READ ABOUT ME
Nick Hmeljak is a trumpet and composer based in Kansas City, MO. Nick fell in love with the trumpet at age 11 after hearing the brilliant and velvety sound of Miles Davis’s horn, and was later inspired by his forward thinking artistry and approach to band leading.
Currently, Nick is based in Kansas City. His fusion quintet, Open Channel, performs regularly around the midwest. There are few places where unfiltered expressions of emotion are acceptable, Open Channel is a rebellion against this. Open Channel plays original music based on the people, places, and things in their lives, creating an atmosphere for introspection, vulnerability, and good vibes.
In addition to band leading, Nick performs regularly as a sideman for R&B, Cumbia, Musical Theater, and party bands in addition to doing masterclasses, clinics, and private lessons for local high school music programs. Nick graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 2023 with a B.M in Jazz Studies and has been a student of Adam Larson, Stan Kessler, Jamey Simmons, and Michael Arndt.
OPEN CHANNEL IS RELEASING ITS FIRST ALBUM IN AUGUST OF 2026
TESTIMONIALS
“Open Channel, led by Nick Hmeljak, provided a fantastic master class for the Shawnee Mission South jazz band. It was so inspiring for my students to not just hear the great musicianship but also to see the constant non-verbal communication between these incredible musicians during each number! Each musician has so much passion for their craft! My students loved the chance to ask questions of the performers and some even had the opportunity to sit in on a blues number! Great session!” - Steve Adams, Shawnee Mission South High School Band Director (Masterclass, Winter 2026)
