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It's time for an ´óÏó´«Ã½ faculty spotlight. Let's get to know Jason Klobnak, ´óÏó´«Ã½ Music Program Chair and faculty member.

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

I am a versatile musician and trumpet player that has been performing as an active musician, author, clinician, composer and educator. My bands, J’s Ruckus and the Jason Klobnak Quintet/Quartet (JKQ) are made up of high-caliber musicians known for their professionalism and versatility. Both perform infectious originals with a B3 organ centered rhythm section; they blend hard bop, soul, gospel, and hip-hop to create a memorable live experience.

What do you teach?

Music Marketing Strategies, Music Business, Music Publishing, Trumpet and many more!

How long have you been at ´óÏó´«Ã½?

11 years. 9 years as an adjunct instructor and 2 years as a full-time faculty

How long have you been teaching?

20 years

What is your favorite thing to teach? 

I love teaching anything in the area of music business, but I especially love teaching Music Marketing Strategies.

Why did you choose teaching?

I love to see the lightbulb go on in students when they realize what they're learning can be applied to their own passions.

Why did you choose ´óÏó´«Ã½?

I chose to work at Arapahoe Community College because of its strong reputation in the music department and its unwavering commitment to student success.

What is your mountain (ultimate goal)?

At ´óÏó´«Ã½ I want to see the music department be the go-to higher ed institution of choice in the region. I would love to see our growth continue so much so that we are forced to find new space to accommodate.

What's your favorite ´óÏó´«Ã½ memory so far?

Being a part of live recording process that allowed students to get hands on experience from the planning stages, marketing, performance, live sound, editing, mixing, mastering, and release of a professional project.

Tell us a fun fact about you / Something about you that might surprise people.

Beyond touring Europe with a band; I have worked in the insurance industry for 7 years and have also coached competitive / travel girls fastpitch softball.

Top 5 Bands/Musicians

In no particular order:

• Roy Hargrove

• Cannonball Adderley

• Miles Davis

• Snarky Puppy

• Jacob Collier

What is your advice to future and current students at ´óÏó´«Ã½?

Perfection is impossible. Rather, try and make today suck less for both yourself and others. That, over time, compounds into something quite beautiful.