Technical Sergeant Matthew Horanzy is a guitarist with the United States Air Force Academy Band. Currently, he performs with the Falconaires Big Band and the Concert Band.
Originally from Madison, Connecticut, Sergeant Horanzy began playing guitar at the age of 7. He holds degree in Jazz Studies from American University and Jazz Composition and Arranging from the University of South Florida. He enjoyed several years working as a freelance performer and composer in the Washington DC region, playing at many of the cities top jazz clubs and venues.
As a composer, Sergeant Horanzy has written for small and large jazz ensembles, choirs, string quartets, piano trio, and more. He spent two years as a member of the BMI Jazz Composers Workshop under the direction of Andy Farber and Alan Ferber. His works have received awards and recognitions from the National Band Association, the American Society of Musical Arrangers and Composers Bill Conti Competition, the International Society of Jazz Arrangers and Composers, and the New York Youth Symphony. His works have been performed by the New York Jazz Orchestra, the New York Youth Symphony Orchestra, USF Jazz Ensemble, and the Airmen of Note.
An active educator, Sergeant Horanzy has been on faculty at The Episcopal School in Alexandria, VA and the Community College of Baltimore County. He has had the pleasure of studying with Chuck Owen, Jim McNeely, Joshua Bayer, Fernando Benadon, and LaRue Nickelson.
EDUCATION:
2012 High School Diploma, Daniel Hand High School, Madison CT
2016 Bachelors Degree, American University, Washington DC
2018 Masters Degree, University of South Florida, Tampa FL
ASSIGNMENTS:
Aug 2021 – Present, USAF Academy Band, Peterson SFB, CO
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS:
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Medal
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION:
Technical Sergeant – Aug 2021