Mr. Jeff Ayers
He has a Bachelor of Music Education degree from CMU with a minor in Jazz Studies. He has also completed two years of graduate study in Trumpet Performance, being a Graduate Assistant at both the University of South Carolina and Bowling Green State University. He recently earned a Masters degree in Advanced Instrumental Conducting from CMU and is currently the trumpet teacher at Alma College.
Mr. Ayres has been teaching in Greenville since 1997. Other teaching experience includes 5 years at Coconut Creek HS in FL and 6 years in Newaygo. He is a member of the Flat River Big Band, the Truth in Jazz Orchestra, the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra and the Fair Haven Horns of Power.
His experience includes performances with Dizzy Gillespie, Jon Faddis, Maynard Ferguson, Rich Matteson, the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, the Toledo Opera, and the Grand Rapids Symphony. Mr. Ayres was also the winner of the 1984 University of South Carolina Concerto Competition, and was the Outstanding Wind Player at the Aquinas College Collegiate Jazz Festival in 1983.
His professional associations include: MSBOA (state secretary/treasurer), Phi Mu Alpa, Pi Kappa Lambda, International Association of Jazz Educators, International Trumpet Guild
In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, two daughters, and his two dogs. He also loves to play golf. He may be reached at 225-1000 ext. 8377 or via email ayresj@greenville.k12.mi.us
