Drew Bryant is a Chicago-based freelance bass trombonist, tubist, educator & arranger. 

As a self described “late bloomer”, Drew picked up trombone his sophomore year of highschool and took his first lesson when he started his undergraduate degree.  Hoping to give encouragement to those starting music late and still finding success, Drew leads a promising young career having played with the UNT One O’Clock Lab Band, JAS Academy Band and Diego Rodriguez Big Band.

Drew began his studies at Elmhurst University, where he studied trombone under Tom Garling and Tom Stark.  While attending Elmhurst, Drew performed with the Elmhurst University Jazz Band, under the direction of Grammy award winner Doug Beach, collaborating with notable musicians such as Dennis Mackrel, Kurt Elling, Byron Stripling, and Roberta Gambarini.  

Upon graduating Elmhurst, Drew pursued a Master's degree at the University of North Texas. There he studied with Nick Finzer, who played a pivotal role in shaping both his musical and personal identity.  During his time in Texas, Drew performed with a variety of ensembles: most notably the Grammy award winning One O’Clock Lab Band directed by Alan Baylock.  Drew can be heard playing bass trombone on their 2024 record, Lab ‘24.  During his time at UNT he was able to study with world class musicians such as Rich DeRosa, Dave Meder, Rob Parton, and Philip Dizack.  He also had the great fortune of playing with artists such as Steve Davis, Wycliffe Gordon, Michael Dease, Rufus Reid, Billy Childs, Andre Hayward, and Steve Turre.  

Drew was selected in 2023 to be part of the prestigious JAS Academy led by Christian McBride.  This two-week program in Aspen, Colorado allowed him to collaborate with some of the most talented collegiate jazz musicians in the country and learn from the masterful faculty including Etienne Charles, Shelly Berg, and Chuck Bergeron.  

Committed to education, Drew teaches orchestral trombone alongside the brass faculty at the renowned Birch Creek Music Performance Center in Door County, Wisconsin.  As a jazz educator, Drew teaches in high schools all across the Chicago west suburbs, in addition to his private studio, giving lessons, clinics, and masterclasses.