About Luke Bacani

Born in Stamford, Connecticut and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, New York City based musician Luke Bacani has grown to become a creative and awe-inspiring vibraphonist, composer, arranger, and percussionist.

Luke started his music career at the age of six playing drumset at Hix Bros Music. He continued his percussion education at Indian Prairie School District’s Grammy award winning music program, performing with orchestral groups when he entered 5th grade. His affinity for jazz vibraphone began in 7th grade when his private lessons teacher Matt Plaskota encouraged him to pursue mallet improvisation.

At Neuqua Valley High School, Luke participated in all of the capstone music ensembles and furthered his musical reach as the section leader of the marching band’s pit orchestra, a guided lessons teacher for middle school students, a leading member in the steel pan group, and an avid volunteer in the Naperville Municipal Band.

Throughout high school, Luke auditioned for the Illinois Music Education Association and became a part of the Illinois Music Education Conference All-State Jazz Band in 2019 and 2021. His senior year of high school, Luke was awarded the Louis Armstrong award in 2021 in recognition of "outstanding musical achievement and an incredible dedication to the program.”

Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree at Manhattan School of Music, Luke has been influenced stylistically by working with such faculty as Jon Faddis, Jaleel Shaw, Dayna Stephens, and Rogerio Boccato within the classroom. Luke has also had the privilege of performing alongside esteemed artists such as Marc Cary, Jaleel Shaw, Rogerio Boccato, and Ingrid Jensen at Dizzy’s Jazz Club and Neidorff-Karpati Hall.

Furthermore, Luke has had the opportunity to study privately under renowned artists Jeremy Manasia, Ingrid Jensen, Patricia Brennan, and, most importantly, vibraphonist Joel Ross. Under Ross’ guidance, Luke has honed his vibraphone technique and integrated composing and arranging into his repertoire, leading his musicianship and sonic palette to grow exponentially.