5 Students, 1 Quest: Entertainment Journalism Through Blogging

Dr. David Klee, associate professor of music at BVU, is a man of many traits. Whether its opening a recording studio or starting a new degree program, he gives his projects all he has while managing to keep a smile and cheerful attitude about him.

Like many other students, Klee started college after he graduated from high school. However, he found himself drifting toward the jazz music scene. By the age of 19, he was playing professionally in Florida.

“I eventually quit college and just did music,” Klee said.

Throughout his professional career, Klee has been to many places, including the Bahamas. He took a spot with Razzy Baleey, an RCA artist. This was when he did a great deal of touring in Georgia and places in the Southeast.

“It was at this point when I decided to go back to school to finish my education,” Klee said.

Klee has a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Flute Performance from the University of Georgia, a Master of Music Education Degree with an Emphasis in Flute Performance from the University of South Carolina and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education and Flute Performance from Mercer University, which is located in Macon, Georgia.

In 1990, Klee opened a recording studio.

“I have had a long background of performing in recording studios. I have also had experiences in music production and technology,” Klee said.

Before Klee came to BVU, he was the Director of Bands and the Assistant Professor of Woodwinds at Peru State College in Nebraska. He has also held faculty positions at Mercer University and at Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville, Georgia.

Klee has also worked to get the new degree program in music technology and production approved.

“When I first came to BVU, a group of guys approached me about putting this program together,” Klee said. “I put a package together, and the new program was approved four years ago.”

Currently, Klee plays principal flute with the Fort Dodge Orchestra and is a freelance musician throughout the Midwest.

“I am a musician; I have dedicated my life to that instrument,” Klee said.

Klee has released a total of six CDs, including two that contain his original works. His latest release is titled River of Emotions, which is a combination of light-jazz and new-age music.

Klee’s current recording studio is located in Cherokee, Iowa. The building has three floors. The top floor is where he lives with his wife, the second floor is her bakery and the basement is his studio.

“The community loves us being there,” Klee said.

In the future, Klee would like to perform at more university concerts and corporate events.

“I want to promote my professional self as a performer,” Klee said.

Klee has some simple tips for aspiring musicians.

“First of all, you have to be good,” Klee said. “Once you are good, you are literally thrown in with everyone else and you have to fight your way to the top. Second, you do not give up on yourself, no matter what happens.”

-Rachel