Born: November 2, 1955 Primary Instrument: Saxophone
AUTHORIZED PRESS BIOGRAPHY
CHRIS BURNETT
Chris Burnett is an alto saxophonist, composer, recording artist and educator who began his active career at the age of 18 years old when he was selected by audition and accepted for musical service as a performing artist with the US Army Bands Career Program, where he performed and toured with several noteworthy professional US military band organizations for audiences at numerous locations in the continental United States and overseas. Subsequently, Mr. Burnett has continued as a life-long learner while performing music professionally for over three decades.
Born in Olathe, Kansas, he was ultimately raised in Paola after his family had traveled extensively in early childhood and lived at such places as: France, Michigan and Colorado. His studies in instrumental music began seriously under clarinetist, James R. Fuchs. Mr. Fuchs was the local school band director who exposed him to professional saxophone players like Charles Molina and Gary Foster during those formative years. He has studied with numerous significant teachers and at the Armed Forces School of Music, Webster University, Columbia College, Berklee College of Music, and American University.
Mr. Burnett is a former director of the Jazz Ensemble Program at Missouri University of Science and Technology (formerly University of Missouri-Rolla); a former director of the NATO Jazz Ensemble; and, a former featured performing member of the Faculty Jazz Ensemble of the Armed Forces School of Music that was under the direction of Maurice Williams, Jr. (former leader of the Army Blues Jazz Ensemble).
As a composer, Mr. Burnett is the 1995 5-Star Award of Merit Winner of the National Federation of Music Clubs for his original composition and arrangement for big band titled, Daedalus. Daedalus was initially recorded by the award-winning Engineer Center Jazz Ensemble and published on the highly acclaimed compact disc recording by the 399th US Army Band, titled “Essayons” - which was also the first-ever CD recording released in that particular military band's history. Today, Chris Burnett has established a credible reputation as one of the finest alto saxophonists of his generation and is considered among Kansas City's most respected jazz artists. He has two commercial CD recordings available on the Artists Recording Collective label.
Mr. Burnett’s Professional Memberships include: American Federation of Musicians (Kansas City Local 34-627), The Recording Academy (GRAMMY®), and the US Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP). He serves as a member of the Kansas City Youth Jazz Advisory Council, was elected as a Board Member (At-Large) of Kansas City's historic Mutual Musicians Foundation, and was personally invited by Mr. Gene Hall to serve as a member of the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra Board of Directors. Mr. Burnett has been a writer-affiliate of Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) since 1984. He was accepted to the Official Selmer (Paris) Saxophone Artist and Conn-Selmer Clinician rosters on July 5, 2012.
Awards:
Department of Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Army Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards); Army Commendation Medal (4 awards); Army Good Conduct Medal (7 awards); 5-Star Award of Merit Winner National Federation of Music Clubs (composition)~ Joe Klopus, Jazz Critic, Kansas City Star -----
“At The Drum Room, Chris' facility was sure as he breezed through his sets. The play list was strong, emphasizing classic compositions from jazz greats: “Dolphin Dance”, “Black Narcissus”, “Recorda-Me”, “Moments Notice”, and an original blues. Chris' tone is always controlled, and he has a way of embellishing the melody as he moves into his solo which is especially appealing.”
~ Roger Atkinson, Editor, Jazz Ambassador Magazine -----
“For more than 30 years, Chris Burnett has worked to develop his own language, his own sound. A musician's sound can't be borrowed or stolen, but rather expanded and created anew.”
~ Liz Beggs, KC Community News
MORE QUOTES:
Jazz Ambassador Magazine says: “Burnett is a fine alto player...”
Vivendi Universal says: “... exotically beautiful music that contemporary jazz lovers will devour!”
Cadence Magazine says: “... His saxophones wail with emotion and his fingers give each presentation a thorough going-over, however, that allows Burnett to express accurately and fully the musical dreams that he’s harbored for years.”
All About Jazz says: “Chris Burnett gives the modern soprano sax some jazz authority...”
Time Flies (Original Master)
Artists Recording Collective
2000, 2008
Tracks: Time Flies; Whenever We Cry; Bagnoli Blues; Another Tribe; Circles; Waltz For Mom; To Each His Own.
Personnel: Chris Burnett: alto and soprano saxophone, composer and producer; Jeffrey Stewart: piano; Benjamin Lewis: piano and MIDI; Elliot Kuykendall: acousic and electric bass; Kenneth Baldwin: drum set; Robert Habib: Latin Percussion.
Quartet Music #1
Artists Recording Collective
2008
Tracks: Hindsight; Insight; The View from Here; Perspectives; Reflections; Another Time and Place; Grape Drink; Piankishaw Street; Slow Burner; Still Riding.
Personnel: Chris Burnett: alto saxophone, composer and producer; Michael Pagan: piano; Roger Wilder: piano and fender rhodes; Will Matthews: guitar; James Ward: acousic and electric bass; Michael Shanks: drum set.
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Primary Instrument:
Saxophone
Location:
Leavenworth, KS
Willing to teach:
Beginners
Credentials/Background:
D e s c r i p t i o n
Chris Burnett - Private Teaching Practice and Clinics
Private woodwind instruction, jazz instruction, music clinics and master classes for all levels of musicians.
Private musical instruction, all genre music clinics, subject specific master classes presented by an active professional musician, recording artist, and award-winning composer based in the Kansas City area.
Mission Statement: Chris Burnett Teaching Studio and Clinics services are dedicated to providing individual instruction programs based upon over 20 years of teaching privately and at the university level, from the perspective of an active professional artist who has been a full-time working musician for 30 years.
Principal Instrument: Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute
Other instruments and subjects taught: Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Oboe, Theory, Conducting, Composition, Improvisation
Principal Styles: Jazz and Classical
Other styles taught: Classical, Jazz, Pop
Studio Specialties and Features: Chris Burnett Private Teaching Practice and Clinics are presented in association with the Tune Shop, Inc. All lessons are taught at the Tune Shop, Inc. studios on specific days. Please contact the Tune Shop, Inc. for scheduling information or inquiries about studying with Mr. Burnett. All ability levels, Audition Preparation, Specific Intensive Programs, Adults welcome, Gifted, Relaxed environment, Beginners to Advanced Level Students, etc.
Studio Size: Medium (11-34 students)
Instruments for rent: Yes
Purchase sheet music at studio?: Yes
Audition/Exam Preparation?: Yes
Group Lessons: No. However, clinics and master classes available to large groups or school classes.
Regular studio recitals: No
Waiting room for parents: Yes
Parents welcome at lessons?: Yes
Air-conditioned/heated studio: Yes
Recording Facilities: No
General details: IAJE Artist/Clinician; IAJE Artist Outreach Network; BMI Writer Affiliate; AFM, Kansas City Local 34-627
Clinic/Workshop Information:
Official Selmer (Paris) Saxophone Artist and Conn-Selmer Clinician. Clinics are available on a variety of subjects ranging from improvisation to ensemble cohesion issues.
I'd like to emphasize to students that the most important aspect concerning equipment is that your horns work properly. As you develop your own individual musical skill, you will also find that your own personal equipment preferences will emerge as well. I also recommend that any musician (student or professional) have their instruments covered by an insurance policy of some type. There are many homeowner policies that allow an option for such an addendum. There are also specific musical instrument insurance firms such as "Clarion Associates, Inc." for professionals with high-dollar valued equipment. I'm often asked about my equipment, so here it is... Peace, Cb
INSTRUMENTS
+Eb ALTO SAXOPHONE - Selmer (Paris): Serie III, model 62
+Bb SOPRANO SAXOPHONE - Selmer (Paris): Serie III, model 53
Bb CLARINET - Leblanc (France): Concerto, model 1189S
C FLUTE - Emerson: Sterling, model EF88, Symphony Headjoint
*Instrument maintenance by Mark Farmer.
MOUTHPIECES | LIGATURES
Bb CLARINET - Eddie Daniels: with Eddie Daniels Rovner ligature.
+Bb SOPRANO SAXOPHONE - Lomax Classic: with BG ligature.
+Eb ALTO SAXOPHONE - Lomax Classic: with Ultimate Ligature by Francois Louis.
REEDS
Bb CLARINET - Vandoren: 56 Rue Lepic Reeds , Strength 4.
Bb SOPRANO SAXOPHONE - Peter Ponzol: Strength 3.
Eb ALTO SAXOPHONE - Peter Ponzol: Strength 3.
+ = Official Selmer (Paris) Saxophone Artist and Conn-Selmer Clinician. Official Artist Endorser of Lomax Classic Jazz Saxophone Mouthpieces.
