About the Artist

Thomas Putterbaugh

Thomas Putterbaugh is a Jazz trumpeter, arranger, and educator from Northern Kentucky. Known for his expressive sound and thoughtful arranging, he contributes to the contemporary Jazz scene while inspiring the next generation of musicians through education.

He serves as Jazz Director at Campbell County High School in Alexandria, Kentucky, where he leads student ensembles and cultivates a vibrant Jazz program. As a house arranger for The Friend’s Big Band in Louisville KY, Thomas contributes original works and reimagined classics to the group’s repertoire. He also works as a Brass Technician at Kennedy Heights Arts Center, supporting student development in brass performance.

In May 2024, Thomas released his debut album, Present Life, featuring eight original compositions for Jazz sextet. In April 2025, Putterbaugh facilitated, directed, and produced a recording session with the Cincinnati Young Composers Jazz Orchestra, a project that showcased his own compositions and arrangements alongside those of his peers.

Thomas currently composes, arranges, and records a variety of genres for Taxi Music Service in Los Angeles, and has had featured works on film, television, and commercial media.

Beyond performing and writing, he is deeply involved in Jazz outreach. He is the Event Manager for the Essentially Ellington Regional Festival in Cincinnati and previously served on the Board of the Louisville Jazz Society, supporting Jazz education and community engagement.

Thomas earned his Bachelor of Music from the University of Louisville (2024) and is currently pursuing a Master of Music at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), where he serves as a Graduate Assistant.