Mike Kaplan (arranger/tenor saxophone) envisioned the Nonet as a unit combining the strength, cohesion and varied tonal colors of a big band with the spontaneity and flexibility of a small group.  Among the groups and performers Kaplan has played or recorded with are Slide Hampton, the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Chico Mendoza’s Latin Jazz Dream Band, Steve Turre, Russell Malone and Rob McConnell.  

In addition to freelancing in the NJ/NY area, Kaplan has had his arrangements performed by the Diane Moser’s Composers Big Band and recorded by Orquesta Royal and la Progressiva.  

In 2008, Mike was the recipient of a Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission Bits and Pieces grant to write an original composition for 9 piece ensemble for a performance at the Barron Performing Arts Center (Woodbridge, NJ) , the first such musical grant awarded in over 10 years.   

Mike studied saxophone with Charles McPherson, Warne Marsh, Bob Mover and Joe Lovano and graduated from William Paterson University with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance.