Dawson Horey is a rising woodwind doubler and educator from Buffalo, NY. Proficient in a range of instruments including saxophones, clarinets, flutes including world flutes, and oboes, Dawson is skilled in a variety of styles of music including Irish traditional, klezmer, jazz, rock, classical, musical theater, pop, funk, 21st century contemporary, and more. He received a Bachelor's degree in Music Performance from the University at Buffalo, where he studied under Bobby Militello and was featured in the UB Jazz Bands, Concert Band, Genkin Philharmonic, Banda Viernes, and more.
In his performance career, Dawson has had the opportunity to share the stage with Bernadette Peters and has performed with Philipp Gerschlauer. He was also hired by the NFL to perform at the Buffalo Bills vs Chicago Bears game at New Era Stadium and has played with the Erie Philharmonic. Dawson is an active performer in the Western New York, Rochester, and New Jersey regions and is known for his versatility and skill. His ambition is to play in the Broadway pit, and he plans to relocate to the NYC area to study woodwind doubling for his masters.
As a dedicated woodwind instructor, Dawson has lead workshops for local high school bands and is an instructor at the Lockport Music Center. He also maintains a private studio where he teaches woodwind players virtually and in person. Using the lessons he has learned from his own teachers, he offers students an introspective approach to playing their instruments in any style or genre.
Dawson's past and present teachers include:
Saxophone: Bobby Militello, Chad LB, Dave Schiavone, Dick Griffo
Clarinet: Michael Tumiel
Flute: Marlene Witnauer, Sophia Gibbs Kim
Oboe: Megan Kyle
Woodwind / Broadway mentor: Greg Riley
As a recording artist, Dawson is a session musician for Steak & Cake Records and is featured on many records through the label. He has received several awards and honors, including the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award, the W. Charles & Eunice B. Scholarship, the Bernard Simon Music Scholarship, the New Klezmer Scholarship Fund, and being selected for the MUSE mentorship program.
