Brennan is a senior Music Education major with a Jazz Component at Temple University. He studies saxophone under Mr. Marshall Taylor, Mr. Dick Oatts, and jazz under Mr. Terrell Stafford.
Over the past few years, he has played at numerous functions in York, Harrisburg, Lancaster, and Philadelphia. Brennan has performed as a member of the Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz Youth All-Star Band, the PMEA All-State Jazz Ensemble in 2006 and 2008, and performed for the York Symphony Orchestra. He has also played, along with members of his group, with the local ensemble “Runferyerlife,” under the direction of accomplished local jazz saxophonist, Curt Sipe.
Brennan performs in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and the surrounding areas as an alto, tenor, and soprano saxophonist, and leads a quartet and trio that has included, but is not limited to, the membership of the following:
- George Waltemire, Guitar
- Andy Wolfgang, Bass
- Mike Rowland, Drums
- Matthew Puterbaugh, Drums
- Chris Loser, Drums
- Jordan Ryan, Piano
In 2007, as a jazz saxophonist, Brennan attended the Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Arts: a five week intensive study summer program directed by an outstanding staff of some of the finest musicians, writers, and artists in the country. As a current student enrolled in the music education and jazz programs at Temple University and a member of the Jazz Lab Band, in 2009 he was able to perform for and with Benny Golson, internationally renowned jazz composer, arranger, lyricist and tenor saxophonist at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, and in 2010 he performed with jazz vocalist Karrin Allyson with the same group. This past year, he performed with Wycliffe Gordon as a member of Temple’s Jazz Band Number Three.
Brennan would like to thank the musicians mentioned above and music educators for their friendship and assistance in his growth not only as a musician, but as a person. He would also like to thank his family and friends for their undying support, without which he would have collapsed long ago, especially Mom, Dad, Stephanie, and Caitlyn. And a very special thank you to his manager and fiancée, Abby, for her undying love, support, and guidance throughout his journey.
