Allegro

‘Why we joined the union’

John Lake

Volume 120, No. 2February, 2020

John Lake

I joined Local 802 to further my career as a pit musician and recording artist. My musical goal in NYC is to play music at the highest levels with an excellent community of musicians. One of my favorite recent gigs was premiering a new work with American Ballet Theatre at the David Koch Theatre last summer. I studied jazz and trumpet at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and at the University of Colorado. Since moving to New York, I’ve found my niche as a lead trumpet and jazz player in the thriving big band scene. Jazz music in particular crystallizes the way I see the musical world: a vibrant community of thoughtful artists, striving their utmost to create. Jazz is at once collaborative and individualistic, a platform where you hold your own while supporting the group. In jazz, we all move forward together while creating art that speaks to people in ways that words cannot. It’s a fulfilling experience to say the least. I co-lead the New Alchemy Jazz Orchestra (an 18-piece big band) with my musical compatriots Danny Jonokuchi, Steve Kortyka and Michael Sailors. I’m also excited to be releasing my debut jazz quintet record this spring!
John Lake
john@johnlakejazz.com