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First Prize: Karl Stabnau
Eastman Youth Jazz Ensemble
Rochester, NY
Inspirational Ellington
It was one of those hot, languid summer days when time stretches out in front of you like a solitary road in the desert—so much time that I wanted to be and do everything a thirteen year-old boy could without the confines of a school day, and yet I was lazy enough to just want to sit in a rocking chair in the shade. Instead, my mother made my mind up for me and decided that we would visit the library that morning. As usual, I headed straight for the jazz portion of the CD collection. I couldn't wait to hear the tunes that would leak out of the silver discs.
That September, I would begin playing Duke Ellington music with the Eastman Youth Jazz Orchestra. I had listened to the Ellington selections we had at home and ones from the library, but on that day I found a "new" one to me entitled: "Ellington at Newport." I sat down on the floor to read the liner notes while waiting for my mother. Before we left, she looked over my choices and asked what I had picked to read. I had become so absorbed in reading the notes that I'd forgotten about looking for a book. Mom asked what I knew about the man whose music I was listening to and would soon be playing. I admitted that I knew very little.
We went back into the stacks and found a book written by Duke Ellington entitled Music is My Mistress. Opening the car door, the heat of day streamed out. As the car started, I popped the Newport CD in and Ellington's orchestra belted out the "Star Spangled Banner." I play baritone saxophone, so hearing Harry Carney do "Sophisticated Lady" for the first time was as exciting as the prospect of a long summer vacation. It, and the rest of the songs carried me through that hot morning but nothing was as scorching as the Gonsalves solo in "Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue." In spite of these talented musicians, I wanted to get to know about the man who could harness this energy and talent. I couldn't wait to open the book and learn more about the artist behind the piano. I spent my summer reading about that creative music man.
Hearing Mr. Ellington speak on the live recordings from Newport, and reading his book, made him come alive like a piece of music does when it is performed. He spoke melodically, like a gentleman, with a kind word for everyone and a soulful and thoughtful insight.
My Ellington moment came in realizing that modeling graciousness, refinement, and maintaining a high standard of excellence for oneself in all circumstances could also accompany great success. I resolved to make Duke Ellington a role model in music and in life. To play music that aspires to appeal to your audience is a goal, but to live a life with the integrity Ellington exemplified is a worthy aspiration.
Return to the Essentially Ellington Essay Contest
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