As a bassist, composer, and educator, Chuck Bergeron is one of the most active and innovative musicians working in the field of Jazz today. His unique compositional style and approach to improvisation reflect a wide variety of musical influences and confirm a deep commitment to the rich polyrhythmic characteristics of his musical and cultural heritage as a native of New Orleans and a seasoned professional from the New York Jazz community.

Chuck is the director of The South Florida Jazz Orchestra, the premier large Jazz ensemble in Miami. Since its inception in 2006, The SFJO has presented many great artists in concert over the past 4 years, including Tom Scott, Jamie Davis, Wayne Bergeron, Mark O’Connor, and Eddie Daniels.

The band’s debut recording on SUMMIT Records has achieved national acclaim and received airplay at radio stations throughout the country.

Chuck has released 5 CDs of his own music over the last 10 years, including his latest release, My Take – A Collection of Friends and Standards, and his compositions have earned him 4 ASCAP Writers Awards.

As a professional musician, Chuck spent seven years as bassist, arranger, and musical director for Kevin Mahogany, and over the course of his career has toured, performed, and recorded with a wide variety of Jazz luminaries, from Stan Getz and Joe Williams to Elvis Costello, Arturo Sandoval, Dave Grusin, Patti Austin, Randy Brecker, John Abercrombie, Rick Margitza, and Bob Moses.

As a faculty member at The University of Miami, Chuck coordinates the small Jazz ensemble program, conducts a big band, and teaches classes in both Jazz and Rock History. As a traveling clinician, Chuck has conducted clinics at schools across the country, most recently at the New York City Jazz Festival, the

Loyola University Jazz Festival, the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, and as guest artist for the Louisiana All-State Jazz Band Festival. He has also served as a artist-in-residence for the TheloniousMonk Institute and the Lionel Hampton Festival.