Steve Frioux
sfrioux@siue.edu
Steve Frioux was born in 1965 and began playing trombone at the age of 10 in the heart of Cajun Country - New Iberia, LA. In 1990 he won an audition to perform as a professional musician with the USAF Band of Mid-America at Scott AFB, IL and was prominently featured and recorded as principal trombonist with the Concert Band, lead/solo trombonist with the Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble and Starlifter Rock Band.
While performing with the USAFE Jazz Ambassadors, as lead trombone and soloist, he toured Italy, Germany, France, Austria, Switzerland (Jazz/Band Fest), Luxembourg, Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Netherlands, UK, Ireland (Cork Jazz Fest), Azores, Bosnia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Croatia and Azerbaijan (Baku Jazz Fest).
Steven’s musical reputation among his peers, leadership experience and extensive knowledge of the big band genre led to his appointment as NCOIC (Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge) and Musical Director of the famed USAF Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble at Scott AFB, IL. During his tenure, he led the group towards a more contemporary sound, bringing comparisons to the best of modern jazz bands.
He has performed with the St Louis Symphony, Acadiana Symphony Orchestra, St Louis Wind Symphony, St Louis Philharmonic, Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, Sessions Big Band, Skyliners Big Band, Martha and the Vandellas, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Clint Black, Bill Watrous, Buddy DeFranco, Butch Miles, Bobby Watson, Maynard Ferguson, Ed Shaughnessey, Carmen Bradford, Shelly Berg, Bobby Shew, Mike Vax, Tom Kennedy, Brian Bromberg, Steve Smith, Mike Vax, Jerry Coker, Jeff Jarvis, Jamie Aebesold, Michael Feinstein, Tony Orlando, Tito Rojas, and Anacani.
Steve completed his Bachelor in Music Performance Degree from the University of Louisiana, Lafayette in 1990. He also earned his Master in Music Jazz Studies Degree with an emphasis in Jazz Pedagogy from the University of Arkansas, Monticello in 2022. Steve is a much sought after clinician and guest artist. He serves as a Teaching Artist with Jazz St Louis (https://jazzstl.org/) and also teaches a private studio for low brass and jazz instruction.
He has studied with Kenny Brantley, Dr. Bob Schmalz and Harry Watters.