Profile

A graduate of the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts in 1974, Mr. Wasko is currently the coordinator of brass studies at The University of the Arts, in Philadelphia, as well as director of the University’s “Rick Kerber Tribute Ensemble.”  It is a special honor for him to direct the Kerber Tribute Ensemble as he was a lifelong friend and colleague of the outstanding trumpeter Mr. Rick Kerber. At UArts, Dennis also teaches Trumpet, Jazz Theory, Brass Methods, and directs the University’s Classical Trumpet Ensemble, and the Dave Douglas Tribute Ensemble.

While growing up in central New Jersey, Mr. Wasko began studying trumpet at the age of 12 from Ken Phillips and Joe Scannella, members of the Trenton Symphony trumpet section.  While attending Steinert High School, he performed in the New Jersey All-State Orchestra and Wind Ensemble and was nominated for the MacDonald’s All-American Band.

Mr. Wasko has studied classical trumpet  from New York Philharmonic trumpeter Vincent Penzarella, as well as Philadelphia Orchestra members Seymour Rosenfeld and Roger Blackburn. He studied commercial/lead trumpet from Michael Natale and Albert Coculo. His jazz improvisation teachers include Dennis Sandole, Larry McKenna, Vince Trombetta and Al Stouffer.

A performer in the tri-state area for over 30 years, Dennis is currently First Trumpet at the Walnut St. Theatre in Philly. He has performed and recorded with Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Natalie Cole, Henry Mancini, Michael Buble, Harry Conich Jr., and Burt Bacharach. During summer '07, he performed as a guest soloist with the XL Big Band in Malmo, Sweden. Recently, he was honored and privileged to perform at his alma mater, Steinert H.S. with his close friends and respected colleagues in the UArts Faculty Jazz Ensemble.

As a guest conductor, Mr. Wasko has directed the New Jersey All-State Region II High School and Junior High School Jazz Ensembles.

His former students are currently performing in jazz ensembles and recording studios world-wide in Amsterdam, Prague, Los Angeles and New York City.

Mr. Wasko would like to thank his family for their continued love and support, especially to Ray & Doris Wasko for instilling a love of music into their children’s lives. He currently resides in Williamstown, New Jersey with his wife Carol, and two children, Erika and Dennis.

CLICK HERE to hear a sample of Dennis' playing

Email: dwasko@uarts.edu