Dalton News

Jazz Trumpeter, Tim Hagans Gives a Master Class

Acclaimed jazz trumpeter Tim Hagans spoke philosophically as he began a master class for middle and high school musicians on Friday, March 1. Introduced by Glenn Makos, Dalton Jazz teacher, Mr. Hagans exclaimed, "Jazz (improvisation) is the celebration of individualism" making the point, that if more people learned to improvise freely, like jazz musicians, as a way to solve problems, the world would benefit from more creative solutions.
Mr. Hagans demonstrated his "own unique and melodic voice" as he recalled his impressive and extensive experience as a jazz performer. He encouraged students to refer to their experience and memory of emotions in order to work to develop their own unique melodic voices. "Jazz improvisation allows such freedom, it's one place in life where there aren't any mistakes," he said, in order to encourage students to feel free to experiment when improvising. Later and as the included video shows (below) he worked with a rhythm section trio of students who played guitar, bass and drums. He taught them the importance of maintaining an energetic exchange between instruments, especially encouraging the drummer to be active and provide fills at every opportunity.
Back

Additional Photos

(Grades K-3) 53 East 91st Street
New York, NY 10128
General: (212) 423-5200 | Admissions: (212) 423-5463
General: info@dalton.org | Admissions: fpadmissions@dalton.org

(Gr. 4 Dalton East & PE Center) 200 East 87th Street
New York, NY 10128
General: (212) 423-5200 | Admissions: (212) 423-5262
General: info@dalton.org | Admissions: admissionsmshs@dalton.org

(Grade 5-12) 108 East 89th Street
New York, NY 10128
General: (212) 423-5200 | Admissions: (212) 423-5262
General: info@dalton.org | Admissions: admissionsmshs@dalton.org