Dr. Jeffrey L. Traster
Concert Band Director
Jeffrey L. Traster, DMA is Music Professor Emeritus at The University of Tampa where he served as Director of Bands and Head of Music Education for nineteen years, including Music Department Chair for six years. Dr. Traster has taught in Texas, Ohio, and Florida. He is an active guest conductor, clinician, adjudicator, composer, tuba player and low-brass instructor.
Dr. Traster earned degrees from Baylor University (BME), The University of Colorado at Boulder (MM), and The University of Texas at Austin (DMA). Primary amongst his conducting instructors and mentors are Richard Floyd, Allan McMurray, and Tom Lee. He is a member of the Florida Bandmasters Association, Florida Music Educators Association, National Association for Music Education, College Band Directors National Association, Pi Kappa Lambda, and ASCAP.
Following his tenure at The University of Tampa, Dr. Traster turned to composing and founded Allegrezza Music Publications. Much of Dr. Traster’s music is composed for his students, Honor Bands, and special occasions. His oeuvre includes music for concert band, low brass chamber ensemble/choir, jazz band, voice, a VBS curriculum with original songs (created and produced in collaboration with colleagues from Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church in Tampa, FL), and solos for trumpet, trombone, euphonium, and tuba with piano. Eighteen pieces by Dr. Traster are on the Florida Bandmasters Association (FBA) Solo & Ensemble List. WAY DOWN for Concert Band, commissioned by the FBA for the Nine Star Honor Band, premiered in Florida at the 2022 FBA Summer Conference.
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Jeff and his wife, Denise, reside in Tampa. They have four grown daughters and five grandchildren.
Kurt Knippel
Jazz Band Director
Kurt Knippel is a Florida native, born and raised in Ocala, Florida. He graduated with a bachelor degree in Music Education from Florida State University.
Kurt taught instrumental music education at Crystal River High School, Forest High School, and Wildwood Middle School for a number of years. He is currently working in the graphic design field for Xerox.
Kurt has an active musical life playing saxophone, clarinet, and flute in several local bands including the Clearwater Community Concert Band, the Florida Jazz Express, Encore IV Jazz Ensemble, and the Ten O’Clock Big Band.
He resides in Largo, Florida with his wife Susan, and two children, Katherine and Keaton. When not immersed in music, Kurt enjoys traveling, scuba diving, camping, gardening, and astronomy.
