First Name

Kevin

AIM/Yahoo/MSN

mileman325

College/University:

NC College

I am here for:

Gigs, Job Inquiries, Educational Purposes, Meet Players, Networking, Other

Whom I want to meet:

Anyone who shares my same passion for the American artform and needs a saxophone player.

Employment Status

Self-Employed

Occupation:

Lessons Instructor and professional musician

Employer:

Myself

About Me:

Kevin Raske is a freelance saxophonist for hire currently residing in the Chicagoland area. He is attending North Central College in Naperville, IL and is pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Jazz Studies. He teaches saxophone lessons, plays with numerous ensembles such as the Jack Mouse NCC student combo, NCC Big Band, and Mitch Paliga's Student sax ensemble. He also has numerous other projects of his own that he is working on as well.

Kevin Raske started playing saxophone at the age of 10, but his love for music came at a much younger age. Kevin's fascination with music and the emotions it can bring is something Kevin strives to bring to every performance he is part of. Whether it is a classical performance to something as simple as a jam session, Kevin puts his heart and soul into his music.

Kevin's serious study in jazz music started in high school under the tutelage of the highly regarded music educator and professional musician, Mark Bettcher. In high school he performed in places such as Minneapolis, Minnesota to Toronto, Canada. After a long and quite interesting journey Kevin finally ended up a North Central College in Naperville, IL.

Musical Background & Experience:

Throughout his career Kevin has played and learned from some of the greats of jazz today. He has played with or under: Steve Wiest, Mike Williams, Mike Plog, Matt Holman, Doug Stone, John Wojciechowski, Rick Deja, Ron Modell, and Lorenzo Trujillo. Kevin has studied with Rick Deja, John Wojciechowski, Doug Stone, Larry Johnson, and is currently studying with Mitch Paliga.

Website:

http://www.kevinraskesaxophone.webs.com

Why I love jazz:

The creative power you are given through it and the amazing feeling you get from playing and teaching it.

Music:

All music is my influence.

Top 5 Desert Island Discs:

Frank Mantooth-"Suite Tooth"
Maria Schneider-"Evanescence"
Mike Tomaro-"Night Owl Suite"
Michael Brecker-"Tales From The Hudson"
John Wojciechowski-"Lexicon"

Books:

Dan Brown-Angels & Demons
Studs Terkel-Jazz Cats
The Biography of John Coltrane

Television:

Family Guy
SImpsons
V

Movies:

Rudy
Mr. Holland's Opus
Miracle
Slapshot