Chet Heflin
Lives in California, United States
I guess my passion for composition started when I heard my first big band composition performed by the Stan Kenton Orchestra in the late 70's. The chart was titled "There's Always A First". That thrilling moment was the driving force that had me packing my bags with a Henry Mancini writing scholarship in hand to North Texas State University. From 1978-1982 I had the great fortune to write for top college jazz big bands and also play jazz guitar. I am currently an elementary band and orchestra teacher and have enjoyed writing in a wide range of styles for my students. And for some exercise in the great outdoors I like to chase a little white ball around the golf course. Pictured is the 1975 Les Paul Deluxe (Sunburst) that my father purchased for me so I could participate in the high school jazz band. My father was a gifted guitarist and a big fan of Les Paul. A big thanks to both my mother and father for the gift of music and all the private lessons they made possible for me beginning at the age of seven. |