John Berry
Warsaw, Indiana's John Berry learned arranging the hard way - by transcribing tunes from Stan Kenton records. By the age of 16, he was on a lifelong course of writing hundreds of works for jazz bands, including a 45-minute original composition for jazz ensemble and symphony orchestra. In 1973, he left his gig as Selmer's Professional Manager to join the U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors, where he served ten years as a bass trombonist, Chief Arranger and Assistant Director. He wrote over 100 compositions and arrangements for the band, winning commendations from the Army and beginning his career as a published writer. John began writing for Jensen Publications (later acquired by Hal Leonard Corporation) in 1981. After his Army days ("the neatest gig I ever had"), he moved to Phoenix and began teaching at various colleges, including Arizona State University and Grand Canyon University. He now teaches Music Business at the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences in Tempe, Arizona. In addition to his music credentials (which include study at Indiana University and private study with several Chicago Symphony lower brass players), John has a Communications Degree and a Masters Degree in Human Resources. He and his School Superintendent wife Robin live in Buckeye, Arizona on a four-acre "ranch-ette" with three horses and a donkey, among other animals.
