Nick Di Maria, a New Haven-based composer, trumpeter, and educator, is based in Connecticut. Nick graduated from Western Connecticut State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Performance. He studied under Dave Scott, Eddie Henderson, Taylor Ho Bynum, Jeremy Pelt and Rich Clymer. He also holds a Masters of Science and Music Education and his Connecticut Teaching Certification. Nick is currently employed at Truman Street School, New Haven, CT. Nick started playing music when he was nine years old and has continued to play in many genres of music over the years. Nick began his career in CT Ska/Punk in 2001, playing with The Flaming Tsunamis. Nick was a member of the six-piece band for five years, performing with them and writing some of their most popular songs. Nick is featured on two albums by the band, Focus the Fury (2002) u0026 Zombies vs. Robots (2003). After graduating college in 2006, Nick formed his first professional quartet. The band started playing the CT jazz scene in 2006, after Nick graduated from college. They also had a residency at Newtown in 2006. After some personnel changes Nick formed a new band in 2008. This group has worked in both CT and NYC. The band performs music composed by Nick as well as standards from some of the most respected jazz composers. They have performed hundreds of shows to diverse audiences. Nick has been writing extensively since then and has released three studio albums and several other recordings. Herbie Hancock’s Mwandishi music was a major influence on the current group’s creative sound. Nick started writing in the style of the band and used avant-garde influences in his music and writing. Their first album, Between You, was released in May 2011.
