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Faculty: Kelly Kunz

Mr. Kunz believes in the potential of everyone and that a big part of his job is to help unlock or develop that potential in his students. In addition to being director of choral activities here at Pierce College, he teaches the first year Music Theory sequence, directs the Concert Choir, teaches and coordinates the Audio Production program and directs the perennial award winning Pierce College Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Farwest Jazz.

Mr. Kunz is a noted vocal jazz clinician and adjudicator, working with high school and college groups throughout the northwest on a regular basis. His own school groups have won numerous awards at jazz festivals throughout the region. Pierce College's Farwest Jazz has placed first numerous times at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival and at the Reno Jazz Festival and is regarded as one of the finest collegiate ensembles going. His previous high school groups have been equally successful, placing first at festivals throughout the northwest. Mr. Kunz is also an adjunct faculty member at Pacific Lutheran University, directing its jazz choir, Park Avenue, two evenings a week.

Being a native from the Seattle area, Mr. kunz is and has been one of the northwest's finest vocal jazz arrangers for many years. Mr. Kunz regularly writes for his groups, Farwest Jazz, Park Avenue and his own professional performing/recording group, Groove For Thought. He also regularly works outside of the school as a studio singer and arranger.

Having many diverse musical interests, Mr. Kunz owns his own recording studio and recently completed production on the debut album, Groove For Thought, a 6-piece men’s Jazz/R&B/Gospel group. While he is a vocalist and teacher by trade, he is also an accomplished bassist sharing the stage with many artists over the years such as Joe Williams, Bobby McFerrin and Mark Murphy to name a few. Mr. Kunz has also been a published arranger since he was a student in high school, has produced Grammy nominated jazz albums and has performed on many albums produced here in the northwest.

On a personal note, Mr. Kunz raises golden retrievers, loves to travel, to spend time on his boat with his family and is a diehard sports fan.

Education: Bachelors of Music Education and Masters of Music Education from Central Washington University

Contact Information:

Contact Mr. Kunz for information regarding auditioning for Farwest Jazz. Auditions are held every spring for the upcoming year.

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