Biography
“With the release of Quartet, Arman makes his case for the attention of the international audience. This is undoubtedly the start of a very promising career.”
- Walter Smith III, saxophonist and composer
Saxophonist and composer Arman Sangalang has been garnering attention as one of the up-and-coming jazz musicians in the Chicago music scene. As a bandleader, he currently leads the Arman Sangalang Quartet which feature his compositions that are informed by jazz, folk, and improvised music. His debut record “Quartet” was released on August 4th, 2023 on Calligram Records.
Throughout his career, he’s had the honor of sharing the stage with notable jazz artists such as Jon Irabagon, Clark Sommers, Lenard Simpson, Camila Mennitte, and countless others. His music has been performed prestigious venues like the Hyde Park Jazz Festival, Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, and Chicago Jazz Festival. Other notable venues include The Green Mill, Hungry Brain, The California Clipper, The Whistler, the Epiphany Center for the Arts and the Logan Center for the Arts.
Arman has also received various accolades in the last few years. He was awarded grants from the Illinois Arts Council Agency and Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events for his debut album. In 2023, he was selected to be apart of the Boysie Lowery Living Jazz Residency in Delaware. In 2022, IRIS, a collective formed by Arman, was one of four groups across the U.S. selected for the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Academy. The same year, Arman was also the awardee of the Jazz Institute of Chicago’s Jazz Links Fellowship program.
Arman holds a bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies (Saxophone) at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music where he studied with Greg Ward, Tom Walsh, and Walter Smith III. He finished a master’s degree at Northern Illinois University in 2022 where he studied with Geof Bradfield.
In addition to being an active performer, Arman is a committed educator. While at NIU, Arman held a graduate assistantship where he coached jazz combos and taught courses. Most recently, he was a teaching assistant at Birch Creek Music Performance Center in 2023. He currently coaches a jazz combo with the Chicago program, After School Matters and maintains his own private studio. He also held positions at Stafford Music Academy in Bloomington, IN, NIU Community School for the Arts and South Suburban College.
Photo by JSPAM Photography
Quartet
by Arman Sangalang
“Arman Sangalang spearheads the next generation of Filipino-Americans making headway for equal representation on the stage and airwaves. His knowledge of the history of the music informs his atmospheric originals and use of modern textures and soundscapes, creating mindful and inviting interaction with his listeners.”
-Jon Irabagon, saxophonist and composer
“With the release of Quartet, Arman makes his case for the attention of the international audience. This is undoubtedly the start of a very promising career.”
- Walter Smith III, saxophonist and composer
Chicago tenor saxophonist and composer Arman Sangalang makes an auspicious debut as a bandleader with Quartet on the newly-minted Calligram Records. Backed by the simpatico rhythm section of bassist Matt Ulery, guitarist Dave Miller and drummer Devin Drobka, Sangalang presents a program of sophisticated original compositions and a soulful rendition of “Polka Dots and Moonbeams,” all delivered with maturity and depth that belie his 25 years.
This project is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency and a grant from the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
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Arman Sangalang Quartet
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Arman Sangalang Quartet
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Arman Sangalang Quartet
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Arman Sangalang Quartet
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Arman Sangalang Quartet
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Arman Sangalang Quartet
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Arman Sangalang Quartet
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Arman Sangalang Quartet
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Arman Sangalang and Dave Miller
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Arman Sangalang Quartet
Press KIt
quotes about Quartet
“[Sangalang] plays with a maturity and authority one would associate with a more seasoned player than someone starting out.” -Textura
“Sangalang has a full and dark tenor sound that complements his rich compositions…I hope we will see much more from this young player in the years to come.” -Russell Perry, WTJU Radio
“His talented four-member ensemble uses delicate textures and shadings in lieu of heated fire and brimstone to amplify its even-tempered musical purpose.” 3.5 star review- All About Jazz
“His deep playing and complex compositions should be far beyond Sangalang’s youthful experience. Thankfully, they’re not and hopes are high for what comes next from him” - J. Hunter, RadioRadioX
About
Saxophonist and composer Arman Sangalang has been garnering attention as one of the up-and-coming jazz musicians in the Chicago music scene. As a bandleader, he currently leads the Arman Sangalang Quartet which feature his compositions that are informed by jazz, folk, and improvised music. His debut record “Quartet” was released on August 4th, 2023 on Calligram Records and showcases Dave Miller on guitar, Matt Ulery on bass and Devin Drobka on drums.
Throughout his career, he’s had the honor of sharing the stage with notable jazz artists such as Jon Irabagon, Clark Sommers, Lenard Simpson, Camila Mennitte, and countless others. His music has been performed prestigious venues like the Hyde Park Jazz Festival, Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, and Chicago Jazz Festival. Other notable venues include The Green Mill, Hungry Brain, The California Clipper, The Whistler, the Epiphany Center for the Arts and the Logan Center for the Arts.
Arman has also received various accolades in the last few years. He was awarded grants from the Illinois Arts Council Agency and Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events for his debut album. In 2023, he was selected to be apart of the Boysie Lowery Living Jazz Residency in Delaware. In 2022, IRIS, a collective formed by Arman, was one of four groups across the U.S. selected for the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Academy. The same year, Arman was also the awardee of the Jazz Institute of Chicago’s Jazz Links Fellowship program.
IRIS
Quotes
“Music is all about community and IRIS understands, embraces and promotes that through the glory of swing!”
– Reginald Thomas, NYO Ensemble Director and Jazz Pianist
“IRIS brings depth, fire, and humor to the stage.”
– Etienne Charles, Guggenheim Fellow & Trumpeter
“IRIS navigates the jazz tradition with buoyant swing, crisp ensemble passages, and soulful sounds deeply informed by the blues.”
– Geof Bradfield, Chicago Saxophonist & Composer
About
Born out of five peers’ mutual desire to fuse jazz’s historic subgenres such as hard bop and post bop, Chicago-based jazz collective IRIS releases their self-titled debut on Shifting Paradigm Records on May 3rd, 2024. Initially the brainchild of saxophonist Arman Sangalang, the band features trombonist Kirby Fellis, pianist Austyn Menk, bassist Morgan Turner and drummer Paul Barrilles.
The music from IRIS is a product of their memorable experience from the highly esteemed Jazz Aspen Snowmass Academy in Colorado. As one of four groups from across the country selected to attend, the program allowed IRIS to immerse themselves in the teachings of renowned artists like Etienne Charles, Brian Lynch and Chuck Bergeron. Upon returning to Chicago, the group continued to develop their sound, touring across the Midwest to venues like Cliff Bell’s (MI), Jazz Central Studios (MN), Merriman’s Playhouse (IN), and Andy’s Jazz Club (IL). Fresh off their 2023 spring tour, the band headed into the studio and recorded at Kiwi Audio. The result is described as “a beautiful representation of jazz music in its current attire,” by guitar virtuoso Bobby Broom.
Learn more at www.irisquintet.com
Meet the Members
Press Articles
Private Lessons
Join my private studio
Arman Sangalang has had his private studio for the last few years. The goal of his studio is to help students accomplish their musical goals whether it be preparing for an audition or learning an instrument for the first time. Arman holds degrees from Indiana University and Northern Illinois University and has teaching experience through Birch Creek, After School Matters, NIU Community School of the Arts and more. Arman is accepting students in his in-person and virtual studio through Zoom, Skype or Facetime. For lessons and more information on lesson rates, please fill out a form here
Lesson Topics
Saxophone Technique/Fundamentals
Jazz Improvisation
Music Theory
Beginner/Intermediate Flute
Beginner/Intermediate Clarinet
Testimonials:
“Arman is a great teacher. Very patient. Very positive in coaching and instructing me. I feel like I am getting better with his assistance. Plus he appears to genuinely care about my progress.” -George W. (Student)
“[Arman does] an excellent job of both encouraging and challenging Joshua. [He is] not simply an expert on [his] instrument, but has a knack for explaining and sharing [his] knowledge. Joshua and I both appreciate [him] very much. -Christina H. (Parent)
“Arman is an excellent music teacher! He is very professional, kind, talented, and motivated!” -Sandra S. (Parent)
