Long Version:

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Award-winning trombonist Kevin Hicks has established himself as one of the most important and creative voices on the jazz scene today, both as a performer and as an educator. With performing experience from around the world, ranging in context from clubs and performing arts centers to cruise ships and theme parks, Kevin Hicks is seasoned beyond his years.

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Educated at Snow College, the University of North Texas and the University of Florida, Hicks’ work within these elite jazz programs attracted attention and respect from national jazz media and ensembles as well as from his teachers.  In addition to performing and recording as lead trombone with UNT’s esteemed One O’Clock Lab Band and teaching for the university’s national jazz camps, he was a two-time Downbeat award-winner while a student there.  Prior to Kevin’s arrival to UNT, he was selected to perform at Universal Studios Japan for several years in which his shows were rated #1.   Following his graduation from UNT Kevin auditioned for and won the coveted lead trombone position with the Air Force’s top jazz ensemble, “The Airmen of Note”.  He declined that opportunity opting to continue his studies at the University of Florida where he could pursue his higher education credentials as well as top-level performance and teaching opportunities. 

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As a graduate instructor at the University of Florida (where he graduated with his Master’s degree in May 2014), Mr. Hicks ran several robust online jazz courses that served thousands of students a year and in addition taught Jazz Improvisation and Jazz Combo.  His work with renowned jazz educator Scott Wilson has placed him at the forefront of jazz education in the US, particularly in the development of the field of online jazz education. Hicks was involved in the creation of the Florida Department of Education’s K-12 Arts Training platform for which he recorded more than 30 jazz tracks for the program’s online jazz audio samples. Kevin is known for his uplifting lectures and the large variety of assessment tools and resources that accompany them, resulting in his students’ ability to quickly develop current industry skill sets and performance skills.

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In 2014 Kevin became endorsed by B.A.C. Best American Craftsman and now plays on a Custom 6 B.A.C. trombone. He currently works part time at Disneyland in the world famous Disneyland Band as well as Jambalaya Jazz, The Straw Hatters, and Hook and Ladder Co.. Kevin Hicks also works as an adjunct faculty member at Snow College and in demand as a guest performing artist and educator on stages across the United States and overseas. Kevin Hicks runs an independent online lesson studio with students all across the nation who play a variety of instruments, and has released the books Trombone Visualizer and Sight-Reading Monster.

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In addition to the performing and recording credits he has amassed to date, Kevin Hicks is featured on the 2014 “Kackle Jackle” release from Stark Raving, and is the author of the “Kackle Jackle” transcription book which accompanies the CD and is featured as well on the 2016 album “Standardized Tests” by Jacob Appelt and most recently Kevin Hicks debut album Wave Tripping was released February 2017 and features his many musical influences, special guests, and Kevin’s melodic prowess through improvisation. 

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Kevin is proud to have shared the stage with many of today’s most notable artists, including Peter Erskine, Ron Blake, Ravi Coltrane, Wayne Bergeron, Dennis DiBlasio, Gordon Goodwin, Sal Lozano, Sam Moore, Michael McDonald, Michael Henderson, “Blue Lou” Marini, Jeff Coffin, Frank Stallone, Son Mayor, John Beasley, Bill Holman, Cheryl Bentene, Carl Allen, Drake Bell, Claire Fischer Orchestra, Kim Richmond, Nick Mancini, LNJO, Sergio Valetti, Dave Damiani, Mike Barone, Ron King, Corey Christiansen, Scott Wilson, Brad Leali, Dave Richards, Tony Baker, Lyle Mayes, John Mosca, Tim Ries, Bernard Fowler, Darcy James Argue, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Bob Curnow, and The Houston Symphony.

 

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Selected Testimonies

“In the years since my appointment at UNT I’ve been fortunate enough to teach some of the most talented trombonists in the country, both classical and jazz. So it is with this experience that I can state that Kevin is among the top five best trombonists I’ve ever had the pleasure to teach. This list includes individuals who’ve won jobs in the Vienna Philharmonic and the United States Army Blues Jazz Band. He never ceased to impress me with his technical facility, creative improvisation and sterling work ethic.”
Tony Baker (Professor of Trombone, University of North Texas)

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"Kevin Hicks is a quadruple threat in the music industry and his accomplishments have established him as one the finest trombone players in the world today.  His melodic trombone solos and EWI solos speak to every generation, his high energy bebop playing is blazing, his reading skills landed him the lead trombone spot in the UNT One O'clock Lab Band for multiple years, and Kevin Hicks is on the forefront of 21st century jazz education and online course offerings.  Having already earned two collegiate Downbeats at a very young age, Mr. Hicks is here to stay and he will be a musical force in the jazz idiom for a long time to come.  Kevin is my first call trombonist for everything because his beautiful personality and superior music skills matches his gorgeous tone and rich musical vibe. "
Scott Wilson (Former Musical Director for Universal Studios Japan and author of Ultimate Jazz Tool Kit and materials)