John Root
Musician • Educator




Performance Experience

• Vocalist and multi-instrumentalist presenting programs featuring popular music from the first half of the twentieth century for audiences of all ages at schools, libraries, historical societies, senior centers, long-term care residences and other venues throughout New England (1977-Present)

• Founder/leader/arranger of Swingtime Quartet and Swingtime Sextet, performing at dances, schools, community concerts, weddings, and other venues throughout New England (1990-Present)

• Producer of “Dancing with the Duke” featuring the music of Duke Ellington with Swingtime Sextet and the Hooked on Swing Society for broadcast by Amherst Community Television (1996)

• Founder of Pioneer Valley Jazz Society Big Band; arranged original compositions for live and televised performances (1984-2002)johnroot


Teaching Experience

• Presenter of clinics in ear training and improvisation for secondary school instrumental ensembles (1997-Present)

• Instructor of piano and woodwinds for students of all ages; faculty member of Community Music School of Springfield, Northampton Community Music School, Northampton Center for Children and Families, and Deerfield Academy (1977-1987)

• Leader of “Arts and Adventure” church youth group, Amherst, MA (1985-1986)

• Science Teacher, Booker T. Washington Junior High School, Baltimore, MD (1975-1976)

• Camp Counselor and Assistant Camp Director in summer camps promoting awareness and appreciation of nature (1968-1979)


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