Dave Ballou

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Dave Ballou has released eight internationally recognized CD's as a leader for the SteepleChase record label. He has performed or recorded with ensembles led by Michael Formanek, Kevin Norton, Maria Schneider, Andrew Hill, Dave Leibman, Oliver Lake, Joe Lovano, Sheila Jordan, Steely Dan, Rabih Abou-Kahlil, Don Preston and an extensive list of jazz personalities. Dave has performed Bach's Brandenberg Concerto #2 with the Bella Musica Orchestra of NY, Larry Austin's Improvisations with the Boston Modern Orchestra Project, and Gunther Schuller's Journey into Jazz with the Spokane Symphony and Boston Modern Orchestra Project. He also was a featured soloist for the premiere of Schuller's Encounters, a composition celebrating the 100th anniversary of Jordon Hall. Dave has composed for each of his SteepleChase releases as well as numerous arrangements and original works for a wide spectrum of genres. His work for solo trumpet, “Samskara” was commissioned by Jon Nelson of the Meridain Arts Ensemble. He earned a BM (magna cum laude) from Berklee College of Music in 1986 and a MA from the University of New Hampshire in 1991. Dave is currently serving as an Assistant Professor of Music at Towson University.