About Kate

Growing up as a classical violinist, Kate experienced a variety of musical styles from age 5. When relocated to the Pacific Northwest in middle school, she developed a new passion for jazz and other contemporary styles. From then on, the upright bass and voice became her primary musical outlets.

Kate was nurtured by the supportive music community in Portland Oregon, where she was able to satisfy her hunger to learn and perform. Late in high school Kate achieved national recognition for her jazz bass and vocals. She was named an NFAA "youngARTS" Silver winner, accumulated four Downbeat Magazine Student Awards, was twice invited to the Brubeck Summer Jazz Colony, and was bassist in the Grammy Jazz Ensemble. She was also selected as a Presidential Scholar of the Arts, including a White House visit and a performance at the Kennedy Center.

Composition, arranging, and songwriting are recent interests. She enjoys performing her original music, and has arranged numerous songs for her CDs and competitions. An arrangement of Rachmaninovs Symphonic Dances netted an award from Downbeat. She studies at the Manhattan School of Music and has played at Dizzy's Club Coca Cola and The Blue Note.