Core Faculty Full Line-up
Faculty for 2026!
Jeff Antoniuk
Saxophone/Artistic Director
Born in Edmonton Canada, and having lived in Nigeria as a child, saxophonist and educator Jeff Antoniuk has defined his musical life by creating and expanding communities, whether improvising a solo, connecting with a festival audience, or in his numerous workshops and master classes. Heralded for his “considerable chops” (Jazz Times Magazine) and “a creative spark that never lets up,” (Rochester City Paper) Antoniuk is a force to be reckoned with on the horn, and a master educator
renowned around the world. His “Digging Deeper” jazz education videos on Your Tube and Facebook have been watched over 3 million times.
An Eastman Saxophones, Boston Sax Shop and Rovner artist, Jeff is internationally respected as both a master performer, and as an engaging and inspirational educator. He has received numerous awards and commissions, and has produced over 10 critically acclaimed albums over the past several decades. He is currently the Artistic Director of the four international JazzWire Summit workshop and Jazz Band Masterclass in the Washington DC region. Jeff has performed with the likes of Jimmy Haslip, Marcus Miller, Ingrid Jensen and Helen Sung.
A past university professor and guest lecturer, Jeff became clear that good jazz eduction is not about “more information.” Better education is based on more wisdom, more curation, and more community. His subscription web site, www.JazzWire.net is connecting adult musicians from over 25 different countries around the globe, and providing them with a place to support each other, to truly connect and work together, and to get great, actionable input. Jeff has personally worked with thousands of adult musicians to help get jazz back into their lives.
Kenny Rittenhouse
Trumpet
Kenny Rittenhouse is a highly regarded music educator and trumpeter with over 30 years of professional experience in both classical and jazz idioms. He served as adjunct Jazz Trumpet Professor at George Mason University for 13 years and currently teaches classical trumpet as an adjunct professor at Morgan State University, bringing the depth of his distinguished career—including his long tenure with The United States Army Band (Pershing’s Own)—to his students.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College (1988) and a Master of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of Maryland (2006). Kenny also pursued graduate trumpet and jazz studies at the Eastman School of Music with Barbara Butler, Bill Dobbins, and Rayburn Wright, and at Duquesne University with Roger Sherman of the Pittsburgh Symphony.
As Music Director of the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Youth Orchestra, Kenny nurtures emerging jazz musicians and has presented acclaimed guest artists such as trumpeter Sean Jones and drummer Cindy Blackman Santana. He has developed innovative educational programs including the “Sitting In With The Masters” and “Young Artists Series,” providing students with direct mentorship from leading professionals.Kenny is passionate about sharing his expertise and enthusiasm for trumpet playing and jazz improvisation with adult learners and looks forward to working with participants at the JazzWire Summer Summit.
Jonathan Epley
Guitar
Jonathan Epley grew up playing guitar in the mountains of East Tennessee, sparked by his uncle, renowned Martin historian and luthier John Arnold. Surrounded by exceptional guitarists in John's shop, he had the rare chance as a young player to meet and observe masters like Norman Blake and Doc Watson up close. This intimate exposure to world-class acoustic guitarists proved irresistible, leading him to pick up the instrument and emulate the sounds he heard.
His early Bluegrass and Folk roots blended with later influences from Jazz, Electric Slide Guitar, Blues, and Progressive Rock to shape his eclectic, versatile approach to the guitar. Jonathan has performed worldwide as a jazz and blues/rock guitarist, including with the U.S. Army Field Band's Jazz Ambassadors, and continues to explore musical fusion in various ensembles and projects.
He is excited to share his diverse background, improvisational insights, and passion for the instrument with adult participants at the JazzWire Summer Summit.
Ben Patterson
Trombone
Ben Patterson is a prominent trombonist and big band arranger whose fiery, dynamic playing has thrilled audiences worldwide for over two decades.
From Sapulpa, OK, he began composing at eight and embraced trombone in sixth grade under outstanding directors. At the University of North Texas, he sharpened his skills and formed a key mentorship with Alan Baylock in arranging and composing.
For more than 22 years, Ben served as lead trombonist and music director of The Airmen of Note, performing globally, recording 16 albums (many featuring his works), collaborating with major artists, and entertaining U.S. presidents. He produced ten Jazz Heritage Series recordings with guests including Branford Marsalis, Randy Brecker, and Christian McBride, plus three standalone albums broadening the band’s sound.In 2016, he launched the Ben Patterson Jazz Orchestra, debuting with “Vital Frequencies featuring Chris Potter.” In 2020, he formed The Ben Patterson Group with Shawn Purcell, Paul Henry, and Todd Harrison; their Origin Records albums “Push the Limits” (2021, JazzWeek Top 50) and “The Way of the Groove” (2022) have gained wide recognition.
A D.C. scene regular, Ben has led and soloed with the Alan Baylock Jazz Orchestra, Fran Vielma’s Pan American Orchestra, Steve Williams Mighty Little Big Band, Afro Bop Alliance, Joe McCarthy/Vince Norman Big Band, and Sin Miedo.His powerful technique and rhythmic versatility reflect a fearless, limit-breaking approach inspired by bold innovators. Dedicated to education, he leads clinics and masterclasses nationwide. He has been jazz trombone adjunct at the University of Maryland, director of W.T. Woodson High School Jazz Band, and currently serves as Master Instructor of Jazz Trombone at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Ben is eager to share his passion and expertise with adult participants at the JazzWire Summer Summit.
Amy Shook
Bass
Amy Shook is one of the most in-demand acoustic bassists in the mid-Atlantic, coveted for her huge sound and infectious, driving groove. In addition to being a premier performing and recording artist, and a multi-instrumentalist (acoustic bass, electric bass, violin, viola, and cello), she is an accomplished composer, and her personality truly comes through in her writing. Amy co-leads the all-women powerhouse trio the 3D Jazz Trio (3Divas), with drummer Sherrie Maricle and pianist Jackie Warren. 3D is the super-swingin’ trio that sparked the fire that ignited the award-winning show Maurice Hines is Tappin’ Thru Life, described by the New York Times as “blistering hot.” In 2017, 3D’s eagerly awaited debut CD, simply titled 3Divas, was met with widespread critical acclaim. Both of 3D’s 2020 recordings, I Love To See You Smile, (released in April 2020), and Christmas in 3D (released October 2020) were recorded at Red Rock Recording Studio in Saylorsburg, PA. Both albums received widespread critical acclaim, with I Love To See You Smile landing a four-star review in Downbeat Magazine and inclusion on Downbeat’s year end “Best of 2020 albums,” and a ranking of #10 overall on RMR’s “Top Jazz Album Chart 2020,” as well as in the top 50 of “Top Albums of 2020” on the NACC year end chart. Christmas in 3D was featured first in line in the New York Times “20 Albums That Put a New Spin on the Holidays,” and Ranked #4 overall with Christmas in 3D on RMR’s Top Holiday Album Chart for the Year of 2020, peaking at #1.
Sherrie Maricle
Drums
From the drum set Sherrie leads The DIVA Jazz Orchestra, her quintet FIVE PLAY and co-leads the 3Divas. From Carnegie Hall, she performs with The New York Pops and from celebrated stages everywhere, she is music director and drummer for Broadway star Maurice Hines. Sherrie is also a busy freelance performer and a published composer/arranger. The DIVA Jazz Orchestra’s 25th Anniversary Project (2018, ArtistShare) is the band’s most recent Cd, featuring original music composed by band members. With her bands Sherrie has performed at many of the world’s most acclaimed music venues and festivals; from Lincoln Center to the Kennedy Center and the Hollywood Bowl, to Jazz Festivals in Europe, Japan, Israel and beyond. Additionally, DIVA was featured on CBS Sunday Morning with Charles Osgood, on TCM’s televised broadcast of the 25th Anniversary of the Kennedy Center and NHK Japan’s New York Jazz. Sherrie has received several awards and honors, including the New York City Music Educator’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Education. As an educator, Sherrie runs a private drum set and percussion studio. She is also a clinician for Yamaha Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Aquarian Drum Heads and Vic Firth Drum Sticks. After earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1985 from Binghamton University Sherrie moved to New York City and attended New York University, where she completed a Masters of Arts in Jazz Performance in 1986 and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Jazz Performance/Composition in 2000.
Jackie Warren
Piano
Jackie Warren is a versatile pianist, arranger, and educator based in Cleveland, Ohio. A native of Colorado, she earned her B.M. in classical piano performance from Oberlin Conservatory, studying with Sedmara Zakarian Rutstein, and pursued jazz studies there with mentors Wendell Logan, Neal Creque, and Kenny Davis. She later received an M.M. in classical piano from Cleveland State University, continuing her jazz piano work with Creque.
Jackie leads her own jazz trio with bassist Peter Dominguez and drummer Ron Godale, and performs Latin jazz and salsa with percussionist Sammy DeLeon y su orquesta. She has toured extensively with Sherrie Maricle and the DIVA Jazz Orchestra in Maurice Hines’ “Tappin’ Thru Life,” appearing at venues including Cleveland Playhouse, New World Stages (Off-Broadway), Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, and in a televised version for The Kate TV series. From this collaboration, she co-founded the powerhouse piano trio 3Divas with Sherrie Maricle and Amy Shook.
Her extensive performance credits include artists such as Clark Terry, Joe Lovano, Regina Carter, Bobby Watson, Jimmy Heath, Sean Jones, Jane Bunnett, Donald Harrison, and many others, as well as ensembles like the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra, and Jazz Heritage Orchestra. Jackie appears regularly at Cleveland venues including The Velvet Tango Room, Nighttown, The Bop Stop, and BLU Jazz+, and has performed at festivals such as Vail Jazz Festival, Tri-C Jazz Festival, and Washington Women in Jazz Festival.
She can be heard on numerous recordings, including her own “Near You” and “Live at the Wi-Fi Café,” the Jackie Warren Trio’s “Oblivion,” 3Divas’ debut, and projects with Sammy DeLeon, Josh Rzepka, and Leigh Pilzer.As an educator, Jackie has taught jazz arranging, composition, and combo coaching at Oberlin Conservatory. She currently serves on the Jazz Studies faculty at Cuyahoga Community College (Metro Campus), where she coaches jazz ensembles and teaches piano classes and private lessons, and is on the faculty at the Cleveland Music School Settlement.
Jackie is excited to bring her wide-ranging experience, improvisational flair, and passion for jazz to adult participants at the JazzWire Summer Summit.
Brent Birckhead
Saxophone
Saxophonist Brent Birckhead is an award-winning artist, whose aesthetic is an intersectional amalgam of traditional and popular styles. Unbound by genre, Birckhead’s approach to woodwind artistry is driven by his compulsion for creative risk and deep respect for legacy. His place in the continuum of a storied lineage begins with his surname, Birckhead, and extends to his extensive musical education and work ethic as a visionary approach to life as a rising leader. Educated at Howard University (BME, MM), Birckhead was named best blues/pop/rock soloist and outstanding instrumental jazz soloist by Downbeat Magazine as part of the annual Student Music Awards. In 2011 Brent was named "Best Alto Saxophonist" by the Washington City Paper. The Baltimore native's talent earned him the honor of performing and touring with legendary artists including Lauryn Hill, Nas, Wale, Eric Benet, Larry Graham, George Duke and many more. Birckhead is a professor of saxophone at Morgan State University. On February 22nd Birckhead released his self-titled debut album on Revive Music.
David Jernigan
Bass
Bassist and Guitarist David Jernigan, DC area native, currently appears regularly with vocalists Julie Mack, Rob Patrick, and Maija, and freelances extensively. He is also known for his past work with Wayne Wilentz, Dick Morgan, Lawrence Wheatley, Rick Harris, Pam Bricker, Elsworth Gibson, George Botts, and Alaor Macedo. David knows thousands of standard, jazz, and Brazilian tunes, often bowing melodies on the bass. He also works frequently on guitar as an accompanist. David has a second career helping musicians and others with body awareness through the Alexander Technique. He lives in Silver Spring, MD.
Tony Martucci
Drums
Tony Martucci has cultivated an original and interpretive drum style that is both supportive and interactive, drawing from a deep jazz tradition and broad stylistic range. He excels as a creative accompanist and melodic soloist. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Tony began his professional career over 45 years ago and has performed in clubs, concerts, festivals, on television, and on recordings with leading artists in the U.S. and abroad.
His credits include collaborations with Mose Allison, Gary Burton, Charlie Byrd, Eddie Daniels, George Garzone, Joe Henderson, Fred Hersch, Joe Lovano, James Moody, Dewey Redman, Joshua Redman, Sonny Stitt, Dave Valentin, Kenny Werner, and others. Tony is a longtime member of the Russian-American jazz group Partners In Time (formerly Jazznost), founded in 1990 by Louis Scherr. The ensemble has recorded two CDs, toured extensively in the U.S., Russia, Canada, and Europe, and performed at major festivals.
He also co-leads a trio with pianist Louis Scherr and bassist Tommy Cecil, delighting audiences across four continents, including at the Monterey Jazz Festival and North Sea Jazz Festival. Their recording “Warm Valley,” featuring Joe Henderson, earned four stars in DownBeat Magazine.
As a leader, Tony released his debut “Earth Tones” in 1980 on Sound Judgement Records, which was praised worldwide and named among JazzTimes’ top ten recordings of 1990. His 1994 follow-up “Collage” received similar acclaim. He continues to lead dynamic ensembles while maintaining longstanding associations with artists like Mose Allison, Fred Hersch, Jon Metzger, Partners In Time, and Glenn Wilson.
Tony is thrilled to bring his experience, groove, and enthusiasm for jazz to adult participants at the JazzWire Summer Summit.
The Summit reserves the right to change or substitute faculty at any time