Kris Berg – Conductor of Jazz Orchestra and Director of GDYO Jazz

Kris Berg has been performing, arranging and composing jazz music since the
age of sixteen. Originally from St. Louis, Kris moved to Denton to attend the
University of North Texas, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s
degrees in jazz studies.

A best selling big band composer and arranger for over 30 years, Kris’ charts are
published by Warner Brothers, Belwin Jazz, Kendor Music, Doug Beach Music,
C.L. Barnhouse, Walrus Music, Baker’s Jazz and More, J.W. Peppers and
www.krisbergjazz.com . Both professional and school bands all over the world
frequently perform his charts. He has written arrangements for jazz artists such
as Delfeayo Marsalis, Veronica Swift, Eric Marienthal, Randy Brecker, John
Pizzarelli, Wayne Bergeron, Phil Woods, Kurt Elling and Chris Vadala. His
popular bass method book, Bass Lines in Minutes, has helped hundreds of
young bass players approach the art of the jazz walking bass line.
Mr. Berg has released three highly acclaimed CD’s (Summit Records) as leader of
his Metroplexity Big Band. “Time Management”, winner of two Global Music
Awards, and “This Time/Last Year” feature special guests such as Phil Woods,
Wayne Bergeron, Delfeayo Marsalis, Chris Vadala, Clay Jenkins and others. His
newest release, “Perspectives,” featuring Randy Brecker, Eric Marienthal and
Gregg Bissonette has garnered 5 Global Music awards. Metroplexity’s recordings
feature Kris’ unique writing and arranging as well as many of the outstanding
musicians in the Dallas area.

An award-winning bassist, director and educator, Mr. Berg is endorsed by
Yamaha Basses, Bag End Loudspeakers and Acoustic Image Amplifiers and has
appeared at jazz festivals and camps throughout the United States. He has been
selected as guest director for the IAJE Community College All-Star Jazz Band, as
well as All-State Jazz Bands in Nebraska, Montana, Oklahoma, Maine, South
Carolina, Arkansas, South Dakota, Nevada, Kentucky, Ohio, Arizona, Texas, and
Wyoming. Kris has appeared or recorded with the likes of Wayne Bergeron, Phil
Woods, Kurt Elling, John Pizzarelli, Randy Brecker, Peter Erskine, Delfeayo
Marsalis, Bob Mintzer, Bobby Shew and others. Kris is currently the Music
Director for Willow Bend Church in Plano, where he has been involved in music
ministry for over 25 years.

Kris was the Director of Jazz Studies at Collin College for almost 30 years.
Having built the jazz program at Collin, Berg directed ensembles, taught jazz
courses and is the founder of both the Collin Jazz Fest and the Texas All-Star
Jazz Camp. Under his direction, Collin jazz ensembles performed multiple times
at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, the Jazz Education Network
Conference and jazz festivals all over the United States and the Bahamas. Mr.
Berg currently resides in north Dallas with his beloved wife Yvette and daughter
Kristen and has two grown sons, Michael and Jonathan and grandchildren, Ian
and Isla.