New York saxophonist/composer Dave Pietro takes a break from his busy schedule as a member of 
the Grammy Award-winning Darcy James Argue's Secret Society, Gil Evans Project and Maria 
Schneider Orchestras to share his talents and music with the USF Jazz Ensemble and Central Florida 
jazz aficionados. From 1994-2013 he played lead alto saxophone with the Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz 
Orchestra, recording 7 CDs. He has also toured and/or recorded with the bands of Woody Herman, 
Lionel Hampton, Maynard Ferguson, The Village Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, and Arturo O'Farrill. As 
leader, Dave has released six critically-acclaimed CDs with musicians such as Dave Holland, Kenny 
Werner, Ben Monder, Bill Stewart, and Brian Blade. Dave teaches at NYU.