“Karns is an outstanding trumpeter, but it’s his composing and arranging that sets him apart” –so says Tom Surowicz of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Keith Karns writes for professional, collegiate, and high school groups all over the world. Many of his original compositions can be heard on his two big band CDs, Thought and Memory, and An Eye on the Future.
Keith also is known as a classical composer and arranger. He writes commissioned works for brass and chamber groups. In 2019 the Tarnished Brass Quintet performed a recital of his original compositions at the Texas Music Educators Association Conference in San Antonio, TX.
ACCOLADES
Downbeat Award
Outstanding Arrangement: “Up on the Roof”
JEN Young Composer’s Award
Winner: “The House at the End of High Street”
Downbeat Award
Best Original Composition for Large Ensemble: “The Square”
ASCAP Herb Alpert Young Composer’s Award
Best Original Composition: “The Square”
