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Gregg Gelb

About Me

GREGG GELB is a saxophonist, clarinetist, arranger, composer, educator and band leader. In addition to leading his eight-piece Swing Band, the Fiesta Latin/Jazz Orchestra, and various small jazz combos, he is founder and player/director of the Heart of Carolina Jazz Orchestra and Jazz Society, co-founder and player/arranger with the North Carolina Jazz Repertory Orchestra and director of the Triangle Youth Jazz Ensemble. He is a recipient of a Jazz Composers Award from the North Carolina Arts Council. He has performed as saxophone soloist with the North Carolina Symphony Orchestra on many occasions. He was a Visiting Artist in the North Carolina Community Colleges and he has taught music in universities and public schools throughout North Carolina including his current position as Woodwinds Instructor at Fayetteville State University, St. Augustine’s College, and Woods Charter School. He has a Bachelor of Music degree from Berklee College of Music, a Master of Music degree from the North Carolina School of the Arts, and a DMA from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. His website is www.gregggelb.com

My Jazz Story

It was in my second year of college at Case Western Reserve University and I took jazz appreciation class with Dr. Mark Gridley. He played Kind of Blue in the first class meeting and it changed my life! So after a solid high school career in football and baseball, and one year of college football I changed. Started to relearn the clarinet which I had quit in the 9th grade, got a saxophone...and I have been at it every since: playing, teaching, arranging, producing,presenting, recording. Two of my current 'job's' are the most gratifying experiences I have had in my 'long' career are directing the Triangle Youth Jazz Ensemble and getting to play often with my son, Chris, who is an excellent drummer.