An active saxophonist and composer/arranger primarily in the Tampa Bay area, Rich has performed all over the United States as well as in Europe where he performed at the Vienne, Montreux, and North Sea Jazz Festivals. He has accompanied and recorded with such artists as Richard Davis, Jack Wilkins, Steve Davis, Jim McNeely, “Blue” Lou Marini, Chris Vidala, Larue Nickelson, Michael Ross, Tom Carabasi, O Som Do Jazz, The Dan McMillian Jazz Orchestra, and The Don Juceum Orchestra. Rich also directs and performs regularly with his own groups, The Mars Trio, Van Voorst Jazz Quartet, and The Forefront.
As a composer, Rich studied under world renowned jazz composer, Chuck Owen, at the University of South Florida and has experience writing for big bands, various jazz combos, orchestras, choirs, worship music, as well as other chamber groups. From 2004-2008, Rich was a teaching assistant, instructor, and adjunct professor at USF while completing a Masters of Music in Jazz Composition and Jazz Performance. He received his B.M. from Hope College in Holland Michigan where he was awarded the Distinguished Artist Scholarship. In 2006, he was selected by the Center for Jazz Composition at the University of South Florida to arrange a piece for Karrin Allison for the Jazz Masterworks Series.
Rich is currently an adjunct professor at Trinity College in Trinity Florida, where he teachers saxophone, music theory, and worship studies. In his spare time, Rich enjoys gourmet cooking, good conversation over a fresh cup of coffee and spending time with his wife Bonnie.
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