About Doug Beach
Doug Beach is a highly respected figure in the world of jazz, recognized as an accomplished performer, composer, arranger, publisher, and educator. Primarily known for his significant contributions to jazz education, he dedicated decades to nurturing young talent and shaping the landscape of educational jazz music. His work as the longtime director of the acclaimed Elmhurst College Jazz Band and the founder of Doug Beach Music has cemented his legacy in contemporary jazz.
- Doug Beach directed the Elmhurst College Jazz Band from 1978 to 2021, leading the ensemble on over 30 European tours, two of which were at the invitation of the U.S. State Department.
- In 1996, his arrangement of "Cottontail" was recorded by the Count Basie Orchestra and New York Voices, appearing on a Grammy Award-winning album for Best Large Jazz Ensemble.
- He founded Doug Beach Music in 1975, a company that has become one of the world's leading publishers of educational jazz music.
- Since 1995, Doug Beach has been a consistent recipient of a Plus Award from the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) for his compositional work.
Doug Beach's sheet music is particularly well-suited for students, educators, and jazz ensembles of all skill levels, from beginners to more advanced players. His extensive catalog, distributed through Doug Beach Music and Kendor Music, includes series like the "Jazz Foundations Series" for beginning-level players and the "First Edition Series" and "Threshold Series" for intermediate ensembles. Performing his arrangements offers a rewarding experience, providing high-quality, pedagogically sound material that helps developing musicians learn about jazz improvisation, ensemble playing, and various jazz styles, often including written solos for those new to improvisation.