Thomas Woytko is a versatile low brass doubler origanally based in Minnesota and is currently touring with the MEAN GIRLS National Tour and Executive Director of the JAM Concert Series. Thomas began his undergrad seeking a bass trombone performance and finished with a Jazz studies degree at University of Minnesota Duluth. Thomas has studied with Derek Bromme, Ryan Frane, and Nick Finzer.
Thomas’ first musical inspirations came from the volunteer choir that met before school in 4th and 5th grade. Uninspired to play the trombone in middle school it wasn’t until hearing the The Duluth East Jazz band play, that Thomas was pulled towards a career in music. Thomas attended the fall 2017 staples low brass summit where he worked with and watched the Maniacal 4 and Christopher Bill perform. The Staples Low Brass Summit and his enthusiasm for Trombone Shorty and bands like the Lucky Chops, Hot 8 Brass Band, and Hypnotic Brass sparked his career as a band leader. In 2017 Thomas formed his first band “The Boys Back Home” which plays mainstream brass band covers. The Boys Back Home have performed at The Duluth All Pints Festival, UMD Farm Fest and Duluth All Souls Night, along various graduation parties and other private events.
Previous to the Mean Girls tour Thomas started his second band the Thomas Woytko Group in 2021. The Thomas Woytko Group plays original contemporary jazz along with arrangements of jazz standards. Thomas has recorded two studio albums as well as two live albums available on streaming platforms and has performed at venues such as Jazz Central Studios, the Rathskeller, Caddy Shack, North Shore Scenic Pizza Train, Grandmas Marathon, Fox 21, Duluth Public Library, Duluth Cider, Lake Superior Brewing and in canal park busking.
As a sideman In 2018 Thomas Joined the “Lake City Smokin’ Section” horn section as their trombonist. For the last 4 years Thomas has been able to perform in the Northern Lights Musical Festival playing trombone/bass trombone in La Traviata, Tosca, La Cenerentola and The Magic Flute. Thomas has been able to sub with Big Time Jazz Orchestra on Trombone 3 and Bass Trombone. Thomas has also performed with the Nor Shor Theater orchestra playing Trombone/Bass trombone in the productions of Monty Pythons Spamalot, ANNIE, Ragtime, and Little Women.