Meet Our Musicians

 Ryan Tomski is an award-winning multi-genre composer, instrumentalist, and educator originally from Wisconsin.  He co-founded big band Big Beat based out of the New York / New Jersey area, and in 2018 completed his Doctor of Musical Arts in Jazz from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign.  He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Jazz Performance from The University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point and is a graduate of the Jazz Arranging Master's Degree program at William Paterson University in Wayne, New Jersey.  Recently, Ryan has toured and recorded with the dynamic and soulful family band Sounds of A&R under the legendary tutelage of Thelonious Sphere Monk III. In 2023, Ryan was featured on FOX 29 and ABC 6 in conjunction with Philadelphia's premiere steakhouse, Rittenhouse Grill, where he can be seen performing solo.  Ryan has penned approximately thirty works for large ensembles including big bands, wind ensembles, choirs, marching bands, pep bands, and more.  He has performed music in eight countries. He is the current director of the Saint Joseph's University Jazz Ensemble and the University of Pennsylvania's Penn Jazz ensemble.