Kim Gast is Professor of music at St Cloud State University where he currently teaches saxophone, jazz history, applied jazz improvisation/harmony, and music fundamentals.
He directed the SCSU Jazz Ensemble for 28 years, during which time the group hosted many notable artists including Bob Mintzer, Gary Foster, Frank Mantooth, Bobby Shew, Allen Vizutti, Bob Berg, and many more. Under his direction the group concertized in Germany, France, throughout Mexico, and was invited multiple times to perform at MMEA conventions in Minneapolis.
Dr. Gast is a versatile saxophonist, being equally comfortable in jazz and traditional concert genres. He has performed at North American Saxophone Alliance conventions and was the winner of the Rocky Mountain Concerto competition and the Angie Southard Solo competition. As a jazz saxophonist, Dr. Gast has worked with many notable groups in the Minneapolis, St. Paul area including the Cedar Avenue Big Band, the Jerry O’Hagan Jazz Orchestra, Mick Sterling and the Stud Brothers, the Solid Senders, and others.
His quintet, the Twin Cities Jazz Imports, has been a consistent recipient of civic grants that support the group’s performances in the St. Cloud community. The Central Minnesota Arts Board, the St. Cloud Arts Council, the Central Minnesota Community Foundation, and many private donors have provided financial support for the Jazz Imports concert series.
A native of Denver, Dr. Gast received his Bachelor and Master’s degree from the Lamont School of Music of the University of Denver, and his Doctoral degree from the University of Northern Colorado. He is a veteran teacher with a sense of humor and positive approach to teaching.