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There are many moments that can define a man’s life and for Pharez Whitted, this is one of them. He’s taken on the new role as Chicago’s Youth Symphony Orchestra (CYSO) Jazz Director and Howard Reich at the Chicago Tribune described Pharez perfectly - “Few Chicago musician-educators are more qualified than Whitted to build the new band, for he commands a richly deserved reputation as a trumpet virtuoso, seasoned educator and irrepressible champion of the music.” Whitted is humble with his legacy and his deep roots in music go as far back as the 1930’s in Indianapolis where the Hampton Family Band first began performing. His mother VIrtue, his uncle Slide Hampton and the other 10 siblings (12 in total) laid the foundation with their self-educated and courageous father, Clarke “Deacon” Hampton at the helm. With that level of determination and talent, Whitted was destined to inherit the gift of music. He began his career in 1982 not long after earning his Master’s Degree at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. He’s been on staff at Chicago State University The Ohio State University and Wabash College. He recorded his first self-entitled album, ‘Pharez Whitted’ with Motown in 1994 and continued recording solo albums ever since. He’s performed with Nancy Wilson, Freddie Hubbard, Slide Hampton, John Mellencamp, Chaka Khan, Ahmad Jamal, George Duke, Kirk Whalum, Elvin Jones, Branford Marsalis and Meshell Ndegeocello to name a few. He is currently a clinician Jazz at Lincoln Center youth outreach program, he’s a staple at Rivinia’s Jazz Scholar program in Chicago and his newest role at CYSO to help find its identity and sound while bringing new faces to the young jazz scene of Chicago.

There are many moments that can define a man’s life and for Pharez Whitted, this is one of them. He’s taken on the new role as Chicago’s Youth Symphony Orchestra (CYSO) Jazz Director and Howard Reich at the Chicago Tribune described Pharez perfectly - “Few Chicago musician-educators are more qualified than Whitted to build the new band, for he commands a richly deserved reputation as a trumpet virtuoso, seasoned educator and irrepressible champion of the music.” Whitted is humble with his legacy and his deep roots in music go as far back as the 1930’s in Indianapolis where the Hampton Family Band first began performing. His mother VIrtue, his uncle Slide Hampton and the other 10 siblings (12 in total) laid the foundation with their self-educated and courageous father, Clarke “Deacon” Hampton at the helm. With that level of determination and talent, Whitted was destined to inherit the gift of music. He began his career in 1982 not long after earning his Master’s Degree at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. He’s been on staff at Chicago State University The Ohio State University and Wabash College. He recorded his first self-entitled album, ‘Pharez Whitted’ with Motown in 1994 and continued recording solo albums ever since. He’s performed with Nancy Wilson, Freddie Hubbard, Slide Hampton, John Mellencamp, Chaka Khan, Ahmad Jamal, George Duke, Kirk Whalum, Elvin Jones, Branford Marsalis and Meshell Ndegeocello to name a few. He is currently a clinician Jazz at Lincoln Center youth outreach program, he’s a staple at Rivinia’s Jazz Scholar program in Chicago and his newest role at CYSO to help find its identity and sound while bringing new faces to the young jazz scene of Chicago.

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. In speaking of Lark, jazz icon Clark Terry stated, “He’s a very good trumpet player, a very good musician. He’s paid his dues.” Recordings on the Jazzed Media label include those by The Bob Lark/Phil Woods Quintet, Bob Lark and his Alumni Big Band, and Bob Lark and Friends, with Phil Woods, Rufus Reid, and Jim McNeely. 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. 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.For thirty-one years, Dr. Lark served as Professor of Music and Director of Jazz studies at DePaul University, in Chicago. Currently, Bob is the Director of Jazz Studies at Valparaiso University in Indiana.He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in performance from the University of North Texas, having earlier earned a Master’s degree from that school, and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from The Ohio State University.