Fascinated by many modes of creativity, Janelle Finton is a trumpeter, vocalist, composer, and poet who approaches music making and storytelling with wonder. She has played with groups such as the Maria Schneider Orchestra as a featured vocalist, the Grace Fox Big Band, the John Daversa Big Band, the Generation Gap Jazz Orchestra, and NYO Jazz at Carnegie Hall, where she toured Europe and Asia with Sean Jones, Dianne Reeves, and Kurt Elling.
As a composer, Janelle has been recognized by Downbeat, the American Composer’s Forum, and is published with Brava Jazz, and Anchor Music. As an educator, Janelle is a lifelong learner, and shares this with her students through private lessons in the Chicago area. She also was the jazz trumpet and voice instructor for the 2024 Interlochen Summer Arts Camp. Finton holds a B.M. from the Frost School of Music where she studied with the amazing Brian Lynch, as well as Etienne Charles, Dafnis Prieto (improvisation), and Dr. Kate Reid (voice). Janelle is continuously grateful for all the opportunities she has to share joy with people through her music!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On the first Wednesday of every month, hosted by Millie Ahearn and a new house band each month.
This series is designed to highlight Female, non-binary, trans, and genderqueer people in the jazz community! Everybody is welcome to come and share in some exciting music making.