The first questions are about Dr. John Bradley:
What was your relationship with Doc Bradley? How do you remember him?
I first heard of Doc when I was in high school band – at Butler back in the late 80s. He was the band director at Lincoln County High School then. I recently re-connected about 6-7 years ago. I’d decided to expand the scope of the Candlelight Jazz Concert Series to include student bands, and he was director of Augusta State University Conservatory Jazz Band. He chose to spend his retirement from teaching music doing what he loved – teaching music. I remember him always being very passionate about jazz music and culture and the way his students embraced all of it.
How would you describe, if you think it’s possible, Dr. Bradley’s legacy in Augusta? (and if you don’t think it’s possible, why not?)
I don’t think it’s possible to fully express nor realize the scope of Doc’s legacy here in the CSRA. For nearly 50 years, he has been at the forefront of music education. He has developed music programs and fostered relationships across the region and nation that have benefited countless musicians and organizations. For as many who’ll share what Doc meant to them as an individual, bandleader or educator, there are many more who never shared a conversation with him, but who watched him interact with his band. Doc strove to maintain a supportive relationship with area band directors, not wanting to interfere with their programs.
He traveled to conferences, he commissioned and composed many works, and he motivated so many to be so much. And even with all of these accomplishments, whether it be with the Georgia Music Educators Association or the (now defunct) International Association of Jazz Educators, Doc always brought his knowledge, skill, and passion for jazz education back home to Augusta. In music circles, Doc has obtained legendary status.
What do you think is his contribution to Augusta’s Jazz scene? (admittedly, this is something of another version of the previous question, but hopefully it inspires another, if similar, train of thought)
What do you think is his contribution to music education in the community?
Doc instilled a spirit of excellence and commitment to the study and performance of jazz music, but, also, to everything his students embarked upon. These characteristics bleed over into other aspects of the students’ lives… from musicianship to study habits to how they carry themselves and treat others. Doc didn’t care that you were the most skilled musician in the group, but he did care that you kept your word and did your best.
Doc’s greatest contribution to the CSRA came in the form of character education.
About the Jazz scene in Augusta:
Describe the Jazz scene in Augusta. (this question is very intentionally vague; interpret it how you will and answer it however your gut tells you).
I’m gonna come back to this one. It’s hard for me to answer this one as of late.
How would you describe your place in Augusta’s Jazz scene?
Well, I’m a musician who loves jazz. I don’t play a lot of it though – I work around town, here and there. I enjoy playing music, yet I get as much of a thrill from placing musicians in front of new audiences and providing new and different musical experiences.
My formal education and training is in Public Relations, so, in a nutshell, I see my place as that of a relationship builder. When asked what I do, more often than not, my response is about meeting great musicians and sharing their music with new audiences. I’ve had some great opportunities to make really meaningful connections that way.
Having world renowned jazz great, Wycliffe Gordon, for my brother definitely does not hurt. He inspires me to seek opportunities to share the music. For example, my newest project is a collaboration with the Richmond County Board of Education (RCBOE). We’ve created an interactive U.S. history lesson, utilizing video, a live jazz band and DJ, still images, with a Q&A period at the end, called “Taking Notes: Jazz & The American Story”. Project manager and RCBOE Social Studies Curriculum Specialist, Andre Mountain, presented this to rave reviews at the 2011 Georgia Conference for Social Studies, and we’re presenting at the nine county high schools and a few host sites around the state.
I’ve been exposed to great music since childhood, so, now that I’m the mother of a toddler again, I’m very interested in continuing to share great music with young people. This is an adaptation of a blues for kids program I created about 10 years ago and presented at area libraries on teacher workdays. Ten years ago, I spent a lot of time asking for funding to do projects. But once I started to get them done myself, the support came. Sometimes (but NOT all the time) it’s more expedient to do it yourself.
What would you like to see happen with Jazz, and the arts, in Augusta?
I’d like to see more people step beyond their comfort zone and try different things. This could be as simple as a group of ladies deciding to do the Arts Council’s Pub Crawl next month … or getting together for the Symphony’s free outdoor concert in Evans.
I’d like to see jazz musicians work together more and support each other’s events….and come together more often than in times of tragedy or hardship. I wish that professional artists would mentor young people. There’s a thin line between volunteering/mentoring and giving away the milk for free – I’m very aware of that. But, the business model has to change. Musicians have to remain relevant. We must embrace new technology and not be afraid of what the future holds.
What part do you think education plays in the Jazz scene in Augusta? How would you describe the importance of music education to the community?
Education makes for a more informed listener/player/citizen/society. It’s a win-win situation.
Who do you listen to? Who still inspires you?
For years, I’ve listened to classic big band, the music of MilesDavis, TheloniousMonk and JohnColtrane, with lots of vocalists/lyricists thrown in for good measure (ShirleyHorn, AnitaO’Day, BillyStrayhorn, HaroldArlen, etc) because I’ve been focusing on singing a lot lately. I’ve always made it a point to get plenty of Wycliffe’s music in – whether from his days with WyntonMarsalis’ Septet or his gospel stuff. And for the past year or so, I’ve been listening to CaroleKing, RobertaFlack, JamesTaylor and Marvin Gaye. RobertGlasper, CarolinaChocolateDrops and LalahHathaway.
What’s a good place to go to in Augusta to listen to jazz?
Hmmm. I’ll answer this in two ways, literally and figuratively.
First, literally… I keep a calendar of jazz spots on my website – anyone can go there to find out where there’s a live jazz band in Aiken, Columbia and Richmond counties. (And, you can import the calendar and any of its dates to MS Outlook or your smartphone.
Now, figuratively…. Where’s a good place to go to listen to jazz? Everywhere is good. #JazzLives.
That’s about it. Thanks so much for agreeing to the interview. I’ll do my best to make sure what I write does your comments justice.
Peace,
Skyler Q. Andrews
VERGE Magazine
