ALL CITY JAZZ MISSOULA STAFF

Meet our staff!

ROB TAPPER

Director/Coach

Professor of Trombone and Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Montana where he coordinates the UM Buddy DeFranco Jazz Festival, the UM Jazz Artist Series, three big bands, seven small groups, an undergraduate Jazz Degree and the trombone studio. A relentless advocate for music education, Rob initiated the Spokane All-City Jazz Program for middle school and high school musicians in 2001 and is still thriving.

NAOMI MOON SIEGEL

Coach

Trombonist and composer Naomi Moon Siegel has “crafted a truly unique aesthetic, combining elements of straight ahead, fusion and modern jazz with world-music flavors in a way that sounds entirely of the 21st century” (JAZZIZ). A recipient of the Montana Arts Council Artist Innovation Award and Earshot Jazz Golden Ear Award, she has released two albums as a bandleader to critical acclaim. Siegel is a member of Syrinx Effect and Wayne Horvitz’s ensembles.
As an educator she facilitates workshops on improvisation and social justice in music, aiming to build awareness around toxic norms in jazz while working towards systemic shifts in our music culture.

OWEN ROSS

Coach

Owen Ross (Jazz Guitar) is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts and University of Montana as well as an accomplished composer and arranger. Also, a talented bassist and pianist, Owen teaches jazz guitar, jazz improvisation, and coaches a small group at the University of Montana.

CONNOR RACICOT

Coach

Connor is a graduate of the University of Montana and leader of the Connor Racicot Trio.  A multi-instrumentalist (Piano, Bass, Drum Set), Connor can be heard all across the region in numerous groups.