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ABOUT US
A New Sound from the Shenandoah Valley
The Jackson Fusion Ensemble is an up-and-coming seven-piece band from Winchester, VA that performs the original music of bandleader, Dominic Jackson, alongside arrangements of jazz fusion classics.
"CALL OUT MY NAME" (THE WEEKND)
"CASIMIR"
MEET THE BAND
Tyler Makowiecki
TRUMPET
Tyler Makowiecki is a freelance Trumpeter in the DMV specializing in Lead, Commercial, and Jazz Trumpet. He is currently a Sophomore at Shenandoah Conservatory studying Jazz and Commercial Music. Tyler can be seen playing anywhere from the Kennedy Center to Rams Head on Stage with acts like the Capitol Bones All Brass Big Band and David Benoit. Makowiecki has also played a number of musicals including Legally Blonde, Fiddler on the Roof, The Wizard of Oz, and Monty Python’s Spam-a-lot. He is a Ravens fan for life and you will commonly see him post Ravens propaganda like Lamar Jackson for MVP on Instagram.
Zachary McDonald
BASS
Zachary McDonald is a bassist, composer and producer in Baltimore, MD. His art reflects the feelings of dissociation, abstraction, and defiantly prevailing beauty in a world of many opposing, simultaneous truths. Within his practice he is largely self-taught, though has been involved and exposed to formal music education throughout his academic career as well as had mentorship from notable bassists Cole Davis, Ben Williams, and Paul Langosh. McDonald has performed with the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, jazz greats such as pianist Lenny Marcus, saxophonist Chad Eby, guitarist Cyrus Pace in venues including The Jefferson Center, The Moss Arts Center, The Taubman Art Museum, The Smithsonian, and the Virginia Museum of Fine Art.
Nathan Hott
SAXOPHONES
Nathan Hott is a versatile saxophone player who has toured multiple countries, performing in both big and small jazz groups. A 2024 graduate of the Shenandoah Conservatory, Nathan has earned awards in jazz performance and jazz leadership while also obtaining his teaching license. He currently plays with the Winchester Jazz Collective and is enlisted in the U.S. Army, performing with the 29th Army National Guard Band out of Roanoke. Born in Baltimore, Nathan grew up in a place that wasn't quite as cool. He prides himself on making the best Indian food in his own kitchen.
Will Strickler
DRUMS
Will Strickler, a drummer and aspiring audio archivist, hails from Sterling, Virginia. He graduated this past year from Shenandoah Conservatory with a degree in Music Production and Recording Technology. He completed his internship at the Library of Congress, studying audio archiving at the NAVCC facility in Culpeper. Drumming has been a huge passion in his life, and he has performed in many different ensembles, including playing drums for multiple musical theatre productions at Shenandoah in addition to Jazz gigs.
Andrew Renner
GUITAR
Andrew Renner is a versatile guitarist hailing from Winchester, VA, known for his electrifying playing and laid-back style. Whether he's shredding in a rock band or weaving intricate jazz lines, Andrew’s sound is as dynamic as his hometown’s rolling hills. When he's not playing, you can find him exploring new gear, hitting local coffee shops, or sharing his latest riffs with fellow musicians. No matter the genre, Andrew’s motto is simple:
"Play what feels right, and always have fun doing it."
Luke Demers
KEYBOARD
Luke Demers is a versatile pianist from Herndon, Virginia, with a passion for a wide range of musical styles. He began his musical journey at 15, initially studying classical piano before expanding into jazz a few years later. Currently a sophomore at Shenandoah University, Luke is pursuing a degree in jazz and commercial music, performing actively in school and student ensembles. Beyond the piano, he enjoys playing the tuba and guitar, as well as composing and arranging music, always exploring new creative avenues in his artistry.