JD Shaw

Biography

“JD Shaw’s horn could melt the polar icecaps, while the entire band pours it on in a molten manner.” – All About Jazz Magazine

JD Shaw is Associate Professor of Horn at University of South Carolina and was formerly the French hornist with the internationally acclaimed Boston Brass where he was creative director, music arranger and co-owner of the ensemble. As a solo artist, JD has travelled extensively throughout the United States as well as many countries in North America, Europe, and Asia. In addition, JD has also been a featured performer on National Public Radio’s Performance Today and the CBS Morning Show.

Professor Shaw received his Master of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music where he was awarded the Performer’s Certificate under the tutelage of horn pedagogue Verne Reynolds. Orchestral credits include associations with the Rochester Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, Vienna Philharmonic, Wichita Symphony Orchestra, Missouri Symphony, and the Boston Pops. Prior to his position at University of South Carolina, JD has held teaching posts at Boston College, University of New Mexico and University of Miami. He also performed with Summit Brass for many summers.

JD Shaw has recorded over 15 albums encompassing diverse musical styles from the Classical, Jazz, and Latin genres. Such record labels include Loft Recordings, Mark Records, and Summit Records. As a conductor, JD currently holds the position of Music Director with the South Carolina Brass Band and is an active adjudicator with the North American Brass Band Association.

As a prolific composer and arranger, JD Shaw has written music for many orchestras, wind bands, brass bands, chamber ensembles, and video games. His arrangements are featured with several publishers and can be heard on many recording labels and performance stages across the world. Currently, he is the music arranger and brass caption head for the world champion Phantom Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps.

Shaw is dedicated to promoting music education for young, aspiring musicians. While teaching technical and musical achievement, JD strives to endow students with the wisdom to embrace an entrepreneurial spirit of the 21st century musician. With the help of Conn-Selmer, National MENC, and VH1’s Save the Music foundation, he has taught workshops for young artists across the world spanning age-ranges from elementary to college. Also, JD has presented and performed clinics and workshops for music educators at events such as the Mid-Europe Music Educators Convention, World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles convention, National Musical Educators National Conference, and The Midwest Band & Orchestra Clinic.

SPECIALTIES:

Brass quintet
Pageantry arranging
Brass band arranging
Concert band arranging
Orchestral arranging
Marching band consulting
Brass choir

LANGUAGES:

English