Sound District

Sound District is a band founded by John Smith in search of a sound for everyone. Founded in September 2011 the band has done nothing but improve. Each show is always better then then next and every show is different. With a combination of Funk, R&B, Hip-Hop, Rock, Reggae, Jazz, and a whole lot of Soul this band has no plans of slowing down! They have played at venues like The House Cafe in Dekalb, Underground Wonder Bar in Chicago, Abes hideaway in Posen and many more. With members that have done so much at young ages this is a band that is shooting for the stars They style is so refreshing they will have you experience music like never before. From small beginnings Sound District is destined for big things. Here is some information on the members of the group. John Smith - Alto Saxophone John Smith is a saxophonist, composer, arranger, and producer that is quickly making a name for himself around the Chicagoland area. A student a Northern Illinois Universtiy and a Band leader of the band Sound District. With a style that is so rejuvenating and vibrant John is a man that has no plans of slowing down. He has had his music played several times on major chicago jazz radio station 87.7. He has played with the bands like Makeshift, and musicans like Tim Mulvenna, Ben Clark, Ronnie Hicks, Max Valldeneu, Michael Logan, and studied with major chicago jazz musician Rob Denty. With a serious determination for success John Smith is bound for big things. Bobby Cooper - Trumpet Hailing from Chicago's south suburbs is Bobby cooper, a young, Christian musician. He has been playing trumpet since age 10, and since his beginning has played with the likes of Kim Stratton, Jimmy Johnson, and The NIU Jazz ensemble. Bobby is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in music education and jazz studies. Walter Sanchez - Trombone Walter Sanchez is an 18 year old trombonist born out the windy city Chicago. Exposed to music early in his childhood, he picked up the clarinet for two years before being forced to stop playing due to financial problems in the house hold. Little did he know, attending lincoln park high school would change his perception of music as whole. He picked up the trombone due to a lack of at the school, and fell in love with it. He has been mentored and influenced by many musicians rightfully respected in there own name such as Audrey morrison, Pharez Whitted, Phillip castleberry, to name a few. He currently studies with Tom Garling at northern Illinois. He is influenced by many artists such as Steve Davis, j.j. Johnson, Curtis fuller, and the ever so funky Fred Wesley. Young and upcoming he has played with musicians such as pat mallinger, and bobby broom, in a program called the ravinia jazz scholars, and even played along side Christian mcbride with his high school jazz band. Even though he has a lot more ahead of him, he brings to the table the warmth, fire, and the funk to up and coming sound district. Brian Quinlan - Guitar Brian Quinlan is an 18 year old guitarist originally from Western Springs, Illinois. In the summer of 2011 he was asked to play on a gospel music tour with the Lighthouse Church of All Nations in Alsip, IL which took him all the way to Los Angeles, California. This was an amazing experience for him because he got to play with some of the best musicians in Chicago, including David Richardson, Jason Grant, and Runere Brooks. He started playing at age 11 inspired by groups such as Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix and then in high school, he fell in love with players such as Charlie Parker and Joe Pass. He currently attends Northern Illinois University where he studies with guitar legend Fareed Haque. Marcus Mitchell - Piano From the South Side of Chicago Marcus Mitchell II. At the age of 21 he is studying Jazz piano performance under Chicago's Jazz legend Willie Pickens. In his youth; largely self taught until his first teacher Stuart Mindeman began his instruction. Sound District is his first musical exposure, however everyone expects great things from him. Influences range from Thelonious Monk to Robert Glasper. He also draws a lot from hip-hop/rap, reggae, and Latin styles of music. Eric Smith - Bass Eric Smith is a 21 year old electric and upright bassist from Orion, IL. He's had experience playing funk, rock, jazz, R&B, blues, hip-hop, latin, reggae, neosoul, classical, fusion, Middle Eastern music, and Zambian pop. Chris Dibernardo - Drums Chris Di Bernardo is an 18 year old drummer studying percussion at North Illinois University. From Wisconsin by way of Canada, Chris has been playing drum set for well over half of his life, and is experienced in many styles of popular and world music. www.soundistrict.com