| Lenny King received his formal music
training at Illinois Wesleyan University and Illinois State University. He was Director of
Bands and Coordinator of Fine Arts at Rolling Meadows High School, retiring from that
position in 1990. His jazz performing groups have attained national recognition for their
excellence.
Lenny has been a leader in jazz education for thirty-five years. His past offices held in the music field include: National Treasurer and Board of Directors of the International Association of Jazz Educators; Vice-President and All-State Jazz Chairman for the Illinois Music Educators Association; Treasurer of American Federation of Musicians, Pekin Local; and President of the Illinois Unit of the National Association of Jazz Educators. He was also Tour Director nine years for Jazz Abroad, a summer performance tour to European Jazz Festivals for high school and university students. Honors earned by Lenny King include: The Citation of Excellence and the Outstanding Jazz Educator Award from the National Band Association in 1985; NAJE State Unit Award in 1978; Rolling Meadows High School Jazz Ensemble selected to perform at: Mid-West National Band Clinic in 1978 and 1984, MENC Convention in 1984, and the NAJE National Convention in 1980. His jazz ensemble was also selected for the NAJE Project II record album. Lenny King is the founder and Director Emeritus of the Chicago Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra, a professional big band that performs in the Chicago area. He often serves as a guest conductor or adjudicator for clinics and music festivals in the Mid-West area. Besides music, Len's interests include computers, electronics, and golf. Email address for Len King: lenking@cmjo.com |