Fascinated by many modes of creativity, Janelle Finton is a trumpeter, vocalist, composer, and poet who approaches music making and storytelling with wonder. In 2023 Janelle graduated from the Frost School of Music where she studied with the amazing Brian Lynch, as well as Etienne Charles, Dafnis Prieto (improvisation), and Dr. Kate Reid (voice). She has played at venues such as Ravinia as a featured vocalist with the Maria Schneider Orchestra, Birdland, and Dizzy’s club with the Grace Fox Big Band, the Baked Potato in LA with the John Daversa Big Band, and Carnegie Hall with NYOJazz, where she toured Europe and Asia with Sean Jones, Dianne Reeves, and Kurt Elling. As a writer, Janelle has been a NextNotes winner through the American Composer’s Forum, and a recipient of a Downbeat student music award for best jazz arrangement. Currently, Janelle performs and teaches in Chicago, and is continuously grateful for all the opportunities she has to share joy with people through her music.