Kyle Simpson 186 South Main Street Apt. 6 (406) 207-2674 ksimpson@washjeff.edu EDUCATION: Bachelor of Music, Lawrence University June 2004 Majors: Music Education and Music Performance (Jazz Emphasis) GPA 3.4 Master of Music in Composition, University of Montana May 2006 GPA 3.74 STUDY Royal Academy of Music, London, England March 2002-June 2002 ABROAD: Gerard Presencer, Instructor and Jazz Department Chair European American Musical Alliance, Paris France July 2008-August 2008 Composition seminar in the style of master educator Nadia Boulanger Teachers: Dr. Robert Beaser and Dr. Philip Lasser HONORS: Washington & Jefferson College Grant for Faculty May 2008 Ken Mason Sr. Summer Research Grant Michael Iovenko Fellowship for Music Study in Paris, France July 2008 ASCAP Foundation, Henry Mancini Music Scholarship December 2006 Elmhurst Jazz Festival, Outstanding Performance Award February 2003 TEACHING EXPERIENCE: Assistant Professor of Music September 2007-Present Washington & Jefferson College, Washington, PA Jazz Ensemble Taught large ensemble improvisation Provided private improvisation lessons for ensemble members Created rehearsal methodologies for development of jazz swing conception Selected repertoire from traditional to contemporary that dealt with unusual instrumentation Taught pieces aurally, where no written music was used Provided instruction in how to transcribe jazz from a recording. The students then used this knowledge to transcribe entire pieces to perform at concerts Created programs that utilized improvisation from each student Integrated new presentations of jazz music to audiences Composed new pieces featuring different styles to showcase the ensemble Provided cultural trips to New York City for the Jazz Ensemble to see Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra Help funded a trip to Philadelphia to experience the Grammy winning ensemble Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra Organized new events for the ensemble to participate in such as the Youghiogheny Jazz Festival and the Washington Farmer s Market Wind Ensemble Developed and conducted a themed concert (A Tribute to Cinema) Composed an original piece featuring a new faculty member Visited area high schools and presented opportunities for performance and education Jazz History Taught History of Jazz to music and non-music students Worked with a reference librarian to create a Jazz Resource Scavenger Hunt Incorporated the use of internet sites as new learning tools ( i.e. YouTube) Used listening examples to link written information to music
Implemented a final project where students produce a jazz radio show in a specific topic. Guest Lecturer and Performer December 2008 West Virginia University, Morgantown WV Spent two days coaching jazz combos and jazz ensembles Wrote a new piece for the jazz ensemble for performance Worked privately with jazz students on various methods of improvisation Discussed ensemble playing within the large group ensemble. Focused the presentation on blending in the section and as a whole ensemble Creator-Washington Jazz Society Student Ensemble: October 2008-Present Washington Jazz Society, Washington, PA Cooperated with high school band directors from the communities of Washington/Pittsburgh/West Virginia areas to provide high quality instruction and new opportunities for young, dedicated music students interested in jazz Worked with local professional musicians to setup performance opportunities and to provide real world gig experiences Invited area professional musicians to conduct master classes Focused teaching on jazz style, articulation, and improvisation through call and response techniques. Directed group rehearsals every Saturday morning Graduate Teaching Assistant September 2004- May 2006 University of Montana, Missoula, Montana Jazz Ensemble II Taught large ensemble improvisation Provided private improvisation lessons for ensemble members Created rehearsal methodologies for development of jazz swing conception Selected balanced ensemble repertoire from traditional to contemporary Developed new jazz concert series in Missoula venues (e.g. Duke Ellington Night Downtown and other special theme programs) Integrated media displays in rehearsal illustrating the history of the large jazz ensemble (using recordings, photographs, and student presentations) Symphonic Band Served as assistant to Symphonic Band conductor Conducted one work on each concert, including marches, lyrical, and classic wind ensemble repertoire (e.g. Lincolnshire Posy) Conducted sectional rehearsals with both brass and woodwinds Provided trumpet section members with private lessons in breathing, sound, and technique Marching Band Served as assistant to Marching Band conductor Organized and conducted sectionals for all sections of the ensemble Coordinated logistical details for the ensemble Maintained attendance records Student Director, Jazz Combos September 2002-June 2004 Lawrence University, Appleton, WI Conducted all rehearsals and organized concert performances Selected ensemble repertoire and arranged custom performance selections Served as jazz small groups coach for elementary and middle school students in the Lawrence Academy of Music Jazz Saturdays program
Music Intern August 2003 January 2004 New London Public Schools, New London, WI Conducted rehearsals for 9 th -10 th Grade Band and llth-12 th Grade Band Utilized Kodaly and Suzuki techniques in teaching ear training to ensembles Directed and coached Jazz Band Coached and served as assistant conductor for musical Little Shop of Horrors Provided feedback on student progress to parents with collaborating teacher Designed and charted routines for marching band Conducted pep band Formed New London Brass Quintet Assisted with fund raising and chaperoning Instructed 80 students in private and group brass and woodwind lessons Trumpet Instructor September 2001- June 2004 Lawrence University Academy of Music, Appleton, WI Provided private trumpet instruction for six middle and high school students Developed special lesson materials for each pupil Reported student progress to program administrators PRIVATE STUDY: High School Level: Jazz and Classical Trumpet: Kyle Newmaster Concert Band and Wind Ensemble: Wayne Feller and Paul Kile University Level: Trumpet: Robert Levy, Jennifer Atwater, John Daniel, and Steven Bolstad. Jazz: Ken Schaphorst, Fred Sturm, Jose Encarnacion, and Lance Boyd Composition: Fred Sturm, Ken Schaphorst, Patrick Williams, Charles Nichols, Dave Douglas, and Robert Beaser PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE: Producer and Arranger, Ryan Garfi (Male vocalist for Glenn Miller) September 2007 The Very Thought Of You (2007) Composer, Jazz Composers Residency at the Banff Centre for the Arts June 2007 Banff, Canada Section and Solo Jazz trumpet, Glenn Miller Orchestra January 2007 to August 2007 Musician/Arranger, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line September -December 2006 Composer and Performer, Henry Mancini Institute (Los Angeles, CA) July 2006 Studied with Jack Smalley, Maria Schneider, Gordy Haab, Vince Mendoza, and Chris Brubeck. Composed music for and conducted the studio orchestra at Universal Music Studios. Original composition Autumn Fields performed by institute studio orchestra under the direction of Vince Mendoza. Participant, Summer Workshop in Jazz and Creative Music (Banff, AB, Canada) May- June 2004 Studied in classes, ensembles, and private instruction with Jazz legends Dave Douglas, Greg Osby, and Vijay Iyer. Participant, Lake Placid Jazz Institute (Lake Placid, NY) Summer 2001 Studied with Joe Lovano, Kenny Werner, Jim McNeely, Rufus Reid, Gary Peacock, Billy Hart, and Bob Brookmeyer. Jazz Trumpet Soloist, Blue Talk and Love (Missoula, MT) 2004-2005 Performed with vocalist Eden Atwood (Groove Note records recording artist) Jazz Trumpet Soloist, David Morgenroth Quartet (Missoula, MT) 2004-2006
Jazz Trumpet Soloist, University of Montana Jazz Ensemble I September 2004- May 2006 Featured soloist at the Buddy DeFranco Jazz Festival, May 2005 and May 2006 Featured duet with Paquito D'Rivera Jazz Trumpet Soloist, Lawrence University Jazz Ensemble September 2000-June 2004 Performed with the Dave Holland Quintet, Kurt Elling, Bobby McFerrin, and Maria Schneider. Trumpet Performer, Lawrence University Ensembles September 1999-June 2004 Jazz Chamber Ensemble Symphonic Band Wind Ensemble Chamber Brass Principal Trumpet, Kiss Me Kate musical production COMPOSITION EXPERIENCE: Classical/Concert Works: Summer Folk Rhapsody No. 1 (2009) o Commissioned by Oboist Kevin Berg (University of Texas, Austin, TX) The Double Life-Suite for Piano Quintet (2008) o Czech National Symphony Piano Quintet (Prague, Czech Republic) Journey Into Wissameking (2008) o Commissioned by the Washington Symphony (Washington, PA) Grasshopper on the Champs-Élysées (2008) EAMA Brass Quintet (Paris, France) Tribute to Cinema (2007), W & J Wind Ensemble with Julie McGough, (Washington, PA) Electro-Miles (2007), Mountain Computer Music Festival (Missoula, MT) Flight of Passion (2007), String Orchestra of the Rockies (Missoula, MT) Autumn Fields (2006), Henry Mancini Institute, Los Angeles, CA) Overture to the Boundary Waters (2006), University of Montana (UM) Symphony (Missoula, MT) The Evening Has Its Arm Around us Now (2006), UM Brass Quintet Recital (Missoula, MT) Sentinel Overlook (2005), UM Composer Showcase (Missoula, MT) Afterthought (2004), UM Contemporary Ensemble (Missoula, MT) Jazz Compositions and Arrangements: The Fourth Dimension (2008), West Virginia University Jazz Ensemble (Morgantown, WV) Gee, Baby Ain t I Good To You (2007), Glenn Miller Orchestra Breakfast at Tiffany s Theme (2007), Glenn Miller Orchestra Silent Night (2006), Universal Music Studios (Los Angeles, CA) Distant Meadows (2006), Henry Mancini Jazz Ensemble (Los Angeles, CA) Theme for Sextet (2005), Banff Jazz Septet (Banff, AB) Banff Tango (2005), Banff Jazz Septet (Banff, AB) Near and Far (2004), Lawrence University Dave Douglas Combo (Appleton, WI) La Fôret Noire (2004), Lawrence University Jazz Ensemble (Appleton, WI) Midnight Stars (2003), Lawrence String Quartet with Jazz Combo (Appleton, WI) Album Producer and Arranger: Ryan Garfi, The Very Thought of You (2007), Boston, MA
Kyle Simpson 186 South Main Street Apt. 6 (406) 207-2674 ksimpson@washjeff.edu REFERENCES: Fred Sturm Professor of Jazz and Improvisational Music Lawrence University Conservatory of Music Appleton, WI 54911 (920) 993-6029 fred.sturm@lawrence.edu Robert Levy Professor Emeritus W6527 Cedar Lane Greenville, WI 54942 (920) 757-0852 robert.levy@lawrence.edu Lance Boyd Professor of Jazz and Low Brass University of Montana Missoula, MT 59801 (406) 243-5071 lance.boye@umontana.edu Dr. Steve Bolstad Professor of Music Director of Bands James Madison University Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807 (540) 568-6656 bolstasp@jmu.edu Dr. Susan Medley Associate Professor of Music Choral Director Washington & Jefferson College (724) 223-6115 smedley@washjeff.edu