Trombonist and vocalist Selena Savage was born and raised in Whitehorse, Yukon, before moving to Toronto to pursue her studies. A graduate of the University of Toronto Jazz Performance program, Selena has spent her time in the city developing her musical identity through composition, arranging, and performing.

While at UofT, Selena studied with trombonist/arranger Terry Promane, alongside Christian Overton and Jim Lewis. The approach to writing and arranging employed by musicians like Promane, Rob McConnell and Rick Wilkins is one that Selena honours in her own music. Her compositions have been described as lush, warm, energetic and conversational, and have been performed by both her own ensembles, and those led by other musicians in the scene. The Angela Pincente Jazz Orchestra, Dan Bodanis Big Band, and the Jim Lewis 12tet have performed Selena’s original work. During her studies, her charts were also performed by the William Carn 10tet, and the University of Toronto Jazz Orchestra (featuring Sean Jones). 

Selena works as a bandleader and side musician in Toronto, and has also toured across Canada with groups like the New North Collective and Circumpolar Soundscape, on trombone and vocals. Notable venues include the Yukon Arts Centre, Shadbolt Centre for the Arts (Vancouver), and the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre (St. Catherine’s). Her main project, the Selena Savage Septet, performs regularly throughout Toronto at venues such as The Rex, Jazz Bistro, and The Emmet Ray.