James Kazik

From Wind Repertory Project
James Kazik

Biography

James Kazik (b. 16 August 1974, DePere, Wisc.) is an American trombonist, composer, and arranger.

Mr. Kazik received his Bachelor of Music degree in theory and composition at the University of Minnesota, Twin-Cities, in 1996, and his Master of Music degree in trombone performance degree from the University of North Texas in 2000.

Mr. Kazik has been the staff arranger for the United States Army Band, "Pershing's Own," since 2001. His arrangements have been performed not only by all of the various elements of "Pershing's Own", but also by various other groups, to include the National Symphony Orchestra, and have been recorded by Joseph Alessi and the Juiliard Trombone Choir, as heard on Alessi's recording Return to Sorrento. He is also a staff writer for Hal Leonard Corp. in their string department, writing pop arrangements and compositions for easy string ensembles. In addition, Mr. Kazik one of the band members in charge of maintaining a current inventory of all national anthems throughout the world.

As a composer, his works, particularly those for trombone, continue to win acclaim both in the U.S. and abroad. He has written several concerti and solo works, as well as various works for orchestra, brass ensemble, and wind ensemble, performed by such groups as The University of North Texas Wind Symphony, and the Wind Ensembles of The University of Minnesota and Oklahoma State University [OSU]. Most recently, his wind band orchestration of his Concerto for Trombone and Band, and new composition Eviler Elves was featured by the OSU Wind Ensemble at the 2009 CBDNA National Conference in Austin, Texas. He has also written a few original marches for some Army regiments and has conducted bands and orchestras as well. He is currently composer-in-residence for the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic in Washington D.C.

As a trombonist, Mr. Kazik was a finalist in the 2000 Minnesota Orchestra-Zellmer Competition. He was part of the 1998 Remington Trombone choir winner and was a member of the "Bravura" trombone octet, which won two consecutive Downbeat Magazine awards for "Best Classical Chamber Ensemble" in 1999 and 2000.

Most recently he was inducted into the Army's 37th PSYOP Regiment as an honorary member in recognition of his contribution by composing the original music for their official march.

Mr. Kazik is retiring from the U.S. Army Band in 2022 and will continue his writing, arranging and conducting career.


Works for Winds


Resources

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