Andrew Martelle is a veteran bassist and bandleader from Southern California. He completed his Bachelor
’s in Jazz Bass performance from California State University Fullerton under the tutelage of Bill Cunliffe and Luther
Hughes. As a young professional, Andrew had the privilege of performing with Bill Cunliffe, Freda Payne, Doc
Severinsen, Francisco Torres, George Cables, and many other LA area musicians. Andrew also led the 17 piece
Martelle Jazz Orchestra and his own quintet.
In addition to his work with New Dawn, Andrew plays with Rochester legends Bill Tiberio, Hypnotic Clambake,
and the ECMS Jazz Educators Big Band. Andrew also teaches and composes for jazz and classical ensembles.
Sam Schaeffer is a drummer, composer, and educator hailing from Harrisonburg, Virginia. Currently completing
his masters work at the Eastman school of music, Sam also holds a bachelor's degree in jazz studies from
SUNY Fredonia. Sam has collaborated with a diverse array of jazz musicians including Delfeayo Marsalis,
Stephanie Nakasian, Sal Valentinetti, John D
’
Earth, Gary Versace, and many more. In addition to his work as a
sideman, Sam leads and records for his own groups who have appeared at jazz festivals and other venues in
both Virginia and New York.
A versatile jazz musician,
Misha Studenkov
is active as a pianist, keyboardist, and accordionist in the Greater
Rochester Area. Misha
’
s jazz piano styles draw from blues, bebop, and modal traditions. An interest in folk
accordion stemming from his family background led Misha to integrate the instrument into his musical signa-
ture and his work with jazz ensembles.
A California native mentored by South Bay jazz legend Kirk Tamura,
Misha is now a student of professor Gary Versace at the Eastman School of Music, where he has worked with
guest artists including Maria Schneider, Renée Fleming, and Dafnis Prieto. He has performed in Rochester as
a leader and sideman and in the Buffalo area with the Russell Scarbrough Big Band. He is an intern instructor
of accordion at the Eastman Community Music School and a freelance piano teacher (jazz and classical). His
compositions have won awards in the South Bay and been recorded by Eastman student ensembles.
