MR. ED QUICK
Edward Quick taught music for 30 years, 29 of them in the Detroit Public Schools where he developed excellent band programs. At the Detroit School of Arts, he built a band program that received national and international acclaim. The Wind Symphony has been praised by prominent conductors and composers including Wesley Broadnax, John Whitwell, Kenneth Bloomquist, David Catron, H. Robert Reynolds, Robert Spradling, Thomas Duffy, David Gillingham, Timothy Reynish, John Williamson, Peter Tiboris, and Neeme Jarvi. The list of great musicians that have worked with the Jazz Ensemble include Chick Corea, Branford Marsalis, Regina Carter, Rodney Whitaker, the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, and Aretha Franklin. Quick’s ensembles have been featured at the Michigan Music Educators’ In-Service Conference, Central Michigan University’s Band Clinic, Western Michigan University’s Wind and Percussion Day, Music Educators’ National Conference, the British Association of Symphonic Bands and Wind Ensembles’ annual international conference in Manchester, England and the Detroit International Jazz Festival. The band program has received the American School Band Director’s Association “Award of Excellence.” Additionally, the Wind Symphony has performed at Carnegie Hall four times to standing ovations.
Quick was the assistant band director for the Musical Youth International Band on their 1986 tour of the Far East. That organization also honored him for his efforts to involve talented minority students in their world musical tours. He received the “Spirit of Detroit” award twice from the Detroit City Council and in 1996 was selected as a “Teacher of the Year” by Newsweek magazine/WDIV-TV. In addition to his regular teaching duties, he has served as conductor of the Detroit Public Schools All City Symphonic Band and Jazz Band. He was an assistant director for the All City Marching Band that performed in the Tournament of Roses Parade in 2002. In 2006, Quick was officially honored by the State of Michigan Legislature and Governor Jennifer Granholm for his accomplishments and service to the community.
Quick has been an active member of Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) serving in several positions for District 15, including four times as president. Additionally, he has served as a clinician and adjudicator for MSBOA festivals and conferences. Other professional affiliations include the Music Educators’ National Conference (MENC), the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE), and the American School Band Directors’ Association (ASBDA). His education background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Michigan State University and a Masters’ in Clarinet Performance from the University of Michigan.
Even in retirement, Quick is active in the music community. He regularly works with area high school ensembles and adjudicates for Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association festivals.