Charles Morey

Chuck Morey grew up in North Chili, a small suburb of Rochester, NY, and began playing professionally while still in high school. After a four-year stint as principal percussionist with the 89th Army Band during the Korean War, he returned home to begin alternating periods of college study and traveling on the road with various musical groups. His educational credits included a BA in Music Education from Roberts Wesleyan College and a Master’s degree from Ithaca College while studying percussion with William Street, artist/teacher at the Eastman School of Music.

As a drummer, Chuck was a member of groups led by Tex Beneke, Jimmy Dorsey, Tommy Dorsey, Les Elgart, Clyde McCoy, Nelson Riddle, Urbie Green, Clark Terry, Red Norvo, and Joe Venuti. He was also the drummer for shows featuring Bob Hope, Johnny Carson, Andy Williams, Jerry Lewis, Carl Channing, Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRae, Joe Williams, Della Reese, Melba Moore, Jack Jones, Billy Eckstine, Doc Severinsen, Vic Damone, Theresa Brewer, and others too numerous to name.

After ten years of teaching in the New York State public schools as a high school band director, Chuck began teaching at Monroe Community College in Rochester, NY. After thirty years of faculty service as Director of the College Concert and Jazz Bands, percussion instructor, and Professor of Music, Chuck retired to devote more time to his family, writing and freelance playing. During his tenure at MCC, he initiated the annual MCC Jazz Festival, which featured top jazz bands, groups and clinicians including Count Basie, Buddy Rich, Thad Jones-Mel Lewis, Gerry Mulligan, Maynard Ferguson, Phil Woods, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Woody Herman, Duke Ellington, Jamie Aebersold, Louie Bellson, the USAF Airmen of Note, and many more.