Our Composers
Bob Turner
Bob is the founder of Magnolia Music Publications. A graduate of the University of the Arts (B.M. in Saxophone and B.M.E.) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he has been arranging and composing for many years. Bob has been a band director in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. In 2009, he decided to start writing music for high school and junior high concert bands and has since expanded the library to include jazz ensemble music. His newly created “Flexible Instrumentation” jazz charts were created so that band directors would have the opportunity to create a jazz ensemble of their own choosing, rather than being tied to one format of instrumentation.
Bob Turner
Bob is the founder of Magnolia Music Publications. A graduate of the University of the Arts (B.M. in Saxophone and B.M.E.) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he has been arranging and composing for many years. Bob has been a band director in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. In 2009, he decided to start writing music for high school and junior high concert bands and has since expanded the library to include jazz ensemble music. His newly created “Flexible Instrumentation” jazz charts were created so that band directors would have the opportunity to create a jazz ensemble of their own choosing, rather than being tied to one format of instrumentation.
Erik Sherburne
Erik earned a B.A. in music with an emphasis in theory and composition from Luther College in Decorah, IA. At Luther, he wrote and arranged for the jazz band, jazz combos, the theater and dance department, and numerous student recitals. He has since been very active as a composer and arranger. With over 25 commissions to his credit, he has written music for solo artists, high school and collegiate jazz ensembles, middle school and high school concert bands, choirs, churches, and musical theater throughout the Midwest. Many of his works have been performed internationally and are published by C.L. Barnhouse, Smart Chart Music, and Alliance Publications. He lives with his wonderful wife, Kaia, and their two daughters in St. Paul, MN, where he remains active as a composer, arranger, and performer.
Erik Sherburne
Erik earned a B.A. in music with an emphasis in theory and composition from Luther College in Decorah, IA. At Luther, he wrote and arranged for the jazz band, jazz combos, the theater and dance department, and numerous student recitals. He has since been very active as a composer and arranger. With over 25 commissions to his credit, he has written music for solo artists, high school and collegiate jazz ensembles, middle school and high school concert bands, choirs, churches, and musical theater throughout the Midwest. Many of his works have been performed internationally and are published by C.L. Barnhouse, Smart Chart Music, and Alliance Publications. He lives with his wonderful wife, Kaia, and their two daughters in St. Paul, MN, where he remains active as a composer, arranger, and performer.
Jack Bowers at All About Jazz said, “Few big-band albums in recent memory have been more pleasurable to hear and evaluate than The Third Quarter. With Pierro’s irrepressible charts setting the course and his masterful orchestra giving them life, the session fairly bristles with energy and enthusiasm, amplified by the dexterity and magnetism of Pierro’s creative power.” Len is currently a participant in the internationally acclaimed BMI Jazz Composers Workshop, where most of the compositions on the CD were developed.
Len Pierro
Len Pierro is a performer, musical director, producer, composer, arranger, and educator from the Philadelphia area. A graduate of the Philadelphia College of the Performing Arts (now University of the Arts), he was an adjunct professor at Bucks County Community College, teaching saxophone and woodwinds at their School of Music. Len has been arranging and composing for recordings and live performances for many years. He is the leader of the Len Pierro Jazz Orchestra, which has recently released a CD titled The Third Quarter.
Len Pierro
Len Pierro is a performer, musical director, producer, composer, arranger, and educator from the Philadelphia area. A graduate of the Philadelphia College of the Performing Arts (now University of the Arts), he was an adjunct professor at Bucks County Community College, teaching saxophone and woodwinds at their School of Music. Len has been arranging and composing for recordings and live performances for many years. He is the leader of the Len Pierro Jazz Orchestra, which has recently released a CD titled The Third Quarter.
Inspired by jazz legends such as Freddie Hubbard, Lee Morgan, Wayne Shorter, John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, and so many others, Craig integrates these influences into his teaching, using their works as a foundation to inspire students. He believes that understanding the history and evolution of jazz is essential for any aspiring musician, and he strives to create a learning environment that is both engaging and informative.
Craig's commitment to music education extends beyond the classroom. He actively participates in workshops and community outreach programs, sharing his knowledge and passion for jazz with a wider audience. His debut album serves not only as a showcase of his artistic vision but also as a resource for educators and musicians seeking to deepen their understanding of jazz composition and performance.
Through his work, Craig Malcor aims to empower teachers and professional musicians alike, fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration within the music community. His dedication to education and the transformative power of music ensures that his impact will resonate far beyond the stage, nurturing the next generation of jazz artists and enthusiasts.
Craig Malcor
Craig Malcor is a passionate musician and composer, who has dedicated his life to the study and dissemination of music. His journey began at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, Craig has cultivated a deep understanding of jazz and its rich traditions, which he now shares with both students and fellow musicians.
As a trumpet player, Craig not only performs but also emphasizes the importance of music education in nurturing the next generation of musicians. His teaching philosophy centers on fostering creativity, encouraging exploration, and instilling a profound appreciation for the art of music. With a focus on jazz, Craig helps students develop their technical skills while also encouraging them to find their unique voice within the genre.
Craig Malcor
Craig Malcor is a passionate musician and composer, who has dedicated his life to the study and dissemination of music. His journey began at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, Craig has cultivated a deep understanding of jazz and its rich traditions, which he now shares with both students and fellow musicians.
As a trumpet player, Craig not only performs but also emphasizes the importance of music education in nurturing the next generation of musicians. His teaching philosophy centers on fostering creativity, encouraging exploration, and instilling a profound appreciation for the art of music. With a focus on jazz, Craig helps students develop their technical skills while also encouraging them to find their unique voice within the genre.
Nicholas Fernandez
Nicholas imbues traditional and modern jazz with classical and popular music hues to create a sound that is fresh yet familiar. His works have been performed internationally, at Carnegie Hall, Blue Note NYC, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola NYC, Amsterdam Music Hall, the International Association for Jazz Educators’ annual conference, and high school jazz festivals throughout the Philadelphia region. His debut CD, Nicholas H. Fernandez and his New York Nonet, was released in April 2012. Nicholas is a dedicated educator with several years experience as a private composition and trumpet instructor. Educated at NYU (Ph.D.), Manhattan School of Music (M.M) and Rowan University (B.M.) in composition and performance, Nicholas has studied with Rich Shermaria, Ezequiel Vinao, Denis DiBlasio, George Rabbai, Bryan Appleby-Wineberg and David Shapiro.
Nicholas Fernandez
Nicholas imbues traditional and modern jazz with classical and popular music hues to create a sound that is fresh yet familiar. His works have been performed internationally, at Carnegie Hall, Blue Note NYC, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola NYC, Amsterdam Music Hall, the International Association for Jazz Educators’ annual conference, and high school jazz festivals throughout the Philadelphia region. His debut CD, Nicholas H. Fernandez and his New York Nonet, was released in April 2012. Nicholas is a dedicated educator with several years experience as a private composition and trumpet instructor. Educated at NYU (Ph.D.), Manhattan School of Music (M.M) and Rowan University (B.M.) in composition and performance, Nicholas has studied with Rich Shermaria, Ezequiel Vinao, Denis DiBlasio, George Rabbai, Bryan Appleby-Wineberg and David Shapiro.
Steve Shanley
Steve Shanley is a music professor at Coe College (Cedar Rapids, IA), where he coordinates the music education and jazz studies programs; he is also the conductor of the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band, a professional ensemble that performs over 20 concerts each year. Prior to his arrival at Coe, Shanley spent 11 years teaching middle and high school music in the Cedar Rapids Community School District. He has an active schedule as a guest conductor, clinician, adjudicator, and pianist, and he is also in demand as a composer and arranger. Over 2,000 of his works have been performed by instrumental and choral ensembles throughout the United States, Asia, South America, and Europe.
Steve Shanley
Steve Shanley is a music professor at Coe College (Cedar Rapids, IA), where he coordinates the music education and jazz studies programs; he is also the conductor of the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band, a professional ensemble that performs over 20 concerts each year. Prior to his arrival at Coe, Shanley spent 11 years teaching middle and high school music in the Cedar Rapids Community School District. He has an active schedule as a guest conductor, clinician, adjudicator, and pianist, and he is also in demand as a composer and arranger. Over 2,000 of his works have been performed by instrumental and choral ensembles throughout the United States, Asia, South America, and Europe.
Shanley is Vice President of the Jazz Educators of Iowa (JEI) and Co-Chair of the Iowa Jazz Championships. In addition, he has served as reader for the College Board Advanced Placement Music Theory examination, item writer for the ETS Praxis Music examination, contributing author for Teaching Music Through Performance in Jazz, and founding president of JEI. Shanley is a member of the JEI Hall of Fame, was inducted into Sigma Alpha Iota as a National Arts Associate, and was honored with the Iowa Bandmasters Association Karl King Distinguished Service Award. He holds a bachelor’s degree. from the University of Northern Iowa, master’s degrees from the University of Minnesota and University of Iowa, and a PhD from the University of Iowa.