The Artist

Dr. Robert ("Bob") Kase is a GRAMMY® nominated recording artist widely known for his work as a performer, educator, administrator, recording artist, and composer.  Kase's music is familiar to many through movie soundtracks, TV shows, pop artists, jazz recordings, commercial jingles, and Broadway musicals. Kase has published music, method books, and literature for trumpet, jazz ensembles, choir, orchestra, concert bands, and quartets. His most recent solo album, "As We Gather", garnered him a Grammy® Award nomination for Outstanding Jazz Solo for "Dr. Doo Good," one of ten original compositions on the album.

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It was Kase's first solo album, "No Time for Daydreams", recorded in 1984, that officially put him on the map as a national artist. "Daydreams" featured six original tunes and led to a six-week national tour.  "Weaver of Dreams," Kase's second solo album, was acclaimed for  "not only that he’s a player with superior perception and technique but a first–rate composer as well." Jack Bowers, All About Jazz. Kase recorded Those Paris Nights in 1999 and Live at the Montreau Jazz Festival in Switzerland before his notable fourth solo album success. In 2006, Kase completed a commission entitled “On The Third Day,” a jazz mass for two jazz singers, 

full choir, and jazz orchestra.   Most  he completed a Jazz Trumpet Extravaganza, 14 works  for 6 trumpets, 5 saxes, and 3 rhythm.

 

Musical Story

Kase started playing professionally with small jazz and rock bands in New York back in High School. His career was officially launched when he was hired to tour with Sonny and Cher after their lead trumpet player cut his lip. This led to an extensive history of worldwide performances with artists such as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Andy Williams, Peggy Lee, The Temptations, Lena Horne, Wayne Newton, Natalie Cole, and many others.​ Kase has conducted various ensembles and honor groups all throughout the United States, and appeared as a guest artist in residence in Europe and Scandinavia. He is an active trumpet artist for the Schilke Music Corporation, and his successful work as an artist/clinician has placed him in high demand as soloist and lecturer in a wide variety of mediums. This includes appearances as a soloist with the International Trumpet Guild in Germany, tours to Russia, France, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany as well as tours with the Gothenberg Brass Band. Kase is regularly called as solo artist at festivals, concerts, schools and universities around the world. ​As a jazz trumpet player, Kase remains active and in-demand throughout the Twin Cities regularly performing with Joe Pulice, The Jazz MN Orchestra, Synergy, and JB Jazz Quartet, to name a few. 

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Composing & Publishing

Kase's musical journey spans intimate ballads, driving ensemble pieces and solo works that evoke late-night jazz clubs and cinematic soundscapes.  In addition he has composed in nearly every format for trumpet, including method books, jazz tunes, large ensemble works, choral compositions, musicals, solos works, brass quartets, quintets, trios, and much more.​​

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The Educator 

Kase is well known for his contributions to music education through his roles as a professor, administrator, and leader in music education organizations. Kase was regularly called to give presentations and lectures on trumpet performance and music education, as well as leadership seminars and liberal workshops. Kase began his experience as an educator as a band director in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. He went on to share his passion for teaching at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point ("UWSP"), where he took over the role of Trumpet professor. Kase became Director of Jazz Studies, building a ten-year program of success. The program continues to provide a solid education with numerous opportunities for students to develop their skills and passion for jazz. Before leaving UWSP, Kase served as Chair of the Music Department for 8 years, then moved on to advance his career as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois. After 9 enjoyable years serving as Dean, Kase was lured back to Minnesota to be close to his children and grandchildren, as well as his extended family. Kase served as the (final) Dean of the School of Fine Arts at the University of Minnesota Duluth, retiring at the age of 70.