2019 Dave Schiavone, Saxophone. University of Buffalo Music School and Berklee College of Music in Boston, Western New York soloist and educator; Founder The Dave Schiavone Quartet

2018 John Bacon, Percussion. SUNY Fredonia, Western New York soloist and Director of The Fredonia Latin Jazz Ensemble

2017 George Caldwell, Piano. Grammy Award winner and Pianist with the Duke Ellington and Count Basie Orchestras

2016 Mark Filsinger, Trumpet. Founder - Mark Filsinger Eleventet, Winner "Best Big Band" 2015 in Buffalo, NY

2015 Russ Carere, Saxophone, Premier Western New York Woodwind Artist. Performs with the Amherst Saxophone Quartet

2014 Mike Kaupa, Trumpet. Eastman School of Music, West Senior High School graduate. Performed with the Glenn Miller Band

2013 Bobby Militello, Alto Saxophone & Flute, long time member of Dave Brubeck Quartet and Maynard Ferguson Big Band

2012 James Burton III Jazz Trombonist, faculty member of The Juilliard School and Director of the Juilliard Jazz Orchestra

2011 Gap Mangione jazz pianist and his Trio from Rochester is known for his work with his brother, Chuck Mangione on their many CD's and albums including The Jazz Brothers, Hey Baby! and Spring Fever

2010 Kris Jensen, Tenor Saxophone and Quartet (featured soloist with Maynard Ferguson)

2009 Dave Schiavone, Saxophones and Flute has toured nationally and internationally with the bands of Woody Herman, Tommy Dorsey and Doc Severinsen

2008 Wendell Rivera, Latin Percussionist and his Latin Jazz All-Stars - performed with Aretha Franklin, Ben Vereen, Dave Valentin and Bob Mintzer

2007 David Gibson, Trombone - Performed with Dizzy Gillespie Alumni Big Band and Grammy Winner, Slide Hampton's "World of Trombones."

2006 Clay Jenkins, Trumpet - Performed with Stan Kenton, Harry James and Buddy Rich Bands.  He is a professor of music at Eastman School of Music

2005 Bruce Johnstone, Baritone Saxophone - Performed with Maynard Ferguson Orchestra and Woody Herman's "Thundering Herd."

2004 Gap Mangione, Piano - Performs with "New Blues Band," Big Band and brother, Chuck Mangione

2003 Pat LaBarbera, Tenor Saxophone - performed with Buddy Rich Big Band

2003 Cindy Miller, Vocalist - performs with Gap Mangione and Rochester Philharmonic

2002 Don Menza, Tenor Saxophone - performed with Buddy Rich Big Band and Maynard Ferguson

2001 Steve Davis, Trombone - Emmy award winner, performed with Chic Corea

2000 Jeff Jarvis, Trumpet/Composer - award winning composer/performer

1999 Chris Vadala, Alto Saxophone - performed with Chuck Mangione

1998 Lenny Pickett, Tenor Saxophone - Leader, "Saturday Night Live" Band

1997 Tom "Bones" Malone, Trombone - David Letterman Show and the "Blues Brothers" Band

1996 Ed Shaughnessy, Drums - the "Tonight Show" Band

1995 Jeff Tyzik, Trumpet/Composer - HBO Music Composer and Performer

1994 Chris Vadala, Alto Saxophone - performed with Chuck Mangione