Kevin Fitzgearld
Musician | Educator | Community Arts Advocate
Professional Summary
A lifelong musician and educator, Kevin brings a wealth of experience spanning performance, education, community outreach, and arts advocacy. With a diverse background in instrumental performance, music education, and program development, Kevin is dedicated to enriching communities through live music, arts initiatives, and educational programs.
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Career Highlights
Early Career and Musical Training
- Began musical journey with the trumpet in 3rd grade and continued as a multi instrumentalist through public school.
- Hosted the live TV music awareness program Town Talk at age 17, showcasing interviews and music-related content.
- Studied at Murray State University on a two-year music scholarship before transferring to the University of Colorado, where he earned a **Bachelor of Music in Performance**.
Performance Experience
- Performed professionally in a brass quintet before joining the U.S. Air Force Band, Out of 375 applicants, Kevin was one of only three selected.
- Played with Air Force Band breakout groups, including the Jazz Band (trombone), Brass Quintet (tuba), and Rock Band (harmonica).
- Toured 11 Midwest and Eastern states for three years, often performing multiple shows daily.
- Member of the 234th Army National Guard Band for 10 years, touring the Pacific Region, including Wake Island, Guam, Hawaii, American Samoa, Australia, and Panama. Served as NCO Educational Liaison, fostering connections between schools and communities through music.
Educational Achievements
- Trained in instrument repair, gaining proficiency in saxophone, clarinet, and flute.
- Earned a Master’s in Music Teaching from Lewis & Clark College and later a Master’s in Administration from Washington State University.
- Achieved a Performance Certificate in Bass from Berklee College of Music.
Music Education and Community Impact
- Taught music and visual arts at high school, middle school, and elementary levels in Portland, organizing hundreds of community music and arts events.
- Co-founded the Jam Session™ program with a fellow musician, offering collaborative music classes through Clark College and Mt. Hood College.
- Developed the program further into a non-profit initiative, welcoming musicians of all levels and providing community-based opportunities to perform and learn.
- – Currently serves as a Commissioner with the Clark County Arts Commission, works with Magenta Theater and the Vancouver Downtown Association.
Community Engagement and Advocacy
- Leads efforts to integrate music and the arts into business communities, working to create exposure for artists and businesses through the Jam Session™ organization.
- Organized free “Music in the Park” events, neighborhood fundraisers, and support initiatives for local businesses, connecting downtown neighborhoods through the arts.
- Actively involved in community outreach, helping musicians network and share the joy of live music.
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Skills and Expertise
- Instrumental Proficiency: Trumpet, Piano, Trombone, Tuba, Bass Guitar, Harmonica, Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute.
- Music Theory, Composition, and Performance.
- Community Arts Advocacy and Program Development.
- Music Education and Curriculum Design.
- Event Planning and Coordination.
- Leadership and Liaison Roles in Arts and Education.
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Contact Information
kevin@bassfitz.com