-- The Larry Harms Trio --

Band Bio's:

Larry Harms
Mr. Lawrence David Harms is a native of Oak Ridge, Tennessee who received his bachelor's degree (1985) in Jazz Studies and Studio Music from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and master's degree (1988) in Saxophone Performance from Illinois State University. An accomplished musician and instructor, Mr. Harms demonstrates his personal dedication to the performance and education of music through his professional involvements.

Mr. Harms began working at Illinois Central College in 1989 where he was Music Program Coordinator for five years and is currently an Assistant Professor of Music. During that time he also taught at Bradley University (1990-'97) as a Jazz Band and Music Appreciation Instructor, at Knox College (1991-'97) as a Saxophone, Jazz Improvisation, and Combos Instructor, and at Illinois State University (1991) as a Saxophone Instructor.

Twice recipient of the ICC "Faculty Who Make a Difference Award," Mr. Harms has also been awarded the Midwest Jazz Heritage Jimmy Binkley Award. He is an active member of the National Association of the Schools of Music (1989), the Central Illinois Jazz Society (1990), the International Association of Jazz Educators (1991), the Illinois Music Educators' Association, the River City Blues Society (2004), and the Music Educators' National Conference (2005).

As well as being a devoted educator, Mr. Harms has remained a prodigious performer as the pianist and bandleader for the Central Illinois Jazz Society and the Illinois Central Jazz Train, a clarinetist with the Heart of Illinois Wind Quintet, and saxophonist with Harry Connick, Jr., Aretha Franklin, Mills Brothers, Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, Four Tops, Temptations, Tom Jones, Peoria Symphony, and Central Illinois Jazz Orchestra.

Randy Emert
Mr. Randall Emert, Jr. is a Peoria, IL native who started his musical endeavors at the age of 10 when he picked up the cello. Classically trained for 8 years, Mr. Emert played cello in multiple school ensembles and such groups as the Central Illinois Youth Symphony. On his path through high school, Mr. Emert made the transition from cello to string bass in the high school symphony, jazz band and two years with the Peoria Jazz All-Stars (1998-2000).

Mr. Emert continued his passion of both music and history at Illinois Central College where he graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences (2003). Mr. Emert graduated with a Bachelors of Science in History Education from Illinois State University (2006). While at Illinois State, he played in both Jazz Ensemble I and Combo I (2004-2006) under the direction of Dr. Tom Marko. Holding an endorsement in both history and music, Mr. Emert now teaches U.S. History and Career Preparation at Pekin Community High School. (2006-present)

Mr. Emert has had the chance to play at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland (2000) and the Umbria Jazz Festival in Perugia, Italy. (2000) He has also played on the Big Red Boat cruise ship to the Bahamas. (1999) Mr. Emert has played with artists/composers like Dominick Spera (2002), Bobby Shew (2004), Benny Golson (2005), John Campbell (2005) and the Peoria Jazz Band from Sweden. (1999) Randy is currently a member of the Central Illinois Jazz Society House Band, the Larry Harms Trio, the Central Illinois Jazz Train, the Harold Greene Trio, the Northwoods Community Church Creative Arts Team and a freelance bass player playing electric and double bass in the region.

Cory Flanigan
Cory Flanigan, native of Central Illinois, is a freelance drumset player and percussionist whose talents range from rock, to jazz, to world music. Even before completing the Professional Certificate Program at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California (2001), he played with several well-known musicians such as Jose Medeles, Ed Roscetti, Maria Martinez, Joe Baiza, and Joe Pacaro. Mr. Flanigan has taught at both the Musicians Institute and American Music Institute (Los Angeles), and he continues to teach drumset privately.

Keeping in line with his interest in many musical genres, Mr. Flanigan played with the Zadonu African Dance Company from 1998 through 2005; was band leader of the house jazz band at the Mosiac Hotel (in Los Angeles) from 2004 through 2006; works as a drum tech, performer, and recording engineer for Ed Roscetti since 2002; and has played in several rock bands such as Fast Food Revolution, Solar Wimp, Redbrains, The Migration, the Oohlas, Two Girls, Kuwahara, The Suit and Tie Guy Band, and Save the Rings of Saturn.

Mr. Flanigan’s latest focus is jazz music, and he has had the opportunity to play with many of the best jazz musicians in Central Illinois: Dave Hoffman, Larry Harms, Kevin Hart, Mike Nellas, Tim Brickner, and Travis Wesley. Currently, Mr. Flanigan is a member of the Larry Harms Trio, the Illinois Central Jazz Train (Big Band), the Jazz Society House Band, and the Romaniacs (Gypsy Jazz).

www.myspace.com/coryflanigan