Matthew Thomas Gafney is a saxophonist, clarinetist, flautist, bandleader, and educator. With a classical foundation, degrees in jazz performance from UCLA and CSU East Bay, and a wealth of show band experience, Gafney is a well-rounded musician with expertise in diverse performance settings. Upon relocating to the Bay Area, Gafney studied with renowned saxophone educator Dann Zinn. He currently plays alto sax, tenor sax, and EWI for local Bay Area bands: Garuda Blue and the West Grand Brass Band. In addition to his performance schedule, Gafney has a thriving private teaching studio at Ingram and Brauns Musik Shoppe in Pleasanton, CA, coaches woodwinds at Amador Valley High School, and holds other music education positions around the Tri-Valley area. He is very excited to be working at Las Positas College as their Professor of Applied Lessons for Jazz Woodwinds.