Vinnie Cutro, born in New Jersey in 1953, received his formal musical training throughout the years and continued his education at New Jersey City University where he received his B.A. in Music Education.Then his working education began as a freelance musician in the New York area playing trumpet. He later continued his education at New York University where he received his Masters in Jazz Performance.There he furthered his studies in jazz composition,classical studies,jazz arranging and counterpoint with Dr. Tom Boras and Jim McNeely. He has been residing in West Milford for the past 19 years.
During the past 40 years Vinnie Cutro (Musician/Educator) has performed with noted jazz greats such as Horace Silver, Buddy Rich and Lionel Hampton..He has traveled extensively throughout the world appearing at jazz festivals and concerts in Europe, Japan, Africa,Canada, South America and the U.S.A..
As a member of the Lionel Hampton Quintet, he performed guest appearances with various symphonic orchestras in the U.S.A such as the Columbus Symphony Orchestra ,Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra , Omaha Symphony and also performed at the White House.
As a freelance musician,he has performed with artists such as :
Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Barry Manilow, The Nelson Riddle Orchestra,Blood Sweat And Tears. The Mel Lewis Orchestra, Mel Torme, Jimmy McGriff, The Machito Orchestra And the Xavier Cugot Orchestra.
As an educator,his credits include:
1. Instrumental Music Teacher in the New Jersey Public School System
(1994-2016) Hackensack District /Jersey City District)
2. Seton Hall University – Jazz Faculty
3. New Jersey Youth Jazz Ensemble – Staff Clinician
4. JazzVermont Jazzcamp (2004-2014) – Staff Clinician /Guest Artist
5. New York University (1995-1997) – Adjunct Trumpet Teacher
6. Guest Artist /appearances with NY/NJ high school bands.
His most recent CD release as a leader (The Music Of Duke Ellington &
Billy Strayhorn contains 10 classic compositions by Ellington & Strayhorn.
Vinnie Cutro is currently performing in the New York area with his ensemble.
VINNIE CUTRO & NEW YORK CITY SOUNDSCAPE
***CD S AVAILABLE @ WWW.VINNIECUTRO.COM