Doug Beach
Doug Beach's career is one that encompasses many facets of the music world. Performer, publisher, teacher, clinician and adjudicator are all duties that have become a regular part of his schedule.
Inspired by his interest in playing, writing and teaching, in 1975 he established the publishing company that bears his name. Doug and the staff of writers that form the core of the company have built it into one of the leading publishers of educational jazz music in the world today. Since January of 1995, Doug Beach Music has been distributed exclusively by Kendor Music of Delevan, NY.
In 1978, Doug became a member of the faculty of Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, Illinois, where he directs the jazz program. The Elmhurst College Jazz Band has made many tours of Europe, twice at the invitation of the U.S. State Department. The band has appeared with numerous jazz greats including Clark Terry, Diane Schuur, Nicholas Payton, Randy Brecker, Conte Candoli, Pete Christlieb, Lee Konitz, Louis Bellson and Bobby Shew. In 2003, Doug received the College's highest teaching honor, the President's Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Doug is in great demand as a clinician and adjudicator. He is a frequent conductor of the All-State ensembles, and has served as a conductor, guest artist or judge throughout much of the U.S., Canada, and Europe. On two different occasions he has been an artist-in-residence for the Illinois Arts Council. He is the recipient of a 1995, 1996, 1997, and 1998 ASCAP award in composition, and in 1996 his arrangement "Cottontail" was recorded by The Count Basie Orchestra and The New York Voices. This CD went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Large Jazz Ensemble in 1997.
