Saxophonist, composer, and educator, Pete Fucinaro, attended the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he earned a Master of the Arts degree in saxophone performance. Before that, he earned his undergraduate degree in jazz studies from the University of North Texas. During his time at the University of North Texas, he was a member of the seven-time GRAMMY nominated One O’Clock Lab Band from 2019-2020. While playing in the band, they were selected to perform in the Jazz at Lincoln Center Jack Rudin Jazz Championship in New York City in 2020.
In 2020, Pete was a semifinalist in the North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) jazz saxophone championship. In 2021, Pete recorded a record entitled V1 with a co-led group called Vector Field. This group is made up of highly accomplished musicians Pete did his undergraduate degree with in Texas (Ethan Ditthardt – guitar, Raul Reyes Bueno – bass, and Alex Souris – drums) and Kansas City vibraphonist Peter Schlamb.
In 2023, Pete participated in the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program hosted by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC. At this program, Pete performed on the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center as well as the Discover Jazz Festival in Burlington, VT. In 2024, Pete will participate in the Ravinia Steans Music Institute Program for Jazz in Chicago, IL.