EDUCATION
Doctor of Musical Arts in Jazz Studies, Secondary Emphasis in Musicology
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL; Expected 2022
Master of Music in Jazz Studies: Jazz Composition Track
University of North Texas, Denton, TX; 2017
Master of Business Administration
Robert Morris University, Chicago, IL; 2011
Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies: Arranging Emphasis
University of North Texas, Denton, TX; 2008
UNIVERSITY TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Brookhaven College Farmers Branch, TX
Adjunct Professor of Jazz Saxophone – Saxophone Lessons (Fall 2017, Spring 2018, Summer 2018) Instructor of Record
Responsibilities:
Teach a studio of community members and dual-credit high school juniors and seniors lessons in jazz saxophone.
Coach students through school performances and regional auditions.
Tarrant County College Ft. Worth, TX
Adjunct Professor of Music – Music Appreciation (Spring 2018) Instructor of Record
Responsibilities:
Teach the fundamentals of music theory and history to undergraduate non-majors.
Engage students with creative assignments such as in-class performances and formal analysis of popular songs.
Unit One/Allen Hall at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, IL
Graduate Teaching Assistant – Saxophone, Clarinet and Flute Lessons (Fall 2020) – Instructor of Record
Responsibilities:
Teach a studio of 20 undergraduate students saxophone, clarinet and flute lessons remotely over Zoom.
Guide students in developing classical technique and learning basic jazz improvisation skills.
Guide students in self-recording video for an end-of-semester Zoom recital.
University of North Texas Denton, TX
Graduate Teaching Assistant in Jazz Arranging (Fall 2015, Spring 2016, Fall 2016, Spring 2017)
Responsibilities:
Teach 15 undergraduate Jazz Studies majors the fundamentals of small and large ensemble jazz arranging in weekly lab groups.
Design exercises to ensure that students have adequate Jazz Theory, Jazz Harmony and Jazz Piano skills.
Coach students in the creation of three small-group arrangements, one original composition, and one arrangement for large ensemble.
University of North Texas Denton, TX
Graduate Teaching Fellow in Jazz Saxophone (Fall 2015, Spring 2016, Fall 2016, Spring 2017) – Instructor of Record
Responsibilities:
Teach a studio of five undergraduate Jazz Performance majors lessons in jazz saxophone.
Coach students through performances, transcriptions, and technical jury requirements.
Direct Jazz Saxophone Reading Band.
Unit One/Allen Hall at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, IL
Graduate Teaching Assistant – Guitar and Ukulele Lessons (Fall 2019, Spring 2020) – Instructor of Record
Responsibilities:
Teach a studio of 20 undergraduate students guitar and ukulele lessons.
Coach students through recital performances and rehearse guitar and ukulele ensembles.
Smoothly transition studio from in-person to remote lessons over Zoom during Covid-19 pandemic.
AWARDS, GRANTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Global Intersections Grant Center for Global Studies and European Union Center – Urbana, IL (2020)
$3000 awarded to assist with creation of Illinois Flamenco-Jazz Collective, a new dance and music ensemble dedicated to flamenco performance and education.
George A. Miller Visiting Scholars Grant Center for Advanced Study – Urbana, IL (2019)
$4500 awarded to create a week-long on-campus residency with professional guitarist David Chiriboga culminating in a performance by the Illinois Flamenco-Jazz Project, integrating music students with a Chicago-based professional flamenco ensemble.
New Music Presentation International Society of Jazz Composers and Arrangers (ISJAC) – Greeley, CO (2019)
Original composition “Myself When I Am Mingus” selected for presentation at biannual conference.
Gregg and Jeff Helgesen Fellowship in Jazz Studies University of Illinois College of Music – Urbana, IL (2018-2019)
$10,000 awarded for excellence in Jazz Studies.
Jazz Ensemble Composition Contest Ithaca College Jazz Ensemble – Ithaca, NY (2016)
Honorable mention – composition “La Apertura de las Semillas” selected for performance featuring guest artist Tony Kadleck.
Jazz Composition Contest Texas Community College Band Director’s Association (2015)
Winner – composition “Fry St. Follies” selected for performance at 2016 Texas Music Educator’s Association conference.
Covenant Arts Grant Covenant Presbyterian Church – Chicago, IL (2014)
$1,000 commission to compose a new cantata for Maundy Thursday.
Strategic Business Proposal Presentation Associated Supply Chain Solutions – Addison, IL (2011)
Presented recommendations for implementing new marketing strategy to company’s board of directors.
BANDLEADING AND CONDUCTING EXPERIENCE
Fiddle-Sax Fusion Band Urbana, IL (2020-present)
Sleek trio programming a mix of old-time and Irish fiddle tunes alongside folk hymns and blues repertoire in weekly socially-distanced outdoor performances and live-streams. Musical director, Tenor saxophone, Irish whistle, Arranger.
Illinois Flamenco-Jazz Collective Urbana, IL (2020-present)
Community-based music and dance ensemble centered at the U of I dedicated to flamenco education and performance featuring frequent collaborations with professional flamenco musicians. Musical director, Flute, Arranger
Iron Post Jazz Orchestra Urbana, IL (2019-present)
Traditional “reading” big band in the vein of the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra that performs monthly concerts of original pieces and arrangements by band members with featured soloist Prof. Tito Carrillo. Musical director, Tenor saxophone, Composer, Arranger
Illinois Flamenco-Jazz Project Urbana, IL (2019)
Concert integrating music students with professional flamenco ensemble. Tenor saxophone, Flute, Music director
Illinois Summer Youth Music Urbana, IL (2019)
Annual jazz workshop for promising middle- and high-school jazz performers. Director: middle school woodwind sectionals.
Blue-Funk All Stars Urbana, IL (2019-present)
High-energy quintet drawing a repertoire from the full range of Black American Music, covering artists like Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix, Sun Ra, and D’Angelo. Music director, Tenor saxophone, Flute, Arranger, Composer
Brian Stark Combo (2009-present)
Exciting jazz group that has had regular engagements at venues such as Firelight Vineyards (Valley View, TX), the Red Herring (Urbana, IL) and Fiesta Café (Champaign, IL) in addition to weddings and corporate events. Music director, Tenor saxophone, Flute, Arranger, Composer
Denton Presbyterian Church Music Team Denton, TX (2017-2018)
Praise band focusing on contemporary folk renditions of classic and contemporary hymns. Music director, Guitar, Vocals, Live sound setup
Master’s Composition Recital Denton, TX (2017)
A colorful mix of compositions and arrangements for choir, orchestra and big band, drawing from jazz, popular, world and classical styles. Composer, Arranger, Conductor, Saxophone
Jazz Saxophone Reading Band Denton, TX (2016)
Ensemble designed to guide younger undergraduate students towards excellence in sight-reading and ensemble performance. Conductor
One O’Clock Lab Band feat. Danilo Pérez Denton, TX (2016)
UNT’s premier jazz ensemble alongside Pérez’s professional quartet in a performance of “Panama 500.” Conductor
Home for Wayward Artists Chicago, IL (2015)
House band performing thematic and incidental music for theatrical production The Titus Andronicus Project. Composer, Musical director, Tenor saxophone, Ukulele
Covenant Ensemble Chicago, IL (2014)
Choral and chamber ensemble performance of Maundy Thursday Cantata. Composer, Conductor
Good Chai Productions Chicago, IL (2012)
Pit orchestra for musical theater production Master of Dreams.
Musical director, Arranger, Upright Bass
Renegade Lightning Rebellion Chicago, IL (2010-2015)
Energetic original rock group with influences ranging from indie rock to avant-garde jazz performing regular shows at top venues throughout Chicago and the Midwest. Music director, Composer, Lyricist, Vocals, Upright bass, Guitar, Ukulele, Tenor saxophone, Percussion, Manager, Producer
UNT Eagle Idol Denton, TX (2009)
Backing band for American-Idol style vocal competition. Music director, Arranger, Electric bass
Bachelor’s Composition Recital Denton, TX (2008)
A diverse set of progressive compositions for big band. Conductor, Composer, Arranger, Tenor saxophone
The Grasshopper’s Dying Words Denton, TX (2006-2009)
Nine-piece rock band blending a classic horn-band sound with the playfulness of contemporary ska. Composer, Lyricist, Arranger, Electric bass, Manager
PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE
Blue Water Kings Chicago, IL (2019-present)
Cover band performing upscale weddings and other private events throughout the Midwest. Tenor saxophone
Afro-Carribbean Jazz Collective Urbana, IL (2019-present)
Seven-piece Latin Jazz ensemble performing group originals and arrangements of classic and contemporary repertoire. Tenor Saxophone, Flute, Composer, Arranger
Jean-Rene Balekita Urbana, IL (2019-present)
Internationally renowned Congolese gospel performer. Tenor saxophone
Larry Gray Trio Urbana, IL (2019)
Performance at the Iron Post led by U of I Jazz Bass professor. Tenor saxophone
Illinois Summer Youth Music Jazz Faculty Showcase Urbana, IL (2019)
Combo performances featuring Profs. Tito Carrillo, Chip McNeill, Larry Gray, Chip Stephens, Ron Bridgewater and Joel Spencer. Tenor saxophone
Chris Watson Band Ft. Worth, TX (2018)
Southern rock ensemble combining original music with Stevie Wonder-era covers. Tenor saxophone
Keith Karns Big Band Denton, TX (2016-2018)
Contemporary big band performing originals and arrangements. Tenor saxophone, clarinet
NM Jazztet Dallas, TX (2016-2018)
Jazz quintet performing hard bop and soul jazz hits. Tenor saxophone, Composer
B3 Talent Agency Dallas, TX (2015-2018)
Unaccompanied outdoor performances at upscale shopping centers. Tenor saxophone
Stargazer Entertainment Dallas, TX (2015-2018)
A collective of Top 40 cover bands playing weddings and resorts. Tenor saxophone
Mooney/Stark Trio Denton, TX (2017)
Trio performance at Steve’s Wine Bar featuring UNT Jazz Guitar Professor Dr. Davey Mooney. Tenor saxophone
Brad Leali Jazz Orchestra Dallas, TX (2016-2017)
Top-call big band led by premier saxophonist Leali specializing in soulful swing and featuring amazing guest vocalists. Tenor saxophone
The Jam Wows Dallas, TX (2016-2017)
A high-energy Top 40 cover band playing weddings and restaurants. Tenor saxophone, Horn section leader, Arranger
Intensity Entertainment Dallas, TX (2016-2017)
Top 40 cover band playing weddings across Texas. Tenor saxophone
Starfall Orchestra Chicago, IL (2014-2015)
Big band directed by Basie alum Bob Ojeda specializing in classic swing and performing monthly dances. Tenor saxophone, Arranger
Big Band Boom Chicago, IL (2010-2015)
A “reading” big band that performs monthly concerts of standard big band repertoire and band originals. Tenor saxophone, Arranger
COMMISSIONED COMPOSITIONS AND ARRANGEMENTS
February 2020 Mr. PC Jazz Sextet – Dallas, TX – Original composition “Green Grass Blues” and arrangement of “Work Song”
November 2019 Westend Jazz Big Band – Hamburg, Germany – Big band arrangement of “What a Wonderful World”
April 2019 Lincoln College Jazz Ensemble – Lincoln, IL – Medium ensemble arrangements of “Lonely House” and “I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart”
March 2019 Shout Section Big Band – Chicago, IL – Big band arrangement of “We Are the Champions”
December 2018 Bitcoins and Gravy – Nashville, TN – Big band arrangement of their composition “To The Moon!”
April 2018 Southwest High School Jazz Ensemble feat. Quamon Fowler – Fort Worth, TX – Big band arrangement of Fowler’s original piece “Mr. Keen”
September 2016 Westend Jazz Big Band – Hamburg, Germany – Big band arrangement of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”
June 2016 Shout Section Big Band – Chicago, IL – Big band arrangement of “Hip to Be Square”
May 2016 Westend Jazz Big Band – Hamburg, Germany – Arrangement of “Magnificent Seven”
February 2016 One O’Clock Lab Band feat. Danilo Pérez – Denton, TX – Big band arrangement of Pérez’s piece “Panama 500”
January 2016 Southwest High School Jazz Ensemble – Ft. Worth, TX – Original composition “But You’ve Got the Key”
January 2016 Shout Section Big Band – Chicago, IL – Big band arrangement of “A Million Years Ago”
December 2016 Hot House Big Band – Dublin, Ireland – Big band arrangements of “Dancing In the Moonlight” and “Titanium”
June-July 2015 The Home for Wayward Artists Theater Company – Chicago, IL – Theme songs and incidental music for The Titus Andronicus Project
November 2014 Big Band Boom Live on WGN Morning Show – Chicago, IL – Big band arrangement of “All About That Bass”
April 2014 Covenant Choral Ensemble – Chicago, IL – He Loved Them Until The End – Original cantata for strings and voices
May 2014 Willard Elementary School Children’s Choir – Evanston, IL – “Listen to the Must’nts” – Song for children’s choir
October 2012 Good Chai Productions Theater Company – Chicago, IL – Orchestrations for musical theater piece Master of Dreams
ONLINE PRESENTATIONS AND COLLABORATIONS
Fiddle-Sax Fusion Band Urbana Free Library Online Concert (2020)
A pre-recorded set of adventurous takes on standard fiddle repertoire.
Tenor saxophone, Music director, Arranger, Audio-visual engineer
Illinois Flamenco-Jazz Collective IGI International Music and Dance (2020)
Presented two remotely-recorded flamenco music and dance videos for online event sponsored by the Illinois Global Institute.
Music director, Flute, Arranger, Audio-visual engineer, Co-host
DJ Rice Big Band “High Voltage” (2020)
Remote video collaboration composed and directed by a recent alum of the UNT One O’Clock Lab Band featuring an exciting tenor battle.
Tenor saxophone
Afro-Caribbean Jazz Collective “I Can’t Help It” (2020)
Remote Latin-jazz video collaboration featuring an expanded ensemble.
Flute
David Chiriboga “Herencia Latina” (2020)
Remote video collaboration with Chicago’s premier flamenco guitarist.
Flute, String arrangement
RECORDING CREDITS
Vertigo Children Being is Bereaving (2020)
High-octane heavy metal with jazz-inspired interludes.
Tenor saxophone on “Inverted Americana”
Zzo Temporary Bliss EP (2020)
Dreamy, spacey indie-pop by singer/keyboardist/producer Zoe Willott.
Tenor saxophone on “Here”
The Little Family Band Laid to Rest (2019)
Folk-rock ensemble with heartfelt melodies and rich vocal harmonies.
Saxophone, Upright bass
Shout Section Big Band Swingin’ on the Stand (2018)
A live document of Chicago’s premier swing dance band.
Arrangements of “Hip to Be Square” and “All About That Bass”
One O’Clock Lab Band Lab 2017 (2017)
Alan Baylock’s first record as leader of this award-winning band.
Tenor saxophone, Compositions “Peacock’s Crown Blues” and “Myself When I Am Mingus”
Two O’Clock Lab Band Two More Twice (2017)
An exciting ensemble featuring many promising young players. Composition “Shoes On”
One O’Clock Lab Band Lab 2016
The final record with Jay Saunders as director.
Composition “Alegrías de Soleá”
Two O’Clock Lab Band Channel Two (2016)
A stellar mix of group originals and standard jazz repertoire.
Tenor saxophone, Flute, Arrangement of “Stablemates”
Leonum Live @ ICON (2016)
Live-in-studio set captures the energy between band and audience.
Upright Bass
Leonum The Moments (2016)
Acoustic-alternative Americana with traditional folk instrumentation.
Upright Bass
Shout Section Big Band Live at Jean’s Jazz Series (2015)
Two-disc set showcasing this Chicago dance band’s unique repertoire.
Arrangement of “All About That Bass”
Renegade Lightning Rebellion Renegade Lightning Rebellion (2015)
Groovy indie-pop songs about pirates and blackbirds.
Co-producer, Composer, Arranger, Bass, Vocals, Ukulele, Saxophone, Percussion
Murdertron 4000 Murdertron 4000 EP (2013)
Contemporary atmospheric R&B.
Electric bass
Sewing Pattern Sewing Pattern (Japanese Release) (2012)
Bouncy indie-pop ruminations on love and friendship.
Tenor saxophone on “Chez Mignon”
Renegade Lightning Rebellion Four Statues (2011)
Introspective indie-pop explorations inspired by statues in Bern, Switzerland.
Co-producer, Composer, Arranger, Bass, Vocals, Guitar, Saxophone, Percussion
Parafeat Villainize You (2011)
Playful indie-rock breakup record.
Co-producer, Bass, Saxophone, Flute, Vocals, Arranger, Co-composer of “Everybody Loves You”
Starfunk & the Renegade Lightning Production Sexy on the Inside (2009)
Acoustic indie-rock with humorous lyrics.
Producer, Composer, Arranger, Bass, Vocals, Clarinet, MIDI programming, Guitar, Piano, Percussion.
Starfunk & the Renegade Lightning Production Boxers on the Outside (2009)
Introspective guitar-driven indie-rock.
Producer, Composer, Arranger, Bass, Vocals, Saxophone, MIDI programming, Guitar, Piano, Percussion.
Eight Hundred Lbs. Priceless EP (2009)
Classic rock meets classic funk.
Electric bass, Tenor saxophone, Composer of “Priceless” and “Fever Song”
EDUCATIONAL CLINICS
February 2020 LWC Jazz Festival – New Lenox, IL – Led saxophone section masterclass focused on sight-reading and ensemble playing.
November 2018 McHenry Jazz Festival – McHenry, IL – Coached three high school jazz ensembles on ensemble playing.
April 2017 Chet Baker Educational Jazz Festival – Denton, TX – Led saxophone section masterclass for three high school jazz ensembles.
January 2017 Bass Performance Hall Jazz Festival – Fort Worth, TX – Coached high school saxophone section on ensemble playing.
February 2016 Apex Jazz Festival – Southlake, TX – Coached Southwest High School Jazz Ensemble on commissioned piece “But You’ve Got the Key.”
OTHER TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Saxophone Lesson and Masterclass Instructor Dallas-Fort Worth, TX (2017-2018) Contracted by independent school districts in Celina, Mansfield and Richardson
Saxophone, Piano, Guitar and Ukulele Private Lesson Instructor Chicago, IL (2013-2015) In-house lessons contracted through Piano Power and Skokie School of Music
Lessons Teacher and Ensemble Co-Director at School of Rock Chicago, IL (2012-2013) Taught guitar, bass, keyboard and, vocal lessons. Co-directed the Grunge Ensemble
ACADEMIC ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE
U of I Concert Jazz Band, Urbana, IL (2018-2020)
U of I Improvisor’s Exchange Ensemble, Urbana, IL (2019-2020)
U of I Chip Stephens Combo Urbana, IL (2020)
U of I Ron Bridgewater Combo Urbana, IL (2019)
U of I Joel Spencer Combo Urbana, IL (2018-2019)
UNT One O’Clock Lab Band Denton, TX (2016-2017)
UNT Two O’Clock Lab Band Denton, TX (2015-2016)
PERFORMANCES WITH GUEST ARTISTS
Jim Snidero (December 2019) Performance with U of I Concert Jazz Band
Brad Dutz (October 2019) Performance with Concert Jazz Band
Ann La Berge (May 2019) Performance with Improvisor’s Exchange
Jeff Helgesen (December 2018) Performance with Concert Jazz Band
Michael Waldrop (October 2018) Performance with Concert Jazz Band
Renee Baker (September 2018) Conducted improvisation/live soundtrack performance with student ensemble
Stefon Harris (February 2017) Performance with One O’Clock Lab Band
Andy Laverne (January 2017) Performance for UNT Jazz Lecture Series
James Morrison (January 2017) Performance with One O’Clock Lab Band
Sean Jones (November 2016) Performance with One O’Clock Lab Band
PRIVATE TEACHERS
Chip McNeill, Jazz Saxophone, 2018-present
Ron Bridgewater, Jazz Saxophone, 2019
Brad Leali, Jazz Saxophone, 2017
Roy Allen, Classical Saxophone, 2017
Alan Baylock, Jazz Composition, 2015-2017
Steve Wiest, Jazz Composition, 2007-2008
Paris Rutherford, Jazz Composition, 2005-2008
Chris Bullock, Jazz and Classical Saxophone, 2005-2007
Jim Riggs, Jazz Saxophone, 2005-2007