George Iftner - Trumpet

George Iftner began busting his trumpet chops at the age of 11.  After
being forced to play in marching band through Michigan's freezing rain
and snow as a freshman and sophomore, he left public school to finish
high school at the Interlochen Arts Academy in northern Michigan where he studied orchestral trumpet and traditional big band jazz music.  

George continued his studies at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston where he studied with Tim Morrison of the Boston Symphony Orchestra/Boston Pops.  After adventures at the University of Wisconsin, Madison and later in the U.S. Peace Corps, Thailand, George settled in Chicago from 1997 - 2000 where he fell in love with a girl named Salsa and her hot sister Merengue. The movie the "Mambo Kings" was the spark, and the trumpet was the vehicle.  

In Chicago, George played steadily with various Puerto Rican bands in some of the hottest dance clubs and summer festivals in Grant Park. In Humboldt Park, the heart of the Puerto Rican hood, he learned how to swing his hips a bit.

In 2000, George landed in Seattle and continued his love affair with Latin music styles playing with MangoSon, Conjunto Meneo, and now Rhythm Syndicate.  

George also joins up with Eric and Zach to play with Rocks Off, a Rolling Stones tribute band. (www.myspace.com/rocksoffseattle)