Growing up in East Tennessee, Tony Babecka has become a sought after music educator and performer throughout the United States and abroad. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, TN, and a Master of Music Performance from Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI.


As an educator, he has taught and conducted clinics throughout Tennessee and Southwest Michigan covering a wide range of musical talents and abilities. His private students have received first chair placements, superior solo and ensemble scores, district and All-State honors. He is currently the director of bands at the Preparatory Institute of Academic Excellence at Charles I. West Hall. Under his direction, the band has made tremendous progress receiving 'Excellent' ratings at festivals and performing at the following prestigious Las Vegas events: College of Southern Nevada Science Expo; Martin Luther King, Jr., Oratorical Competition; Nevada Senator John Ensign; and the City of North Las Vegas Awards Banquet. Tony is also director of the Morris Sunset High School Drumline which recently had the honor of performing at the Clark County Education Services Division Graduation Ceremony.


As a performer, Mr. Babecka has been a featured soloist with professional symphony orchestras and concert bands. As a woodwind specialist, he has performed with numerous musical theatre pit orchestras and eclectic jazz groups. His jazz octet was a featured group at the International Association of Jazz Educators and performed with Stefon Harris, Fred Hersch, and Billy Hart. His playing has taken him aboard, being part of the American Music in China series and Jazz Artist with the Youth Symphony Orchestra of El Salvador.


While in Las Vegas, Tony has performed with numerous groups performing for a wide variety of events. He has performed with the Coasters, Platters, Kellie Wright, Sandy Kastel, and venues ranging from First Friday's Art Downtown to the Joint at the Hard Rock Cafe.