Trombone

Trombonist Chas Baker recently retired from Kent State University where he was an associate professor of Jazz Studies and led the KSU Jazz Ensemble. His background includes experience as a soloist for the Austrian Radio & TV Network Big Band in Vienna, Austria. In 1968-69, as a U.S. Army band man, he was trombone soloist with the 1st Air Cavalry Division Band, Viet Nam. Chas has been a very active player with the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra and in that capacity has performed behind guest artists including Bob Brookmeyer, Joe Lovano, Maria Schneider and John Hollenbeck. He also has worked in concerts starring the likes of Tony Bennett and David Sanborn. In 1997, the KSU Alumni Association and the KSU Foundation honored him with its Distinguished Teaching Award.