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Your go-to resource for all things band and orchestra

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Quincy Jones and Christian McBride

Quincy Jones in Memoriam: Christian McBride Pays Tribute

Jones (left) and McBride backstage at the 2016 Monterey Jazz Festival, where the bassist served as musical director for an all-star tribute to the legendary producer. Credit: ©2016 Monterey Jazz Festival/R. Cole Thompson. McBride, one of jazz’s most important musicians and personalities, reflects on the musical and social genius of the late American icon. “The […]

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Igmar_Kasia Idzkowska

Igmar Thomas & the Art of Big-Band Beats

Thomas, whose Revive Big Band has a new album titled Like a Tree It Grows. Credit: Kasia Idzkowska. Leader of the Revive Big Band and collaborator to rap royalty, the trumpeter and composer-arranger offers expert guidance on making hip-hop work for a large ensemble. Back in 2010, Igmar Thomas found himself leading a jam session […]

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Saturday Morning Tunes Concert

Your Child’s First Concert: A Parent’s Guide

Young Swifties go wild at a Taylor covers show, part of the Saturday Morning Tunes concert series in Maryland. Image: Chris Gamber. Sam Sessa, founder of the kid-friendly concert series Saturday Morning Tunes, offers crucial tips for attending live shows with your little ones. Everyone remembers their first concert. The band, the venue, the people […]

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Inspiring Artist Interviews

Quincy Jones and Christian McBride

Quincy Jones in Memoriam: Christian McBride Pays Tribute

Jones (left) and McBride backstage at the 2016 Monterey Jazz Festival, where the bassist served as musical director for an all-star tribute to the legendary producer. Credit: ©2016 Monterey Jazz Festival/R. Cole Thompson. McBride, one of jazz’s most important musicians and personalities, reflects on the musical and social genius of the late American icon. “The […]

Learn More
Igmar_Kasia Idzkowska

Igmar Thomas & the Art of Big-Band Beats

Thomas, whose Revive Big Band has a new album titled Like a Tree It Grows. Credit: Kasia Idzkowska. Leader of the Revive Big Band and collaborator to rap royalty, the trumpeter and composer-arranger offers expert guidance on making hip-hop work for a large ensemble. Back in 2010, Igmar Thomas found himself leading a jam session […]

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Alexa Tarantino Saxophonist

Alexa Tarantino: ‘Family & Community & Good Vibes’

Credit: Anna Yatskevich. In a new in-depth Music & Artists video interview, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra saxophonist talks about the importance of old-school ear training, the joyful camaraderie of big bands, and why making mistakes is a great way to learn. In many ways, the extraordinary career of saxophonist, woodwind doubler, composer and […]

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Tony Levin Bassist

Tony Levin: Profiles in Education

The legendary bassist on his school-band experiences, his greatest teachers and how his mustache led to the end of his tuba career. Plus: Inside Levin’s BEAT touring rig Around 2019, Tony Levin was deep into another tour with King Crimson, playing some of the most complex and intimidating prog-rock ever recorded. Warming up backstage after […]

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Terence Blanchard

Jazz Brain / Classical Brain: A Survey

Terence Blanchard. Credit: Cedric Angeles. Terence Blanchard, Ethan Iverson, Aaron Diehl, Helen Sung, Natalie Tenenbaum and other luminaries talk about the issues surrounding the jazz/classical divide—from technique and theory to conservatory culture and diversity.   “I didn’t know you were allowed to play the piano like that.” So recalls the acclaimed jazz pianist and composer […]

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Tony Levin Bassist

Tony Levin: Profiles in Education

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Sherrie Maricle Drummer

Sherrie Maricle: Secrets of Big-Band Drumming

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Terence Blanchard

Jazz Brain / Classical Brain: A Survey

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Upgrade Your Sound, October 2024

The Importance of Upgrading Your Musical Instrument

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