Joe Abbiati

Alto Saxophone

I got a taste for playing as a hired musician at the age of 14 when I was asked to play clarinet in the orchestra for the Miss Maine Pageant. That experience taught me two things. First, I loved playing in public, and second, I didn't really care for pageants.

Since then, I have gone on to earn a bachelor's degree in music education at the University of New Hampshire, where I was exposed to many of the jazz legends that visited the school during the time I was there. Later I would earn a master's degree in conducting and composition from the same university.

I have taught music in the public schools for over 20 years. Although I have been primarily an instrumental music teacher, I have also taught music theory, music history, chorus, and elementary general music.

Playing credits include the Northeast Swing Band out of Lebanon, ME, the Good Mem'ries Band out of North Hampton, NH, the Blue Note Big Band, and the New Legacy Swing Band as well as numerous opportunities to sub in various bands in the area.

When I'm not teaching or playing music, I like to spend my time with my two sons. I also enjoy woodworking, fishing, photography, building web sites (like this one), and coaching Little League.

I am humbled to be playing in this group surrounded by so many extremely talented musicians and enjoy every minute of it.