JC SanfordFaculty

Trombonist/composer/conductor JC Sanford is deeply rooted in the traditions of jazz and classical music, yet constantly pushing at their boundaries. He has appeared on over 30 recordings as a trombonist, conductor, composer, and producer. A long-time student of the legendary Bob Brookmeyer, Sanford has performed as a trombonist alongside the likes of Danilo Pérez, Matt Wilson, Anthony Cox, and Donny McCaslin. A sought-after conductor of new large ensemble music across the world, he conducts the thrice-Grammy-nominated John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble, the Frank Carlberg Large Ensemble, the Alan Ferber Nonet +Strings, John Ellis’ jazz opera Ice Siren, and the Alice Coltrane Orchestra featuring Ravi Coltrane and Jack DeJohnette, and has recently conducted projects with the North German Radio (NDR) Big Band in Hamburg, Germany and Quinsin Nachoff's chamber ensemble in NYC and Toronto. His compositions and arrangements have been performed by jazz artists such as Dave Liebman, John Abercrombie, Lew Soloff, and Ingrid Jensen, plus non-jazz artists like Japanese koto player Yumi Kurosawa, British singer-songwriter Joy Askew, and Grammy-nominated classical pianist Andrew Russo. His own 2014 JC Sanford Orchestra album Views from the Inside won international acclaim and was awarded the prestigious Aaron Copland Fund for Recording grant. Sanford is regularly recognized as a "Rising Star” trombonist DownBeat Magazine’s Annual Critic’s Polls as well as previous acknowledgements in the Big Band and Arranger categories. He has received many grants and awards over the years for his artistic work, including a 2018 McKnight Composer Fellowship, a number of grants from the MN State Arts Board to fund recording projects (including his most recent release, NEW PAST, featuring bassist Anthony Cox and pianist Michael Cain), and a 2023 Southeast MN Arts Council grant to help fund the Inaugural Northfield Jazz Festival. Additionally, he directs the Twin Cities Jazz Composers Workshop and curates the International Society of Jazz Arrangers and Composers (ISJAC) monthly artist blog. He has had previous teaching positions at the School of Jazz at The New School, Long Island University - Brooklyn, St. Olaf College, LeMoyne College, Luther College, Williams College, and New England Conservatory.

Courses Taught