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Tim Deal

About Me

As a “preacher's kid,” the church paved the way for Tim to develop his talent. Tim sang his first solo in church at the age of 5, igniting the spark to pursue a life in music. At the age of 11, he took up the saxophone. Tim learned to play jazz through private lessons, diligent practice habits, and listening to and emulating the great saxophone players.

Upon graduating high school in 1999, Tim decided to try something new and challenging: he signed up to serve four years in the U. S. Marine Corps. After completing basic training, Tim was stationed with the III MEF Band in Okinawa, Japan. The island of Okinawa became Tim's home away from home during this period. Tim's Marine Corps duties included playing in a variety of musical ensembles. Tim also played in groups during off-duty hours.

After returning home to Champaign, Illinois in late 2003, Tim began to get involved in the local music scene, aligning with some of Champaign-Urbana's finest musicians to form an outstanding jazz combo. The band is available to perform in a variety of settings, with groups ranging from as few as two to as many as seven musicians.