About Ward Durrett
A graduate of Millikin University and the US Navy School of Music, Ward currently performs with Denver’s Hot Tomatoes Jazz Orchestra, the Dean Bushnell Orchestra and is the leader of the MountainSong Jazz Project. Ward’s performance credits also include Denver pianists Gary Dempsey and Chuck Lamb, singer Carol Lawrence, band leaders Bob Crosby, Ray Eberly, Les Elgart and Ray McKinley, entertainer Sheri Lewis, and Al Pierson (the Guy Lombardo Orchestra).
Ward is a clinician for, and plays Mapex Drums and Majestic Percussion exclusively.
As an Educator
Ward's credentials include past Instructor of Percussion at Colorado State University as well as Colorado Christian University: Percussion Director for the University of Northern Colorado's "Pride of the Rockies" marching band; Director of Admissions and Director of Percussion and Jazz Studies at the VanderCook College of Music in Chicago and Percussion Instructor and Arranger at Marian Catholic HS in Chicago Heights IL.
As an Innovator
.. In December of 2000, Ward was the first percussionist to be inducted into the Winter Guard International Hall of Fame in recognition of his pioneering efforts in the development of the WGI indoor competitive percussion activity. He served as both Percussion Coordinator and Chief Judge for WGI and still contributes to the activity as a consultant and member of the WGI Percussion administrative team.
Photo Gallery
With The Kings of Swing
