About Sammy
Sammy Waganer is an aspiring composer, music director, and trombonist based in Oklahoma City, known for his original works across classical, jazz, and musical theatre styles. A recent graduate with a Bachelor of Music in Composition from the University of Oklahoma, Sammy has had notable performances of his original works and arrangements, including Let It Soar, a powerful choir piece commissioned by Moore High School, and Nocturne in C-sharp Minor, an innovative arrangement of Chopin’s work for solo string bass and string orchestra commissioned by Putnam City North High School. His woodwind trio, Adventures in the Woods, received both its premiere and a professional recording, marking another milestone in his expanding compositional repertoire.
A Versatile Trombonist:
As a trombonist, Sammy is known for his commanding performances, having held principal positions with the University of Oklahoma Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, and Jazz O Band. He has recorded albums with the Wind Symphony, performed in operas with the Symphony Orchestra, and played in musical pits for productions such as Crazy for You with the University Theatre.
Beyond university ensembles, Sammy performs frequently with local churches and pop/rock cover bands, bringing his adaptability and precision to a wide variety of live performance settings. He is also a member of The Jazz Exchange, where his original composition Trombeaming was recently recorded and released. His contributions include recordings on The Ranch Tapes, Vol. 2, showcasing his stylistic versatility and musical insight.
Music Direction & Vocal Coaching
At ArtWorks Academy of Performing Arts, Sammy works as a music instructor, where he teaches voice lessons, directs glee clubs, and leads music for youth theatre productions. In this role, he helps students develop both vocal technique and musical confidence across a variety of styles and age groups.
His impact as a music director is notable, having led full productions such as Forever Plaid and coordinated volunteer pit bands for Grease: School Version and Hadestown: Teen Edition, demonstrating a strong commitment to musical excellence, collaboration, and youth development.
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