Sparky Koerner Jazz Express – Jazz Under the Palms
Sparky Koerner is a trumpeter /educator who has been performing in the Galveston/Houston area since 1980. He is leader of Sparky’s Jazz Express, principle trumpet with the Galveston Symphony Orchestra and a member of Jazz Sunday, performing worship services throughout Texas. He is a professor of music and Chairman of the Fine Arts Department at College of the Mainland in Texas City. His award winning jazz ensembles at the college have performed at major jazz conferences and festivals in Texas and the United States.
Sparky has shared the stage with notable musicians Doc Severinsen, Tom “Bones” Malone, Kevin Eubanks, John Pizzarelli, Diane Schuur, Phil Woods, Mindy Abair, David Benoit, Chris Vadala, Bobby Watson, Marvin Stamm to name just a few.
A Jazz Educator Sparky has served as president of Texas Jazz Educators Association, International Association of Jazz Education – Texas Unit and Chairman for TX High School All-State Jazz Auditions.
Sparky’s musical influences include: Miles Davis, Chet Baker, Clifford Brown, Lee Morgan, Blue Mitchell, Roy Hargrove, Nicolas Payton, Randy Brecker, Brian Lynch and Wynton Marsalis.
He holds a Bachelor of Music Degree in Trumpet performance from Louisiana State University and a Master of Music Education in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas. His trumpet teachers include Don “Jake” Jacoby, Leonard Candelaria, John Haynie and George Foss.