Rick White
Bass

Rick White's background as a classically trained composer and jazz bassist combine to make both his compositions and his playing truly unique. His first experiences as a bassist were in R&B bands playing clubs all over the Western U.S. giving him strong roots in groove oriented music. After this he chose to pursue a more formal music education and attended Northern Illinois University where he received his masters in Music Composition and then the University of Northern Colorado where he is currently ABD.

While in school, Rick was a teaching assistant in both the Jazz and Music Theory departments and played in many of the top ensembles. At UNC groups he was in received three Downbeat Awards. During Rick's time at both of these schools he was able to maintain a busy schedule as a sideman as well as back up many guest artists such as Tito Puente, Clark Terry, Mark Murphy, and Bob Mintzer to name a few. At NIU Rick's compositions were named outstanding student composition both years he was there and was featured on the faculty composition concerts. Also at NIU he was a featured member of the Faculty Jazz Quintet.

Currently, Rick is the Director of Instrumental Music at Olympic College in Bremerton, WA. There he teaches both years of music theory, jazz theory, bass lessons, and conducts both the Jazz and Wind Ensembles.