The Ringsby/Santos/Najera/Sherman Quartet brings together four musicians from across the
US to deliver a creative, joyous musical experience. Each member’s distinct musical voice
comes together in this highly collaborative setting to present modern interpretations of jazz
standards, as well as unique original compositions.
Alayna Ringsby is a professional jazz pianist, educator, arranger and composer based in the
Midwest. She is pursuing a Masters in Music from Jacobs School of Music, where she serves as
the Associate Instructor of Jazz Piano.
Michael Santos is a South Florida–born upright bassist and jazz musician based in the Midwest.
Known for his joyful, expressive stage presence, he brings an energetic and deeply human
approach to straight-ahead jazz, free improvisation, and contemporary styles. He is currently
pursuing a Doctor of Music in Jazz Studies at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music.
Nick Najera is a saxophonist, composer, and educator from Southern California. As a doctoral
student at Indiana University, Nick teaches improvisation, history, big bands, and combos and
leads the Latin soul band Tortilla Jackson.
Tate Sherman is a drummer and composer currently based in Bloomington, IN. He has had the
opportunity to perform alongside Rodney Whitaker, Marquis Hill, and Philip Dizack, and at
venues across the Midwest: the Detroit Jazz Festival, the Blue Llama, the Jazz Showcase, the
Jazz Kitchen, etc. He also loves to write poetry and prose!