Biography
Artie Black is a saxophonist and clarinetist, composer, and educator based in Chicago. Originally from Renfrew, PA, he studied at Messiah University (B.S. Music Education), and Indiana University (M.M. Jazz Studies). While at Indiana, he worked as an Associate Instructor with legendary jazz educator and composer David Baker.
Since moving to Chicago in 2012, Black has been a steady presence in the creative music community. His group Black Diamond has released 4 albums of original material and toured throughout the U.S. and Europe, recently appearing at the We Jazz Festival in Helsinki, Finland. His newest release is a collaborative trio with bassist/ vocalist Katie Ernst and guitarist Matt Gold; their group Tin was inspired by classical chamber music and the paintings of artist Gertrude Abercrombie. Artie has worked as a sideman in groups led by bassist Matt Ulery, drummer Gustavo Cortiñas, trumpeter Orbert Davis, vocalist Christy Bennett, vibraphonist Kathy Kelly, and many more. Black also maintains a solo practice of improvisation and has released two recordings of layered, intimate collages using woodwinds and keyboards. Artie has worked as director of music at Grace Chicago Church since 2020— at Grace, he composes original pieces, arranges traditional church music, and leads music for weekly services from the keyboard or bass, and as a vocalist.
As an educator, Black has taught at Wheaton College since 2014 as Guest Instructor of saxophone; he previously directed the Wind Ensemble at Trinity Christian College. He has also worked with the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic’s educational outreach program since 2013, and has traveled throughout the U.S. teaching with Playbook, an education program geared towards creating a positive and inviting culture of jazz in schools. Artie also maintains a private saxophone studio and regularly appears as guest clinician at schools throughout the country. His goal as an educator is to help students find joy through learning for themselves. Artie is looking forward to deepening his involvement in the Wheaton community by leading the jazz ensemble.
Education
Indiana University Bloomington
Master's, Jazz/Jazz Studies, 2012
Messiah College
Bachelor's, Music Education, 2010