Bob Lark's Alumni Big Band

Bob Lark is recognized regionally, nationally and internationally as a contemporary jazzeducator and performer of integrity. His approach to pedagogy and rehearsal techniqueshas been noted by participation in professional conferences; publication of articles;compact disc recordings as both a performer and ensemble director; and the direction ofnumerous student honors ensembles. Down Beat magazine recognized Bob’s work in2010 with their Jazz Education Achievement Award.As a performer, Bob is a trumpet and flugelhorn player whose performances areespecially notable for his lyrical style and fine tone. His harmonically orientedimprovisations shift between aggressive and cool playing. In speaking of Lark, jazz iconClark Terry stated: “He’s a very good trumpet player, a very good musician. He’s paid hisdues.”Two compact disc recordings by Bob Lark and his Alumni Big Band – Sweet Return(Jazzed Media JM1068), and Reunion (Jazzed Media JM1057) – have received fantasticreviews by print and electronic media. Recently released on the Jazzed Media label is thecritically acclaimed compact disc recording Thick As Thieves (Jazzed Media JM1075), byThe Bob Lark/Phil Woods Quintet. This follows the success of a series of recordingson the Jazzed Media label, including additional recordings by The Bob Lark/Phil WoodsQuintet; Bob Lark and his ALUMNI BIG BAND; and Bob Lark and Friends, with PhilWoods, Rufus Reid, Jim McNeely and Mark Colby. Bob’s playing and writing are alsofeatured on the CD recordings Until You and First Steps on the Hallway label. He is an exclusive Yamaha Performing Artist. In 2013, DePaul University honored Bob Lark as an ambassador for the DePaulDistinctions campaign. He serves as a Professor of Jazz Studies at DePaul University inChicago, Illinois, where he directs the university Jazz Ensemble and The Phil WoodsEnsemble, teaches jazz trumpet and courses in jazz pedagogy, jazz history and jazz style. Under his direction the DePaul Jazz Ensemble has produced several OutstandingPerformance Awards from the Jazz Educators Journal, Down Beat and Jazz Timesmagazines, and has recorded albums with legendary jazz artists Phil Woods, Clark Terry,Louie Bellson, Bob Brookmeyer, Jim McNeely, Jeff Hamilton, Slide Hampton, Tom Harrell,Ira Sullivan, Bobby Shew, Mark Colby, and Chicago Symphony Orchestra membersCharles Vernon and John Bruce Yeh. Bob is an active clinician, soloist and guest conductor. He has served as host for theCarmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Solo Competition, is the past-president of theIllinois Unit of the International Association for Jazz Education, and has chaired theInternational Trumpet Guild jazz improvisation competition. Throughout the 1990’s, Bobdirected the Midwest GRAMMY High School Jazz Band. Prior to his appointment to DePaul University, he was an Assistant Professor of Music atEmporia State University, Kansas. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree inperformance from the University of North Texas, having earlier earned a Master of MusicEducation degree from that school, and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from TheOhio State University.

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