Trombonist, composer, and educator Eli Howell, a Los Angeles native, earned his Bachelor's from Michigan State University in 2023 and is pursuing his Master’s as a graduate assistant. He has performed with MSU’s Jazz Orchestra 1 under Rodney Whitaker, touring Michigan, New York City, and Japan in Summer 2024.

A two-time finalist in the International Trombone Festival and American Trombone Workshop Jazz Competitions, Eli led the MSU Jazz Trombone Ensemble to win the 2024 Kai Winding Jazz Ensemble Competition. He has performed at venues like The Hollywood Bowl, Birdland Jazz Club, and the Detroit Jazz Festival, collaborating with jazz greats like Christian McBride, Kurt Elling, and Lewis Nash.

Now, he debuts his big band featuring Michigan’s top young musicians, presenting original compositions and jazz standards.

Featuring:
Saxophone – Thomas Noble, Alvin Paige, Shane Karas, Juan Cortes, Nat Lewis
Trombone – Aidan Clark, Nanami Haruta, Miles Cole, Wyatt Forhan
Trumpet – Joel Reeves, Devine Wade, Andrew Brown, Saatvik Pali, Jauron Perry
Rhythm Section – Alonso Umaña Chan, Emma Wilburn, Ethan Frank