Steve Torok has performed with Stevie Wonder, Barry Manilow, The Temptations, Four Tops, Mary Wilson of the Supremes, O'Jays, Toni Tennille, Tony Orlando, Cybil Shepard, Taj Mahal, Ernie Watts, Bob Florence, Andy Griffith, and many others. His saxophone playing and arrangements are featured on many national recordings, and he has written and recorded commercial jingles that have aired throughout the United States, Europe, Japan, and for world wide audiences of CNN International. His work as a composer and soloist is featured on the contemporary jazz CDs Point of View (1998), and Gospel Jazz (2001). In 2004, Steve was assistant conductor, music librarian, and rehearsal saxophone sub for Gerald Albright for the 2004 TV Land Awards. Highlights from the last several years include performing as a featured soloist with the Temptations, Four Tops, and O’Jays at Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, touring with the Temptations and Four Tops throughout the southwest, arranging music for the TV show American Idol, and recording with drum legend Louis Bellson for The Sacred Music of Louie Bellson (2006).
Past teaching positions include the University of Southern California, University of Alabama at Birmingam, Birmingham-Southern College, Idyllwild Arts Academy, and Mount San Jacinto College (MSJC). From 1993-1998 Steve was a tenured faculty member and department chair at MSJC where he directed the acclaimed Menifee Jazz Ensemble. The band performed regularly throughout Southern California and was featured, along with Steve's arrangements, at the 2005 Star Wars Celebration III in Indianapolis. Steve also produced and arranged the group’s debut CD All Rhythm, No Reason in 2008. Steve is currently a professor at Mira Costa College in Oceanside, CA where he directs the Mira Costa College Jazz Ensemble.
Steve holds a BFA from Carnegie Mellon University, an MM from the University of Southern California, and is currently pursuing his doctorate at Boston University.
Steve plans to release his new solo recording in 2009. Sample a bit of a rough mix under the music link at left. The custom Star Wars jazz arrangements, written for Lucasfilm and premiered at Star Wars Celebration III, will be included in the recording.