Today we’d like to introduce you to Thomas Woytko.
Hi Thomas, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My first musical inspiration came from the volunteer choir that I met before school in 4th and 5th grade. Uninspired to play the trombone in middle school, it was when hearing the Duluth East Jazz band play that I was pulled toward a career in music. I attended the fall 2017 Staples low brass summit, where he worked with and watched the Maniacal 4 and Christopher Bill perform. The Staples Low Brass Summit and his enthusiasm for Trombone Shorty and bands like the Lucky Chops, Hot 8 Brass Band, and Hypnotic Brass sparked his career as a band leader. In 2017, I formed my first band, “The Boys Back Home,” which plays mainstream brass band covers. The Boys Back Home have performed at The Duluth All Pints Festival, UMD Farm Fest, Duluth All Souls Night, and various graduation parties and other private events.
After high school, I pursued a Bass Trombone Music performance degree with Derek Bromme at the University of Minnesota Duluth. I had the privilege of performing in the Wind ensemble, orchestra, and the Jazz ensembles. In a significant shift, I decided to switch my degree to Jazz studies with Ryan Frane halfway through college. As I neared the end of my college journey in 2021, I founded my second band, the Thomas Woytko Group. The Thomas Woytko Group is known for playing original contemporary jazz and arrangements of jazz standards. We have recorded two studio albums and two live albums, all of which are available on streaming platforms. Our performances have taken us to renowned venues such as Jazz Central Studios, the Rathskeller, Caddy Shack, North Shore Scenic Pizza Train, Grandmas Marathon, Fox 21, Duluth Public Library, Duluth Cider, Lake Superior Brewing, and we’ve even busked in canal park.
My musical journey in Duluth has been marked by a diverse range of experiences. In addition to leading bands, I have also performed as a sideman with the “Lake City Smokin’ Section” as the horn section trombonist. I have had the honor of occasionally subbing with the Big Time Jazz Orchestra on Trombone 3 and Bass Trombone. My repertoire extends beyond jazz, as I have also played in operas and musicals. I have performed in the Northern Lights Musical Festival, playing trombone/bass trombone in La Traviata, Tosca, La Cenerentola, and The Magic Flute. I have also played at the Nor Shor Theater orchestra, performing Trombone/Bass trombone in the productions of Monty Python Spamalot, ANNIE, Ragtime, and Little Women.
I am touring with MEAN GIRLS, the musical playing trombone/bass trombone, and working remotely as the Executive Director for the JAM Concert Series.
Please talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned. Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been a challenging path. I’ve dealt with a lot of issues around insecurity, burnout, and imposter syndrome. At the end of my Junior year, I dropped out and “quit” playing music. I took a 6-month break before getting a gig at the NorShor theater, starting my band, and continuing school again in the spring semester. As for the concert series, both years, I’ve put a lot of faith in things working out or facing the consequences. For example, these last two years, I booked the venues first, then hired musicians and promised them a specific payment before receiving grants or sponsorships. This has put a lot of stress on me/ lit a fire under me to secure the funds or pay for the series out of pocket.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might need to become more familiar with what you do, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am primarily a trombone player, and I’m currently touring with the Broadway musical MEAN GIRLS. I have had a lot of success with organizing events/ scheduling gigs with my band. I’m in the middle of the 2nd year of the JAM Concert Series, a month-long concert series held in April founded to promote jazz awareness that directly engages and supports the vibrant local music ecosystem in the Twin Ports. The series has 9 concerts at 8 locations and 20 different bands this year. The bands include high school, college, and local and regional professionals. I am the primary organizer for this and have coordinated with all venues and bands to set up each concert. I also put together all the finances, such as creating the budget and acquiring funding through grants, sponsorships, and donations.
What makes you happy?
I enjoy playing my instrument and making music. What drives me is the goal to inspire; a big part of the reason I play and create the JAM Concert Series was the inspiring artists brought in by the Head of the Lakes Jazz Festival at UMD and other artists I saw growing up in the area. Aside from music, I enjoy exercise. A nice escape for me from “work” is going on runs or lifting weights.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thomaswoytko.com/
- Instagram: thomaswoytkomusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100058629080150
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXT0kwXN1G8YInIExCHkirg
