Kathryn Sherman
Kat Sherman is a jazz vocalist, composer, arranger, and teaching artist based in Chicago, IL.
Performing regularly in duo settings, with small combos, and with big bands, Kat has released
recordings with jazz bassist Hannah Marks (Alone Together) and math rock band Giraffe House
(Folding Chair Fathers, Leafy Greens, Toxic, Passenger). She has also been a featured vocalist on
recordings with the University of North Texas Jazz Singers (directed by Jennifer Barnes), the
Two O’Clock Lab Band (directed by Rob Parton), and with independent artists such as Jake Benjamin
and Jon Wasserman. Her debut album of original compositions and arrangements is slated for
release in late 2024. Kat also works regularly as a studio vocalist, recording choral demos and
virtual jazz ensemble projects in her home studio.
With significant experience directing vocal jazz ensembles and contemporary vocal groups, Kat
is in demand as an ensemble director, voice teacher, and clinician. She is passionate about
building an inclusive learning environment, where she helps all students build a diverse set of
skills to prepare them for a wide variety of future career opportunities. Kat currently teaches in
the Jazz Studies department at DePaul University, offering private jazz voice lessons, directing
the DePaul Vocal Jazz Ensemble and a small jazz combo, and teaching several Group Jazz Piano
and Jazz Ear Training courses.
Performing regularly in duo settings, with small combos, and with big bands, Kat has released
recordings with jazz bassist Hannah Marks (Alone Together) and math rock band Giraffe House
(Folding Chair Fathers, Leafy Greens, Toxic, Passenger). She has also been a featured vocalist on
recordings with the University of North Texas Jazz Singers (directed by Jennifer Barnes), the
Two O’Clock Lab Band (directed by Rob Parton), and with independent artists such as Jake Benjamin
and Jon Wasserman. Her debut album of original compositions and arrangements is slated for
release in late 2024. Kat also works regularly as a studio vocalist, recording choral demos and
virtual jazz ensemble projects in her home studio.
With significant experience directing vocal jazz ensembles and contemporary vocal groups, Kat
is in demand as an ensemble director, voice teacher, and clinician. She is passionate about
building an inclusive learning environment, where she helps all students build a diverse set of
skills to prepare them for a wide variety of future career opportunities. Kat currently teaches in
the Jazz Studies department at DePaul University, offering private jazz voice lessons, directing
the DePaul Vocal Jazz Ensemble and a small jazz combo, and teaching several Group Jazz Piano
and Jazz Ear Training courses.
Daniel Gregerman
Daniel Gregerman was the Director of Vocal Jazz at Glenbrook South High School in Glenview, Illinois. Prior to that he spent 30 years as Choral Director at Niles North High School in Skokie, Illinois building an award-winning choral program of five concert choirs and three vocal jazz ensembles. Applying his deep passion for jazz combined with a love of opening doors for the next generation, he founded the acclaimed NNHS vocal jazz program. In addition, Gregerman also founded and hosted the Niles North Vocal Jazz Festival for eighteen years. In 2014 he was named the John LaPorta Jazz Educator of the Year by the Jazz Education Network and the Berklee School of Music.
Dan's approach to music education broadened the scope of opportunities in his program beyond vocalists. This technical side of music drew in a whole new population of students to participate in the vocal jazz program. Sound Crew not only became a new branch in the program but also a launch pad for those students who had an interest in sound engineering as a future career path. This passion for mixing and sound engineering led to the design and implementation of a full-blown recording studio at Niles North High School which included a control room, two main recording studios and six isolation rooms/booths.
Gregerman’s career started as a choral and band director at McHenry High School in McHenry, IL where he was the assistant band director and head choral director. As assistant band director he was responsible for directing the marching band, (of which he wrote the drill), as well as directing and arranging for the school pep band.
His groups have earned national recognition performing at regional and national conferences, won multiple Down Beat awards, and performed at festivals both nationally and internationally. Gregerman’s ensembles shared the stage with such names as Diane Schuur, The New York Voices, The Real Group, Take Six, Groove For Thought, and Janis Segal of The Manhattan Transfer. Known composers such as Jennifer Barnes, Kerry Marsh, Michele Weir, Kirby Shaw, Greg Jaspers, and Gary Fry created musical arrangements and compositions for his ensembles. Gregerman also served in a variety of leadership roles within the community of education. He is a founding member of the Jazz Education Network, (JEN), and volunteers in a variety of roles. Past positions include the Education Committee Chair, Conference Office Coordinator, and a member of the Board of Directors. He is currently the Chair of the Scholarship & Awards Committee. Gregerman has held positions as State and District Chairman of Vocal Jazz for ILMEA, and has been Guest Director for the ILMEA All-State Jazz Choir and several District Jazz Festivals. When not teaching he can be found at vocal jazz festivals and competitions as a judge and clinician for vocal groups both locally and nationally.
Gregerman earned his Bachelor of Music Education from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL and a Master of Music Degree with an emphasis in Choral Conducting and Jazz Studies from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI. Dan and his wife Sandy share two children making the perfect quartet; the family resides on the North Shore of Chicago.
Dan's approach to music education broadened the scope of opportunities in his program beyond vocalists. This technical side of music drew in a whole new population of students to participate in the vocal jazz program. Sound Crew not only became a new branch in the program but also a launch pad for those students who had an interest in sound engineering as a future career path. This passion for mixing and sound engineering led to the design and implementation of a full-blown recording studio at Niles North High School which included a control room, two main recording studios and six isolation rooms/booths.
Gregerman’s career started as a choral and band director at McHenry High School in McHenry, IL where he was the assistant band director and head choral director. As assistant band director he was responsible for directing the marching band, (of which he wrote the drill), as well as directing and arranging for the school pep band.
His groups have earned national recognition performing at regional and national conferences, won multiple Down Beat awards, and performed at festivals both nationally and internationally. Gregerman’s ensembles shared the stage with such names as Diane Schuur, The New York Voices, The Real Group, Take Six, Groove For Thought, and Janis Segal of The Manhattan Transfer. Known composers such as Jennifer Barnes, Kerry Marsh, Michele Weir, Kirby Shaw, Greg Jaspers, and Gary Fry created musical arrangements and compositions for his ensembles. Gregerman also served in a variety of leadership roles within the community of education. He is a founding member of the Jazz Education Network, (JEN), and volunteers in a variety of roles. Past positions include the Education Committee Chair, Conference Office Coordinator, and a member of the Board of Directors. He is currently the Chair of the Scholarship & Awards Committee. Gregerman has held positions as State and District Chairman of Vocal Jazz for ILMEA, and has been Guest Director for the ILMEA All-State Jazz Choir and several District Jazz Festivals. When not teaching he can be found at vocal jazz festivals and competitions as a judge and clinician for vocal groups both locally and nationally.
Gregerman earned his Bachelor of Music Education from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL and a Master of Music Degree with an emphasis in Choral Conducting and Jazz Studies from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI. Dan and his wife Sandy share two children making the perfect quartet; the family resides on the North Shore of Chicago.