Washburn University Jazz Orchestra

Lead by Dr. Craig Treinen an ANDREAS EASTMAN Jazz Saxophone Artist/Educator and 2015 Kansas Music Hall of Fame Inductee. He is currently the Department Chair and Director of Jazz Studies/Applied Saxophone at Washburn University. He serves as the Education Director for the Topeka Jazz Workshop Inc. and serves as a board member for the Sunflower Music Festival. Dr. Treinen received his PhD in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Jazz Studies and his Master's Degree in Music Education from Kansas State University. Dr. Treinen is also a graduate of Washburn University where he received his Bachelor degrees in Music Education and Saxophone Performance. In 1990, Dr. Treinen entered the United States Air Force as a Saxophone Specialist with the Heartland of America Band (formerly the USAF Strategic Air Command Band) stationed in Omaha, Nebraska. He served as the Principle Alto Saxophonist in the Heartland of America Band and was the Musical Director, Staff Arranger and Lead Alto Saxophonist for the Noteables Jazz Ensemble. Dr. Treinen received the Air Force Commendation Medal for his solo work with the jazz ensemble and was awarded Airman of the Year and Outstanding Airman Bandsman from the United States Air Force. Dr. Treinen has been fortunate to share the stage with John Denver, Crystal Gayle, Lee Greenwood, Shirley Jones, Manheim Steamroller, The Shirelles, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Ringling Bros Circus, George Duke, John Fedchock, Terrel Stafford, Frank Mantooth, Bobby Watson, Eric Marienthal, Karin Allison, and many more. He has been the Lead Alto Saxophonist in Big Bands such as Kansas City Boulevard Big Band, Trilogy Big Band, The Jimmy Dorsey Big Band, Omaha Big Band, Ron Capps Big Band, The River City Big Band, Kansas All-Star Big Band, Nebraska Jazz Orchestra, and The Moon City Big Band. He continues to be an active performer and clinician providing clinics, workshops, and lectures on saxophone and jazz education throughout the United States.