Luke Vacca

Luciano "Luke" Vacca is a trombonist and educator based in Houston, TX. His private studio currently consists of between 30 and 40 high school and middle school students, and he teaches multiple weekly masterclasses as well. Districts in which Mr. Vacca currently teaches include Magnolia, Montgomery, Spring Branch and Willis Independent School Districts. Several students of his have auditioned successfully into their All-Region, All-Area and All-State bands and jazz bands, and have earned Superior ratings at Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest. Previously, Mr. Vacca has been an adjunct faculty member at Stephen F. Austin State University, where he taught applied trombone, euphonium and tuba lessons, Low Brass Methods courses, and assisted in conducting the SFA Trombone Choir. He also briefly served as a long-term substitute band director at Tom Cox Intermediate School in Spring, TX, in 2021.

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Luke is an active performer and is proficient in classical, jazz and commercial styles. He performs with the Texas Brass Ensemble, Jordan Kahn Music Company, Groove Knight (an Austin-based wedding/party band) and is a substitute musician for the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra and the Woodlands Symphony. Additionally, Mr. Vacca serves as principal trombonist of Symphony North of Houston, lead trombonist of the Southeast Texas Big Band and lead trombonist of the Riff Runners Big Band. His professional affiliations include the International Trombone Association and the Texas Music Educators Association.

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Mr. Vacca holds a master's degree in trombone performance from The University of Texas at Austin, where he studied classical trombone with Dr. Nathaniel Brickens and jazz trombone with Paul Deemer. Luke performed regularly with several of the university's top ensembles such as the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, New Music Ensemble, Jazz Orchestra, Trombone Choir and multiple chamber ensembles. In 2021, Luke traveled with the UT Trombone Choir to Columbus, GA, to perform at the International Trombone Festival.

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Luke received a bachelor's degree in music education from Stephen F. Austin, where he studied trombone with Dr. Deb Scott. During his time as a student at SFA, he held several leadership roles in the school's top performing ensembles. In addition, Luke was a featured soloist with multiple groups and was named a finalist in the university's annual concerto competition. Mr. Vacca student taught in Lufkin Independent School District under the mentorship of George Little and Tommy Smith, earning his teaching certificate in music for all grade levels.