Brass

Trumpet:

The trumpet is best known as a jazz or big band instrument and characterized by it’s strong, brass sound and quick note changes. However, the trumpet can also make a delicate, soulful sound as well.

Our Trumpet Educator:

Dennis B. Keck, Trumpet

Dennis is currently the band and orchestra director at West Middle School in Nampa, Idaho and holds the position of adjunct faculty at Northwest Nazarene University. He has directed Middle School and High School bands in Boise, Idaho. He has taught private studio lessons to hundreds of students in the Treasure Valley and had five state solo champions. Dennis has held positions in the Boise Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra trumpet section from 1989 to 2007. His experience includes 20 years with Military Bands to include the 42nd Army Band, and 25th Army Band where he held the position of Commander, directing the jazz combos, stage bands, marching bands, and concert bands. He is currently the middle school band director at West Middle School in Nampa, Idaho.

Performance experience includes groups such as Wayne Newton, Debi Reynolds, Jim Neighbors, Mariachi sol de Acapulco, Mariachi Alma de Mexico, Gene Harris, Ray Charles, Chuck Mangione, Mel Louis, Dave Brubeck, Kenny Rogers, Bobby Vinton, Rich Little, Frankie Valli, Moody Blues, The Kings of Swing, Arturo Sandoval, Ernie Watts, Allen Vizzutti, Bill Watrous, Dave Brubeck, Carl Fontana, Manhattan Transfer, New York Voices, Luciano Pavarotti, Mannheim Steamroller, Riverside Jazz Band, and The Temptations. National traveling shows include Showboat, Chicago, and Wicked.

Dennis has a B.A. in Music with a K-12 Music Certification and an Elementary Education Certification