Bill Sears has been director of jazz studies at the Interlochen Arts Academy since 1987. Prior to teaching at Interlochen, Mr. Sears lived in Chicago where he led an active performing career and also taught at the American Conservatory of Music and Concordia University. He has been a faculty member of the Shell Lake (Wisconsin) Arts Center Summer Jazz Camp since 1977.
An active jazz saxophonist, Bill Sears has performed, toured and recorded with many leading musicians including Ray Charles, Dizzy Gillespie, Saxophonist Bill Evans, Rick Margitza, Art Farmer, Joe Williams and Nancy Wilson. Bill has two CD's under his own leadership, Chasin' The Goal and With One Accord, both of which feature not only his engaging and individual saxophone voice, but also several of his compositions.
In addition to his jazz credentials, Bill is a versatile performer who is a contracted saxophonist with the Grand Rapids and Traverse Symphony Orchestras, and he has played in the backup orchestras for countless popular artists including Natalie Cole, Aretha Franklin, The Temptations and Tony Bennett.
Bill Sears is a Conn-Selmer performing artist who makes appearances as a guest clinician and soloist.
