Kenneth Reid

Expertise

Education

• BM Music Education, University of Massachusetts Lowell
• BM Music Performance, Jazz Studies, University of Massachusetts Lowell

Biosketch

Ken Reid has over 20 years teaching experience, the scope of which covers private instrumental instructor, jazz clinician, and ensemble conductor. His performance credits include over 15 years of performing and touring with internationally touring big bands such as the Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey, Harry James, and Benny Goodman Tribute orchestras. While on tour with these bands he has performed in every state except Alaska, most of South Eastern Canada, parts of Europe, and even as far away as Hong Kong. Besides performing in distant places abroad, a few of his most memorable performances include playing for two presidential inaugurations and at the Hollywood Bowl in Hollywood, California. Also while with the Artie Shaw Orchestra, he did a PBS television special featuring Bobby Short, Juliet Prowse and the music of World War II called Big Band Ballroom Bash. Locally, his big band work has been as a member of the Kenny Hadley Big Band, John Allmark Jazz Orchestra, Duke Belaire Big Band and leading his own Top Shelf Big Band. His theater and show work include Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, North Shore Theater, Cohasset Music Circus, and Cape Cod Melody Tent. Over the years he has had the opportunity to work with a variety of well known artists such as The Temptations, Aretha Franklin, Billy Eckstine, and Tony Bennett to name a few. Lastly and perhaps most notably, are his many performances with the Boston Pops at Symphony Hall, Tanglewood, and the Esplanade for the 4th of July celebrations. He is often called upon by the Pops when a saxophone section is needed.