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Dustin Laurenzi
About Me
Since arriving in Chicago in early 2012, saxophonist Dustin Laurenzi has already gained
recognition as a unique new voice in the city’s creative music community. Born and raised
in Kenosha, Wisconsin, his school band directors and private instructors nurtured his early
musical voice, and in his later high school years he began performing in Kenosha with both
his peers and veteran local musicians. Dustin continued his studies at Indiana University’s
Jacobs School of Music, where he was awarded the David Jacobs Scholarship. During his
time at Indiana University, Dustin had the great fortune to work closely with Dr. Tom Walsh
and jazz education guru Dr. David Baker. Dustin graduated with a bachelor’s degree in
Jazz Studies and was one of four yearly recipients of the Performer’s Certificate, the
institution’s highest honor for instrumental performers.
Currently, Dustin is an active performer both as a sideman and leader/co-leader. He is one
of the co-founders of the saxophone-fronted, genre-defying ensemble, Snaarj, whose
latest release “Levels” was described as “a substantial work full of deep textures, deft
musicianship and expertly crafted compositions” (Kyle Long, NUVO). Most recently Dustin’s
main focus has been performing with and composing for Laurenzi/Ernst/Green, a new
ensemble whose aesthetic seamlessly blends jazz, chamber music, and folk melodies,
breathing new life into the rich tradition of the chordless trio. Laurenzi/Ernst/Green will be
releasing its first album, “Sightline”, in Fall 2013.