David Aaberg has served as the Director of Jazz & Commercial Music at UCM since 1986. In addition to directing two jazz ensembles, he teaches courses in jazz history, jazz improvisation, jazz arranging, jazz pedagogy and composition. A native of the Seattle area, Dr. Aaberg attended Central Washington University (BA and MM in Composition), where he studied composition with Donald White and trumpet with Robert Panerio. He later attended The University of Texas at Austin (DMA in Composition), studying composition with Karl Korte and trumpet with Raymond Crisara. As a performer, he spent two years "on the road" in a disco band on the west coast. Since moving to Missouri, he has become very active as a performer on jazz trumpet and jazz piano in the Kansas City area. He and his arrangements can be heard on numerous CDs from Kansas City's Boulevard Big Band and the Trilogy Big Band. Walrus Music and UNC Jazz Press publish many of his compositions and arrangements for jazz ensemble and jazz choir.