Sam Gucwa

Biography

Sam Gucwa is a saxophonist and woodwind doubler known for her bold bandleading and inventive solos across genres. Beginning her professional career after moving to Denver in 2020, Gucwa played as a big band saxophonist with the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra and the Dean Bushnell Orchestra on every reed part. She performed in trombonist Stafford Hunter’s Young Lions residency series, and performed with the Boulder Philharmonic on baritone saxophone

Gucwa now performs mainly in Michigan while she completes her Bachelor of Music degree at Michigan State University. She plays reed 2 with Rodney Whitaker’s Gathering Orchestra and was recently featured on flute with the Michael Dease quintet. She currently studies under tenor saxophonist Walter Blanding. She has been featured as a guest artist for Brian Vander Ark, bandleader of the Verve Pipe and proud Michigan native. In 2024 Gucwa teamed up with Mitch Segura to form Experimental Brunch, a fusion band with a rotating ensemble of members.

Gucwa has a passion for creating social media content that shares the fun and work of being a jazz musician with the intention of building virtual communities that pave the way for social change. Jazz music is a model for inclusion and a powerful tool for bringing people together. @Sams_saxophone content seeks to demystify the musician’s process and engage audiences at all musical levels so that everyone can celebrate jazz music.