Washburn University

Department of Music

Craig Treinen

Saxophone

Office: Garvey Fine Arts 312

785.670.1520

craig.treinen@washburn.edu

Craig Treinen is currently the Director of Jazz Studies/Applied Saxophone at Washburn University and a doctoral candidate in Jazz Education at Kansas State University. A 1990 graduate of Washburn University Mr. Treinen earned his Bachelors degrees in Music Education and Saxophone Performance. Throughout his undergraduate degree Mr. Treinen performed in Kansas City as the Lead Alto Saxophonist for the Kansas City Boulevard Big Band for whom he recorded three albums. Other performances included local big bands such as Trilogy Big Band, Tony Dipardo Big Band, Topeka Jazz Workshop Big Band, Blue Devils Big Band, The Des Moines Big Band and Moms Big Band in Lawrence, Kansas.

After graduating from Washburn University, Mr. Treinen entered the United States Air Force as a Saxophone Specialist in the Heartland of America Band (formerly the USAF Strategic Air Command Band) stationed in Omaha, Nebraska. While serving Mr. Treinen was the Principle Alto Saxophonist in the symphonic band and served as the Musical Director, Staff Arranger and Lead Alto Saxophonist with the Heartland of America Band the “Noteables” jazz ensemble for which he recorded and produced the album entitled “Always and Forever”. In 1994, Mr. Treinen received the Air Force Commendation Medal for his solo work with the “Noteables” Jazz Ensemble and in 1995 he was awarded the Airman of the Year and Outstanding Airman Bandsman of the United States Air Force. In 1996, Mr. Treinen also received The Air Force Achievement Medal for his accomplishments directing the “Noteables” during The United States Air Force 50th anniversary World War II show which was presented all over the United States.

After completing his service with the United States Air Force, Mr. Treinen attended Kansas State University in the fall of 1998-2000, where he served as a graduate assistant to Dr. Frank Tracz. Upon completion of his M.M. from Kansas State University, he served as the Assistant Band Director at Salina South High School and Wamego High School in Kansas. In 2002, Mr. Treinen went back to Kansas State University to pursue his PhD in Jazz Studies, where he served as a graduate assistant to Dr. Wayne Goins. He is currently serving as the Artistic Director for the Coleman Hawkins Legacy Jazz Festival which is a two-day Jazz Festival held in Topeka, Kansas. He is also the Education Director for the Topeka Jazz Workshop Inc. Mr. Treinen is also involved with the youth music programs at Washburn University. He has directed and organized the Washburn University High School Youth Wind Ensemble, Topeka Jazz Workshop High School and Middle School Jazz Ensembles and Washburn’s Coleman Hawkins High School Jazz Festival. He has performed, judged and provided clinics for Bethany College, Hutchinson Community College, Garden City Community College, Marshall University, IAJE High School Grammy Awards, Kansas Bandmaster Association, Iowa Jazz Championships and many area high schools. Mr. Treinen has performed with such legendary performers such as Lee Greenwood, Shirley Jones, Crystal Gayle, Bob Denver, Frank Mantooth, Brian Strippling, Karin Allison, The Shirelles, The Jimmy Dorsey Big Band, Kevin Mahogany, Todd Strait, Terrell Stafford, George Duke, Bobby Watson, Eric Marienthal and many other such dignitaries from all over the world. Mr. Treinen continues to be an active performer and clinician throughout the Midwest working with high school and college jazz ensembles.