BJ Comer, a Rochester area musician, was chosen as the Director of the Greece Concert Band in May, 2014. BJ continues as the Conductor of the Pittsford Fire Department Band where he plays trumpet and was chosen as Conductor in 2007. The Pittsford Fire Department Band has enjoyed outstanding success under BJ’s musical leadership and performs frequently during the summer music season in the Upstate NY area.
In addition to conducting, BJ is in demand as a trumpeter throughout the Rochester area. Since moving to Rochester in 2005, BJ has performed with numerous ensembles, including the Off-Monroe Players, the Greater Rochester Jazz Orchestra, Music Maker’s Big Band, and the Greater Finger Lakes Jazz Orchestra. He is a current member and performer in the Rochester Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra, local salsa band Grupo Calle Uno, and locally based show band Nik and the Nice Guys.
In 2006, BJ founded Upbeat Music with the purpose of providing quality musical instruction and unique musical performances to the greater Rochester area. BJ currently maintains a studio of over 40 students. Upbeat Music also provides custom arrangements and compositions for local performers and bandleaders that are tailored to their specific needs.
BJ was born and raised in Texas. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Texas A&M University-Kingsville in 2005 with a Bachelor of Music. During his college years BJ performed with many local bands, orchestras and student groups.
BJ met his wife, Jessamy, when they played in the Texas All-State Band. Jessamy is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Psychology at RIT. She enjoys playing soprano, alto, and bass clarinet. They have two young children and reside in the Rochester area.
From the September 25, 2014 issue of the Greece Post
