About Frank Tiberi

This fan page celebrates the career of Frank Tiberi (born December 4, 1928 in Camden, New Jersey) – a saxophonist, clarinetist, flutist, bassoonist, bandleader and educator. Since 1987 he has led the Woody Herman Orchestra and has been a long-time professor at Berklee College of Music.

Timeline

1928 · Camden, NJ

Frank Tiberi is born in Camden, New Jersey. He will later describe growing up surrounded by music and community bands.

1930s–1940s

Starts clarinet around age eight and begins performing professionally as a teenager, playing local gigs and dances and joining touring big bands.

Late 1940s–1950s

Tours with Bob Chester, then works with Benny Goodman, Urbie Green and others, refining his big band and small group experience.

1960s

Becomes an in-demand studio musician and Broadway doubler in New York, adding flute and bassoon to his arsenal while staying rooted in jazz.

1969

Joins Woody Herman’s band and the famous “Four Brothers” saxophone section, soon becoming a featured soloist, arranger and section leader.

1987

After years of assuming musical director responsibilities, Tiberi is officially named leader of the Woody Herman Orchestra, a role he continues to hold.

1990s–2000s

Releases albums under his own name, including Tiberian Mode, 4 Brothers 7 and later Audacity, often featuring fellow Berklee saxophonist George Garzone and other major players.

Today

Now in his mid-90s, Tiberi remains a revered figure in the jazz community, known for his deep knowledge of harmony, his connection to John Coltrane’s language and his passion for mentoring younger musicians.