Story
Leading Band Member
Dr. Jonathan Kruger is a native of Kenosha, Wisconsin where, in 1978, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and Performance at Carthage College. In 1981 Dr. Kruger began his studies at the Eastman School of Music where he completed both his Masters and Doctorate of Musical Arts studying with legendary composition instructor, Rayburn Wright. Following his studies at Eastman Dr. Kruger performed with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra as well as many professional artists such as Johnny Mathis, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Spinners, Julie Andrews, Cleo Laine, Barry Manilow, Richard Harris, Joel Grey, Robert Goulet, Mickey Rooney, as well as many others. Dr. Kruger is a Professor Emeritus and Chair Emeritus of the Department of Performing Arts at RIT. At RIT he has taught classes in scoring for various aspects of media, including film, animation, and video games. Dr. Kruger is also co-leader, along with his colleague, Dr. Carl Atkins, of the New Energy Jazz Orchestra and also serves as musical director and arranger for the Prime Time Brass – both groups perform in the Upstate NY area.