Director of Jazz Studies at Crane where he conducts the jazz ensembles and teaches improvisation, arranging and jazz history. He joined the Crane faculty in 1987 after receiving his M.M. in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas where he taught improvisation and was the conductor, soloist and arranger for the One O'Clock Lab Band. An active trombone soloist/clinician for Yamaha, Bret has performed with numerous jazz artists and has guest conducted groups all over the United States, Canada and Europe. A published composer, Mr. Zvacek's music has been performed by numerous university and professional groups including the UMO Jazz Orchestra (Helsinki, Finland) and the Count Basie Orchestra.