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Kevin Deitz
Education:
Private studies in classical bass with Royce Lewis and Jeff Bradetich, Robert Hladky at the University of Oregon, Edward Rainbow at North Texas State University, Larry Zagonc at Portland State University. Cello Studies with Hamilton Chefitz at Portland State. Studies in composition with Bryan Johansen and Thomas Svoboda at Portland State.
1990: Bachelor of Science in Arts and Letters, Portland State University. 1994: Master of Science in Teaching, Portland State University.
Teaching Experience:
1979-1980: Ludwig/Zilgian sponsored college jazz clinics series with University of Oregon professors, Charles Dowd and Edward Kammerer; 1983- 1986: Oregon Young Audience Association: "Jazz: the American Art Form" with Warner Bros. author/guitarist, Don Latarski; 1989-1993: Tigard- Tualatin Public School Distric. Taught 5th through 12th grade string orchestra, general music, electronic keyboard; 1993-1994: Undergraduate teaching assistant at Portland State University: teaching duties included theory I/keyboard I, assistant conductor of band and orchestra; 1993-2005: Adjunct professor of string bass, electric bass, low string techniques for educators at Willamette University. Adjunct professor of string bass at Lewis and Clark College. 1993 to present: Instructor of string bass/electric bass at Mt. Hood Community College, Reed College and Clackamas Community College. Presently active as a teacher at CCC for History of Rock, Music and the Media, Music Theory 1 and 2, Aural Skills 1 and 2, Music Fundamentals and at Reed as coach for jazz combos. Kevin is also an artist/clinician/adjudicator appearing throughout the northwest. Includes adjudicating duties for the Oregon Music Educators Association state music competition (3 years).
Jazz/Classical Performance:
1977-2006: Music Festivals include appearances at the Oregon Bach Festival, Eugene Celebration, Sokol Blosser, Hinman, Rex Hill, Adelsheim Winery jazz festivals, the Bite of Portland, Cathedral Park Jazz Festival, Blue Lake Jazz Festival, Jazz on the Water series, the Mt. Hood Jazz Festival, Berkley Jazz Festival, Bumbershoot Festival in Seattle, Washington, Du Marier Jazz Festival in Edmonton, Alberta, Parnu Jazz Festival in Parnu, Estonia, Tivoli Gardens Jazz Cabaret in Stockholm, Sweden. Solo and duo performances at the NAMM show in Los Angeles, California for Conklin custom guitars and basses.
1977-2006: Orchestral work includes section bass with the Eugene Symphony, Oregon Ballet Theater, St. Joseph's Chamber Orchestra, Portland Opera Company, Moody Blues World Orchestra. Co principal bass: American Strauss Orchestra, Oregon Festival of American Music. Principal bass: Festival Chorale Oregon, Portland Symphonic Choir Orchestra, Portland Gay Men’s Chorus Orchestra, Portland Chamber Orchestra, Salem Chamber Orchestra and Portland's Sinfonia Concertante. Touring Broadway shows include "Evita," "Grease," "Big," "The Sound of Music," "Victor/Victoria," and "My Fair Lady." Section Cello work with the Portland Festival Orchestra and Kevin’s own Skyline String Quartet.
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Portland's very own Kevin Deitz really shines here with the release of Skylines. Kevin has had a wealth of experience playing bass everywhere from touring Broadway productions to the stage with the likes of Mose allison, Art Blakey, Dave Brubeck, Sheena Easton and everyone in between. Equally at home on upright as he is on his 7-string Conklin, Kevin showcases his abilities on both instruments with musicality, style and grace with Skylines. Featuring all original tunes, the acoustic material is swinging hard and features many of Portland's world class musicians (all of whom I know and can tell you, these are some BAD cats!!). From lush and beautiful ballads, straight ahead jazz and the bop side of things, Kevin has wonderful tone, great intonation and some truly wonderful solos. He seems to favor a Brazilian approach when writing for and playing his electric 7-string Conklin. Some may draw a comparison to Patitucci's sense of time and groove (and great note choices!). At once pretty and aggressive, I found it all a real joy to listen too. I kept forgetting that these were friends & peers and, instead, found myself really digging the music and the players. I'm proud to say that this disc displays much of what makes Portland such a wonderful place to live and play.
Primary Instrument
Bass
Willing to teach
Advanced only
Credentials/Background
MST in teaching. Public school orchestra teacher, university classical/jazz bass instructor. By appointment. $50 1 hr. lesson.
Clinic/Workshop Information
Work with high school/college rhythm sections on achieving appropriate feel for various styles. Work with jazz choirs on achieving proper feel and phrasing. Theory addressed as needed.
Music
Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson
Uncle Ray
From: SkylinesBy Kevin Deitz
