STEVE WIEST
Multiple Grammy-Nominated Trombonist, Composer, Songwriter, Author and Cartoonist
Edwards Instruments Artist. Steve Wiest plays the Custom T302 Excalibur Trombone and Griego-Steve Wiest Mouthpiece Exclusively
Steve Wiest Resume
Directing
As part of my duties as Chair of the NEA, I will be leading people. Here I am doing just that with my composition of "The Last Theme Song" with The University of Noth Texas One O'Clock Lab Band
Performing
To understand and to promote fine art, I must first be able to create and perform myself. Here I am playing solo and section trombone on with my group Vinyl Hampdin (I am the leader of the organization) on my arrangement of the Rare Earth classic: "I Just Want to Celebrate."
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Public Speakng
As Chair of the NEA, I would need to speak in a charismatic, compelling and entertaining manner in all kinds of public situations. This is from an interview at Evangel University.
Artwork
My artwork is that of the regular man: cartoons. Here are a few examples of my work:
I have a Masters degree in Jazz Studies from The University of North Texas
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I was the featured trombonist and writer fo The Maynard Ferguson Band 1981-86 and then again in 2006
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I worked with Doc Severinsen and The Old Tonight Show Band on the road from 1994-2000
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I have been nominated for Three Grammy awards:
Best Arrangement: "Besame Mucho" with Maynard Ferguson 2007
Best Composition: "Ice Nine" with The UNT One O'Clock Lab Band 2010
Best Large JAzz Ensemble: The UNT One O'Clock LAb Band 2010
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I ran jazz programs as director, leader, and administrator for four universities over the space of 34 years. I left each university always to move higher.
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To sum up, I have all of the tools and experience to do an incredible and VERY effective job as the new Chair of The National Endowment for the Arts. I would LOVE the opportunity to address what I see as the shortcomings of that organization and to bring it back to REAL art by REAL artists.
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I thank you for your consideration,
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Steve Wiest
940-391-8170
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