands, 10 combos and jazz history and improvisation. Additionally, he regularly performs and records regularly with top musicians in the Los Angeles area. His debut album, "Waltz for Anne" was released in December 2010 to critical acclaim. He continues to work towards building a fan-base in support of his music both regionally, and nationally.