BIOGRAPHY
Bob Lark is recognized regionally, nationally and internationally as a contemporary jazz educator and
performer of integrity. His approach to pedagogy and rehearsal techniques has been noted by participation in
professional conferences; publication of articles; compact disc recordings as both a performer and ensemble
director; and the direction of numerous student honors ensembles. Down Beat magazine recognized
Bob’s work in 2010 with their Jazz Education Achievement Award.
As a performer, Bob is a trumpet and flugelhorn player whose performances are especially
notable for his lyrical style and fine tone. His harmonically oriented improvisations shift
between aggressive and cool playing. In speaking of Lark, jazz icon Clark Terry says: “He’s a
very good trumpet player, a very good musician. He’s paid his dues.”
Recently released on the Jazzed Media label is the critically acclaimed CD recording
SWEET RETURN (Jazzed Media 1068), by Bob Lark and his Alumni Big Band.
This follows the success of a series of Bob’s recordings on the Jazzed Media label
Reunion (JM 1057), by The Bob Lark Alumni Big Band including those by The Bob
Lark/Phil Woods Quintet, and Bob Lark and Friends, with Phil Woods, Rufus Reid, Jim
McNeely and Mark Colby. Bob’s playing and writing are also featured on the CD recordings
Until You and First Steps on the Hallway label.
He is an exclusive YAMAHA Performing Artist.
In 2013, DePaul University honored Bob Lark as an ambassador for the DePaul Distinctions
campaign. He serves as a Professor of Jazz Studies at DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois,
where he directs the university Jazz Ensemble and The Phil Woods Ensemble, teaches jazz
trumpet and courses in jazz pedagogy and jazz style. Under his direction the DePaul Jazz
Ensemble has produced several Outstanding Performance Awards from the Jazz Educators
Journal, Down Beat and Jazz Times magazines, and has recorded albums with legendary jazz
artists Phil Woods, Clark Terry, Louie Bellson, Bob Brookmeyer, Jim McNeely, Jeff Hamilton,
Slide Hampton, Tom Harrell, Ira Sullivan, Bobby Shew, Mark Colby, and Chicago Symphony
Orchestra members Charles Vernon and John Bruce Yeh.
Bob is an active clinician, soloist and guest conductor. He has served as host for the
Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Solo Competition, is the past-president of the
Illinois Unit of the International Association for Jazz Education, and has chaired the
International Trumpet Guild jazz improvisation competition. Throughout the 1990’s, Bob
directed the Midwest GRAMMY High School Jazz Band.
Prior to his appointment to DePaul University, he was an Assistant Professor of Music at
Emporia State University, Kansas. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in performance
from the University of North Texas, having earlier earned a Master of Music Education degree
from that school, and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from The Ohio State University.
www.boblark.com