with guest band Dundee-Crown High School Jazz Ensemble, directed by Will Brocker
Bob Lark is recognized regionally, nationally and internationally as a contemporary jazz
educator and performer of integrity. His approach to pedagogy and rehearsal techniques
has been noted by participation in professional conferences; publication of articles;
compact disc recordings as both a performer and ensemble director; and the direction of
numerous student honors ensembles. Down Beat magazine recognized Bob’s work in
2010 with their Jazz Education Achievement Award.
As a performer, Bob is a trumpet and flugelhorn player whose performances are
especially notable for his lyrical style and fine tone. His harmonically oriented
improvisations shift between aggressive and cool playing. In speaking of Lark, jazz icon
Clark Terry stated: “He’s a very good trumpet player, a very good musician. He’s paid his
dues.”
Two compact disc recordings by Bob Lark and his Alumni Big Band – Sweet Return
(Jazzed Media JM1068), and Reunion (Jazzed Media JM1057) – have received fantastic
reviews by print and electronic media. Recently released on the Jazzed Media label is the
critically acclaimed compact disc recording Thick As Thieves (Jazzed Media JM1075), by
The Bob Lark/Phil Woods Quintet. This follows the success of a series of recordings
on the Jazzed Media label, including additional recordings by The Bob Lark/Phil Woods
Quintet; Bob Lark and his ALUMNI BIG BAND; and Bob Lark and Friends, with Phil
Woods, Rufus Reid, Jim McNeely and Mark Colby. Bob’s playing and writing are also
featured 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 DePaul
Distinctions campaign. He serves as a Professor of Jazz Studies at DePaul University in
Chicago, Illinois, where he directs the university Jazz Ensemble and The Phil Woods
Ensemble, teaches jazz trumpet and courses in jazz pedagogy, jazz history and jazz style.
Under his direction the DePaul Jazz Ensemble has produced several Outstanding
Performance Awards from the Jazz Educators Journal, Down Beat and Jazz Times
magazines, 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 members
Charles Vernon and John Bruce Yeh.
Bob is an active clinician, soloist and guest conductor. He has served as host for the
Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Solo Competition, is the past-president of the
Illinois Unit of the International Association for Jazz Education, and has chaired the
International Trumpet Guild jazz improvisation competition. Throughout the 1990’s, Bob
directed the Midwest GRAMMY High School Jazz Band.
Prior to his appointment to DePaul University, he was an Assistant Professor of Music at
Emporia State University, Kansas. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in
performance from the University of North Texas, having earlier earned a Master of Music
Education degree from that school, and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from The
Ohio State University.
TICKETS
General Admission $15
