SPENCER BANISTER

Spencer Banister is an acclaimed trombonist, composer, educator, and arranger currently based in Northern California. He is a member of the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West, where he performs with the concert band, jazz ensemble, "Galaxy" rock band, and various other small groups.

 

Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Spencer made a name for himself as the lead trombonist in the 2018 Jazz Band of America and a member of several other nationally competitive honor bands. He chose Oklahoma Christian University for his undergraduate studies and quickly became one of the busiest trombone players in town, performing with the Oklahoma City Jazz Orchestra, Edmond Jazz Orchestra, and numerous other ensembles. As both a bandleader and sideman, Spencer brought exciting shows and original music to the top venues in Oklahoma City, playing alongside a long list of stellar musicians including Vince Norman, Bishop Marsh, Kendrick McKinney, Brian Gorrell, Sam Vaughn, and many more.

 

In 2022, Spencer relocated to Kansas City to pursue a master’s degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory. He performed extensively in all styles, making appearances with the Marcus Lewis Big Band, Topeka Symphony, Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City, Heartland Men’s Chorus, Patrick Lentz Band, and others. Dedicated to education, Spencer taught for the Base Academy of Music, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to music education in Kansas City’s urban core. He also served as the graduate teaching assistant for the UMKC jazz department.

 

Spencer has performed for audiences and earned recognition all around the world. In 2019, he toured China with the University of Central Oklahoma Jazz Ensemble 1, and in 2021, he was a featured guest artist at the International Open Air Jazz Festival in Vienna, Austria. Spencer was named an honorable mention in the 2022 Yamaha Young Performing Artists competition, a highly selective international program. Currently, Spencer resides in Vacaville, California with his wife Aimee, a bassist in the USAF Band of the Golden West.