Thursday, April 11, 2019
Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Thank You
Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Thank You: Technically, I taught my first lesson when I was an elementary student in fourth or fifth grade. I gave my classmate a clarinet lesson,...
Thank You
Technically, I taught my first lesson when I was an elementary student in fourth or fifth grade. I gave my classmate a clarinet lesson, and in return she gave me a flute lesson. That quid pro quo worked well, even though it was only one lesson in elementary school. I do not know what became of Marie and her family due to the natural transition of life; we move on. I think about this some 50 years later because I am teaching students independently on clarinet, flute, piano, and saxophone. In other words, I am doing now what I did for Marie as a fourth or fifth grader giving a clarinet lesson.
That is how life works, many of us grow into what we decide to do as a career choice. I remember hearing a story about how the late great saxophonist Joe Henderson became a professional musician. Basically, he picked-up saxophone in school as a young student. Henderson joined the military and played saxophone in the military band. He was honorably discharged from his military service playing saxophone, and as Joe Henderson would explain before long he was making his living playing saxophone.
As musicians we all have our stories on how we began. In general, you begin learning to play your instrument, and before long each playing opportunity leads to building your skills in performing music. For many of us in music, if not all participated in recitals, school concerts, community ensemble performances, garage bands, and other performing opportunities. Those performing opportunities I have mentioned go into making professional careers in music.
As I look back on music in my life I have so many people to thank for the rich experiences I have enjoyed. I am grateful to all who have influenced my musical growth, and charted the path for me to teach music to others. I have had, and still enjoy the privilege of teaching music to my students. I also take great pleasure in being a professional musician, and thank those musicians who have been a major influence to me as a musician. I also thank those musicians who share the stage with me. I am honored. Thank you.
That is how life works, many of us grow into what we decide to do as a career choice. I remember hearing a story about how the late great saxophonist Joe Henderson became a professional musician. Basically, he picked-up saxophone in school as a young student. Henderson joined the military and played saxophone in the military band. He was honorably discharged from his military service playing saxophone, and as Joe Henderson would explain before long he was making his living playing saxophone.
As musicians we all have our stories on how we began. In general, you begin learning to play your instrument, and before long each playing opportunity leads to building your skills in performing music. For many of us in music, if not all participated in recitals, school concerts, community ensemble performances, garage bands, and other performing opportunities. Those performing opportunities I have mentioned go into making professional careers in music.
As I look back on music in my life I have so many people to thank for the rich experiences I have enjoyed. I am grateful to all who have influenced my musical growth, and charted the path for me to teach music to others. I have had, and still enjoy the privilege of teaching music to my students. I also take great pleasure in being a professional musician, and thank those musicians who have been a major influence to me as a musician. I also thank those musicians who share the stage with me. I am honored. Thank you.
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