M
eet jazz vibraphonist and bandleader Stefon Harris, who the Los Angeles Times has noted “as one of the significant jazz players (and, now, composers) of the new century.” Get to know him during this session, along with the members of his band, Sonic Creed, as they explore the different techniques musicians use to personalize their music and create their own unique sound.
ABOUT STEFON HARRIS: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW • Harris’s passion for music began early. He taught himself to read sheet music and play the piano at age six, and from there went on to try his hand at other instruments including the drums, clarinet, trombone, flute, French horn, bassoon, and string bass. By the end of middle school, he knew how to play almost every instrument of the orchestra but ultimately chose to focus on percussion instruments, in particular the marimba and vibraphone. • Growing up, Harris was exposed to hip hop, R&B, gospel, and classical music. It wasn’t until his freshman year in college that he first heard jazz music; Harris instantly connected intellectually and spiritually with the music. • As a composer, Harris is dedicated to exploring the potential of jazz composition and blazing new trails on the vibraphone. His long list of diverse artistic influences include classical composer Igor Stravinsky, jazz legend Charlie Parker, English rock band Radiohead, and American singer, songerwriter, and musician Stevie Wonder. • Strongly committed to music education, the bandleader regularly conducts clinics and lectures for young people and aspiring jazz musicians throughout the country. He also teaches jazz at New York University and The New School in New York City.
Photo by Jimmy Katz
Cuesheet
A PERFORMANCE AND DEMONSTRATION
PERFORMANCE GUIDE
STEFON HARRIS AND SONIC CREED