Kevin Welling, Director, The "Jazz Rats" (PCHS Jazz Band)

Kevin Welling is a native Michigander born and raised in the Detroit Metro Area.  Mr. Welling received his Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies from Wayne State University. In addition to his education at  W.S.U., Mr. Welling studied the trumpet with Gordon Smith (D.S.O.), Gordon Stump, Ric Wolkins, Bill Lucas (D.S.O.), Jon Faddis, and Bobby Shew.  Mr. Welling also studied piano with Wesley Fishwick and Mathew Michaels.
 
Professionally, Mr. Welling has been part of the Detroit music scene since the age of 16, working with the area's top bands and orchestras including The Johnny Trudell Orchestra, Austin/Morro Big Band, Brookeside Jazz Ensemble, FireFly Orchestra (Paul Keller Big Band), Jimmy Wilkins Big Band, Master's of Music Big Band, Warren Symphony, Rackham Symphony Orchestra, Dearborn Symphony, and The Birmingham /Bloomfield Orchestra. Additionally, Mr. Welling has worked multiple Broadway shows and acts at The Fischer Theatre, Masonic Temple, Fox Theatre, DTE Theater (formerly Pine Knob), Orchestra Hall, Detroit Opera House, Meadow Brook Theatre/Hall, Ford Auditorium, and Freedom Hill.
 
In addition to working with local ensembles, Mr. Welling has performed for multiple international artist such as Johnny Mathis, Rosemary Clooney, Frank Sinatra Jr., Ella Fitzgerald, Joe Williams, Jon Faddis, Jerry Lewis, Don Rickels, Peter Frampton, The Temptations, Four Tops, Aretha Franklin, Grand Funk Railroad, Moody Blues, Ray Charles, Tony Bennett and many others. Mr. Welling has also played for many local and national commercial jingles and recordings.
 
As an educator, Mr. Welling has taught piano and trumpet privately since 1990. He was adjunct professor at Wayne State University from 1998 - 2012, teaching both trumpet and small ensembles, staff teacher at Royal Music (1998- 2008), and staff teacher at McCourt's Music (2008 - 2012). Additionally, Mr. Welling has worked /given multiple clinics with many area schools and camps.


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