About George
George is widely regarded as one of the leading composers of jazz ensemble music
for younger players. While he has written many challenging works as well, he is best
known for his charts at the grade 2-4 levels.
George first began playing the trumpet in 4th grade and piano in 6th grade. He began writing his first stage band arrangements in 7th and 8th grade while at MacArthur Junior High School in Berkeley, Illinois.
At Proviso West High School in Hillside, Illinois he took arranging classes, played in Paul Tolosko's Jazz Ensemble groups, and continued to write.
During high school, George heard many of the great Big Bands: Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis, and other jazz players: Pat Metheny, Chuck Mangione, Gary Burton, Miles Davis, Oscar Peterson. Many of these groups and players have provided inspiration for many of George's compositions. George also likes Don Ellis and his odd meters; and Oliver Nelson's harmonies.
In 1978, George wrote his first published piece, "Prelude To A Journey", a Mangione-inspired flugelhorn feature in 7/4, which was published by Doug Beach Music.
While in college at the University of Illinois Chicago Campus, George studied orchestration. During this period, George began writing longer festival pieces and commissions for the Decatur MacArthur Jazz Ensemble in Decatur Illinois. These compositions are long out-of-print, but here's the list of them:
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Pictures At An Exhibition, with a Don Ellis-inspired 11/8 section
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Cat Dance
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The Magician, the title refers to Roger Schuler, the long-time jazz director at Millikin University
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Three Ring Circus
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1984
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Senor Mouse
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Oliver and Stanley, inspired by Oliver Nelson and Stan Kenton
George's association with Doug Beach Music and friendship with Doug continues to this day. Over the years, Doug and George have created many compositions together. Their compositions are published through Kendor Music.
In 1990, the Chili Pepper Series was born. You can read the history of the Chili Pepper here.
One of George's hobbies is architecture. One recent composition, Fallingwater, pays homage to Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater in Bear Run, Pennsylvania.
George's day gig is writing computer software. He's been in this profession since graduating college. George also maintains the Kendor Music website.