Kenny Ard
Biography
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
:
-
University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, 1969 - 1974
B. A. - Piano Performance / Theory and Composition
- University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, 1974 - 1977
M.M.A. - Piano Performance plus 14 post-Master's hours in Music Education.
- Post-graduate studies: Private Jazz instruction with Ellis Marsalis, New Orleans
TEACHING EXPERIENCE:
- 1988 - Present: Grossmont College ; Class and Private Piano (Classical), Commercial Music Skills, Rudiments of Music, Music Theory, Music in the Classroom, Jazz and Pop Piano
- 1991- 1999: Southwestern College, Chula Vista, CA, Director - Jazz Vocal Ensemble; Music in the Classroom, Class Piano, Class voice, Music Rudiments
PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE:
1987-present: Founder, leader, manager , performer (keyboards, vocals) of jazz and pop combo, Etouffee, based in San Diego, playing throughout Southern California.
1987 - Present - Free-lance keyboard and vocal performer throughout San Diego and Southern California.
1982 -1987: Worked professionally as jazz single at hotels, restaurants, piano bars, jazz clubs in New Orleans.
1982-1987: Performed in the Louisiana Jazz and Heritage Festival
Currently developing original lecture-performance piece concerning the history of jazz
Currently collaborating on a musical theater project about Marie Leveau, the legendary Voodoo Woman of New Orleans.
1985: Co-writer, producer, musical director, and actor in original musical, "Storyville, a Sweet Sportin' Proposition", featuring historically accurate plot and music. ( Storyville is generally acknowledged as being the birthplace of jazz.)
1983: Wrote, produced, served as musical director and pianist for completely original two-act musical play, The Delta Queen. ( Music, lyrics, and book).
ORGANIZATIONS:
Music Teachers' Association of California (MTAC); Current board member, Cal Plan Chairman, Former First Vice President, former Bach Festival Chairman.
Universal Spirit Center, San Diego; Pianist, formerly Music Coordinator
New Orleans Institute for the Performing Arts; Founding Board Member
ASCAP
RECORDINGS
1994 - CD Release, "Gumbo in my Blood" - Original songs and arrangements
Web page by GoodGuy's Computer Shoppe
