ABOUT ME
Austin Hass is a multi-faceted drummer and percussionist based in Denver Colorado. Described as "continuously unique and entertaining" (KWVA), Austin's drumming has been featured on several albums and he has been heard performing at events such as the Monterey Jazz Festival, Jazz in the Valley, the JEN Conference, The PDX Jazz Festival and performed on the Norwegian Jewel cruise ship in the showband. He has performed and collaborated with many fantastic jazz, classical and contemporary artists including Brad Leali, Kate Reid, Groove for Thought, Josh Nelson, Halie Loren, Erin Bentlage, Amanda Taylor, Guerilla Fanfare Brass Band, Steve Owen's First Monday Big Band, the Yakima Symphony and many others.
Born in Portland Oregon and raised in Vancouver Washington, Austin was introduced to the drums at the early age of 2 when he received his first drum set. Austin's passion for music grew throughout high school and led him to Central Washington University (CWU) where he earned his degree of Bachelor of Arts in Music in 2017 studying contemporary and orchestral percussion performance with Mark Goodenberger. Among other honors and achievements, Austin performed with CWU's Jazz Band 1 at the invitational Next Generation Jazz Festival where the band earned 1st place for best college big band.
Shortly after his time at CWU Austin earned a full-ride graduate teaching assistantship to the University of Oregon (U of O) where he obtained his degree of Master of Music in Jazz Studies in 2020 studying drum set with Stan Kenton alumni Gary Hobbs. In addition to his assistantship award, he was a selected member of the 2019-2020 Herb Merker JazzArts Oregon Scholarship combo, the U of O's premier small jazz ensemble. At the conclusion of his masters degree Austin recorded and released his debut album "You are Here" which features 7 original compositions by himself.
Dedicated to education, Austin has taught private lessons for nearly a decade to all age groups. He has also provided masterclasses and clinics to all levels of students including Morgan Middle School, West Valley High School, Lane Community College, University of Oregon, Northwest College, Mountain View High School, and many other institutions. In addition to his private teachers, Austin owes much of his development to the fantastic educators he has worked with over the years including Chris Bruya, Kelly Pierce, Steve Owen, Sam Ormson and Paul Krueger.
