MUSIC
BIOGRAPHY
Saxophonist and multiple woodwind instrumentalist, Bill Todd, developed a strong connection to music early in life through a bit of family tradition, very encouraging parents and many inspiring and influential teachers.
His love for music came to life though performing with every available ensemble in public school, regional big bands and his own jazz saxophone quartet during his teenage years where he grew up in Buffalo, NY. He continued his studies of jazz music at the Purchase College Conservatory of Music where he studied with many influential mentors as Eric Alexander, Jimmy Greene, Steve Wilson, Jon Gordon, Pete Malinverni, Todd Coolman and Jon Faddis.
Following a year performing abroad on cruise ships and another year in the pit orchestra with the national tour of Young Frankenstein: The Musical, he was inevitably drawn back to where he belonged, New York City. In May 2016, Bill earned his masters degree from New Jersey City University in multiple woodwind performance to further his mastery and expertise on the instruments that are his musical voice.
Performing regularly on piccolo, flute, alto flute, clarinet, bass clarinet and all the saxophones, Bill had proven a valuable asset to the NYC music scene performing on various Broadway shows (Holiday Inn, Elf: The Christmas Musical, Kinky Boots, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, The Cher Show), playing a multitude of freelance engagements, studio recordings, performed regularly with the Eyal Vilner Big Band, Anbessa Orchestra, the Ed Palermo Big Band, to name a few. He has performed at venues such as the Blue Note, Iridium, Smalls, The Django, Lincoln Center, Blues Alley (D.C.), and internationally at The Rex (Toronto, CA) as well as the New Orleans Jazz Festival (Tel-Aviv, Israel).
Originally from Buffalo, NY, Bill now lives in Los Angeles, CA. He performs regularly with his own group, Billy T. & the Fam, Butterfunk Family (f.k.a. the Funky Mama All-Stars), the Kevin Van den Elzen Big Band, several musical theatre productions (Damn Yankees, Grease, Tarantino LIVE), holds residencies at the iconic Dresden Restaurant & Lounge as well as Fanny’s (Academy of Motion Pictures Museum), and maintains a healthy studio of private students.
Photo By: Schneur Menaker