Ken Fink

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Ken Finke plays saxophones and bassoon. He obtained his music education degree from Hiram College in 1975. In 1976 he attended the Mannes College of Music, studying bassoon and saxophone. He took bassoon lessons from Sandy Sharoff, the leading bassoonist on Broadway at the time, and second bassoon under Toscanini. Sandy was briefly first bassoon under Bernstein until he turned his attention to Broadway. He also studied with Bill Polisi, first bassoon under Toscanini. Ken studied saxophone less formally, but was mentored by Danny Banks (baritone sax on the Music Minus One series), and also studied with such studio players such as Skippy Galucci and Frank Wess.

Ken has played and recorded with a number of original jazz, R&B and popular bands, many of which had air play in the area. He is proudest of his association with two bands. One was Arnold the Pig, a rock band which had World Beat, Jazz and other unique influences. The other is Chop Shop. Chop Shop was a successful Blues and R&B band in the NYC area that toured the world. Nationally known members included Crusher Green (Wilson Pickett’s drummer for over 30 years,) and J. T. Bowen, who sang with Bruce Springsteen and Clarence Clemons. But Ken always loved the sound of lots of horns. So in May of 2003 he took the reins of the New Jersey Workshop for the Arts’ student big band and decided to make it a professional band. As the leader of the Full Count Big Band based in Westfield, New Jersey, the band is the area’s favorite semi-pro big band, playing swing, jazz, rock and modern arrangements for audiences of all ages. And he is hot as hell!!