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Keith Pitner
About Me
Trombonist Keith Pitner has been described by the Dundee Weekly Journal as “...technically
and musically astounding.” Originally from the Chicago area, he studied under acclaimed
trombonist Jim Pugh at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he was the
recipient of the Doris Vance Harmon award, the School of Music's only full-ride scholarship.
He also holds a Master's Degree in Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership from the
same institution. He has performed a wide range of music including classical, jazz, funk, and
rock with many great musicians including a stint as Lead Trombone with the Buddy Rich Big
Band as well as Lead Trombone with the Pete Ellman Big Band. Through his musical
journeys he’s had the pleasure to perform alongside many luminaries including Howard Levy,
Dave Weckl, Jeff Coffin, Grace Kelly, Andy Martin, Randy Brecker, Tommy Igoe, John
Fedchock, Wayne Bergeron, Eric Miyashiro, Denis DiBlasio, Marvin Hamlisch, Monica Mancini,
and also played in the Maynard Ferguson Alumni Big Band.
He led the jazz groove band The Hatters Mad and released two albums with the group,
Commence the Jigglin' and A Change in Color. His latest album is the 2021 release The
Twelve Grooves of Christmas with the Pete Ellman Big Band. Now based in the Charleston,
SC area, he can be seen regularly as Lead Trombone with the Charleston Jazz Orchestra.
Besides being an active performer and composer, Keith is a passionate educator and clinician
and serves as Band Director at Cane Bay Middle School in Summerville, SC.
