Biography
Gavin Worland is a trumpeter, composer, arranger, copyist, producer, and educator based in Denver, Colorado. As the bandleader of the acclaimed Warriors of Peace Jazz Orchestra, WOPJO is a driving force in the new generation of large jazz ensembles, carrying forward the spirit of peaceful political protest championed by idols such as Charles Mingus, Ron Miles, & Max Roach.
A versatile and in-demand performer, Gavin has been a featured lead trumpet player on several big band recordings nationwide and was a soloist in a film score composed by Jacob Montano. He has appeared as a bandleader and sideman at premier venues around the country, including Dazzle, Nissi’s, Boettcher Concert Hall, Carnegie Hall, the Newman Center, & the Mercury Café.
Gavin’s wide-ranging musical versatility spans big bands, mariachi ensembles, quintets, soundpainting groups, and tribute bands. He has performed alongside internationally acclaimed artists & ensembles such as Greg Gisbert, the Colorado Symphony, Dave Devine, Joe Anderies, "Detroit" Darryl Smith, Danielle Wertz, Gabriel Santiago Orchestra, Adam Gang, & Peter Stoltzman.
As an artist, Gavin draws inspiration from a broad array of influences such as trumpet greats like Philip Dizack, Shane Endsley, Greg Gisbert, John Raymond, & Ron Miles, as well as the writing and arranging styles of Remy LeBoeuf, Annie Booth, Jerry Hey, & Woody Herman. His forward-thinking sound is showcased through his work with artists including David Mesquitic, Nico Colucci, the Denver Rock Orchestra, Lamont Jazz Orchestra, & the Metropolitan State University Big Band.
A dedicated educator and scholar, Gavin served as a graduate teaching assistant at the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver where he did extensive research on music streaming services' double standards for artists, and the corruption of megachurches using music as a form of musical manipulation as a form of recruitment & retention. He has earned multiple soloist awards at festivals such as the University of Northern Colorado and the Skyline Jazz Festivals.
As a passionate educator, Gavin teaches private lessons in the Denver-metro area & online, sharing his knowledge on everything from trumpet playing, arranging, and the music business. He is also the President & Musical Director of the Longmont All-Star Jazz Band, a local 501(c)3 nonprofit focused on delivering a professional, high-quality, jazz-focused music education for high school students in Colorado's St. Vrain Valley School District area.
Gavin is an active member of professional organizations, including ASCAP, the International Trumpet Guild (ITG), Jazz Education Network (JEN), Chamber Music America (CMA), the International Society of Jazz Arrangers and Composers (ISJAC), and others.
In Gavin's free time, he enjoys watching sports, collecting watches, & finding inspiration for his next creative project while traveling. Gavin plays a Yamaha Xeno Bb Trumpet and a customized 1953 Courtois flugelhorn, and is proud to be a Hawkins Mutes Affiliate.
