Harry Kannasto is a life-long resident of Ashland, Oregon where he began studying the trumpet in the third grade. A graduate of Southern Oregon College (now SOU), Harry received his Bachelor’s degree in 1952 and his Master’s degree in 1961.
Harry was a public school band director and music educator for 34 years – 17 years in the Phoenix-Talent School District, followed by 17 years in the Medford School District. He is past president of the Southern Oregon Music Educators’ Association.
Harry Kannasto is a member of the Southern Oregon Concert Band, a charter member of the Rogue Valley Symphonic Band and a 57-year member of the Ashland City Band. He is the director of the Rogue Valley Sauer Krauts German Band, and is the founder/leader of his own dance band, the 17 member Swing Kings. He also performs with the Ashland Brass Quintet and a local Dixieland band.
