Meet the composer, Matt Bandman

Born February 25, 1998, Matt Bandman is a composer and musician based in the United States. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Radford University in 2021. What began as a hobby in his youth gradually developed into a deep passion for composition. Matt's musical journey started during his time at Lake Braddock Secondary School in Burke, Virginia, where he graduated in 2016.

Since then, he has received commissions from notable institutions such as Tuscarora High School in Leesburg, Virginia, and the Northern Virginia Community College Alexandria Band. His compositions have also been featured in various publications. Matt currently serves as the principal alto saxophonist and resident composer for the NOVA Alexandria Band, where six of his original works have been premiered between 2018 and 2024. These works include Roses of Galante, The Tattered Flag, Red Rocks Saga, Soaring with the Eagles, For Ol’ Glory, Overture to a New Horizon, and A Small Town Holiday, with additional compositions forthcoming.

Matt’s musical inspiration draws heavily from his admiration for film scores by renowned composers such as John Williams, Hans Zimmer, and John Powell. In addition to cinematic influences, his work is shaped by the contributions of contemporary concert band composers, including Robert Sheldon, the late Robert W. Smith, Randall Standridge, Brian Balmages, and Rossano Galante, who has become both a mentor and supporter of Matt’s musical endeavors.