11 Sep Who is Wayne Hoey behind the Big Band?
Wayne Hoey’s musical journey began in the US Army, where he played with the 19th Army Band at Fort Devens, Massachusetts, his home state, before eventually retiring with the 434th Army Band at Fort Eisenhower, Georgia. His time in the military not only shaped his musical talent but allowed him to travel the world, playing alongside some of the most skilled musicians. During his military career, he also founded the award-winning band “All That Jazz,” marking the start of his leadership in music.
After retiring from the Army, Hoey transitioned into education, earning both a BA and MA in Music Education from Colorado State University. He spent years teaching middle school students in Colorado, instilling in them the love of music and honing their musical talents. In May 2018, after a rewarding career, he retired from full-time teaching. Hoey’s passion for music never dimmed, and he remained deeply connected to the art form. He and his wife Josephine relocated back to the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) to be closer to their growing number of grandchildren in Georgia. He is currently a long-term substitute teacher for Aiken County and is an director of the Middle School Jazz Band with the Music Conservatory at Augusta University.
Now a prominent figure in the CSRA arts community, Hoey leads the Wayne Hoey Big Band, which features some of the most talented jazz and big band musicians in the area. The band performs at local charities and community events, including the renowned Arts in the Heart of Augusta, the Hopeland’ Gardens Summer Concert Series in Aiken, and the Music in the Park series in North Augusta. With every performance, the band brings joy to audiences, continuing Hoey’s mission to keep live music vibrant and accessible.
In addition to his band, Hoey plays an integral role in the Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival, having managed the Global Stage since 2019. He’s also remained a performer at the festival since the early 1990s, further cementing his legacy in the local music scene. Hoey continues to inspire through his saxophone performances as a Yamaha Saxophone Clinician and enjoys participating in cultural events organized by the Greater Augusta and North Augusta Cultural Arts Councils.
Despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic, Hoey has remained optimistic, spending time practicing and staying musically active. He often jokes about serenading birds and neighbors with ballads and swing tunes, keeping his passion alive through private sessions. His love for music and teaching continues to ripple through the community, proving that for Wayne Hoey, life is indeed good when it’s filled with music.
You can find the Wayne Hoey Big Band on the Global Stage Friday, September 20th from 8:15 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at the Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival.
