What experience got you serious about music?

I am always curious to find out about the circumstances surrounding a student’s decision to get serious about music. It might have been working with an inspiring music teacher, observing more advanced students at school, or hearing an exciting live performance or album. 

For me, it was a combination of all of the above. I was blessed to have parents who were supportive of music. They allowed me to take private lessons, and my teacher through high school was especially motivating.

My junior high and high schools each had outstanding students who inspired me to excel. We had a culture in our high school music department that was similar to athletic departments; we talked about the pros and shared their recordings, and also talked about the great student musicians at other high schools. Participating in high school jazz festivals was particularly eye opening. I never knew young musicians could play so incredibly well.

In terms of recordings, Dexter Gordon’s “Homecoming” album was a revelation. Hearing the way Dexter played, especially on the opening track, totally blew my mind. Later, as a college freshman, that solo was the first transcription project of mine.

Let’s hear about your experiences!

Favorite Band Compositions

One of my favorite aspects of being a music teacher is discovering new pieces for my various ensembles. Perhaps being an aspiring composer makes me naturally inclined to see what new material is on the market.

Here are some relatively new (as in less than 10 years old!) pieces for young bands which I have had some success with:

Centurion by Mark Williams. Centurion is great for getting kids to count; it’s got aggressive little one- and two-note punches followed by a few counts of rests which require careful counting.

Midnight Mission by Brian Balmages. This has been great for introducing students to staccato. It includes 2 preparatory exercises to rehearse before sightreading the piece. (I wish more publishers and composers would include teaching material like this.)

Alpha Squadron by Greg Hillis. Similar character to Centurion, but requires slurring and a slightly wider range for each instrument. This was my groups’ favorite piece this fall.

For you who teach high school band, visit Travis J. Weller’s poll on band repertoire.

Jazz Methodology

Here’s a place to share your thoughts about materials you’ve used with your jazz students.

I’ve had success with my private students using Essential Elements Jazz by Mike Steinel. (He was my Jazz Improv professor at North Texas.) This book provides an excellent transition from traditional music into jazz.

I also use the Jazz Conception books by Lennie Niehaus. Although they don’t provide the instructional text found in a method book, they make a great next step. They’re a little dated by today’s publishing standards, but are very well edited and work well for young saxophonists.

I haven’t yet found that right book or method for transitioning into jazz improvisation. I tried Standard of Excellence Jazz Combo, but my students aren’t particularly crazy about all but a few of the tunes. The Aebersold Vol. 1 is a classic, but I still keep hitting a steep learning curve when transitioning from exercises to actual tunes.

 Any thoughts?