معرفی
Pharez Whitted serves as an Instructor in Trumpet Jazz Studies at Northern Illinois University's School of Music within the College of Visual and Performing Arts. His career spans performance, education, composition, and administration across multiple prestigious institutions.
His research and professional interests focus on Jazz Studies, Trumpet Performance, and Music Education. Whitted integrates practical performance experience with academic instruction, emphasizing improvisation techniques, jazz repertoire development, and ensemble leadership. His work bridges academic training with real-world performance contexts through programs like Jazz @ Lincoln Center.
Whitted has received significant recognition including:
- Chicagoan of the Year in Jazz (2016)
- Shortridge High School Hall of Fame induction (2017)
- DePauw University Alumni Citation (2018)
- Independent Jazz Artist of the Year nomination (2011)
As an active educator and performer, Whitted directs the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras Jazz Orchestra while maintaining his NIU teaching responsibilities. His mentorship extends through the Ravinia Festival's Jazz Scholar Program and Jazz Education Network initiatives. Whitted's performance career includes appearances at Carnegie Hall, Presidential inaugurations, and collaborations with jazz legends including Branford Marsalis and Elvin Jones.
His leadership in jazz education is demonstrated through his roles as Coordinator for Jazz @ Lincoln Center's Chicago programs and membership on the Jazz Education Network Board of Directors. Whitted has released five commercial recordings, including two albums on the MoTown Jazz Label.
