On Nov. 19, Brad Leali, a famous jazz saxophonist and professor from the University of North Texas, came to Harding and performed with the jazz band. According to the University of North Texas website, Leali was one of the top jazz musicians in New York City and a staple in legendary jazz venues, such as Blue Note and Jazz Standard. The musician was one of the many who performed at President Barack Obama's inaugural celebration "We Are One." Assistant professor of music and jazz band director Andrew Cook said he was thankful for the opportunity Leali presented by collaborating with a collegiate band. "To bring in a person that has that much notoriety and experience for our players who are interested in jazz, it's just a great benefit to them to be able to watch how this person goes about their business," Cook said. Freshman Devin Daniel, a music education major, played in the marching band, jazz band and orchestra. Daniel considered the trumpet his main instrument, which he had played since fifth grade. "As a music student, you can learn the material, you can learn the history and you can practice.the technique, but you don't really get it until you play with people that are great," Daniel said. Sophomore Luke Uebelein, also a member of the jazz band and orchestra, said the time in class with Leali was just as beneficial as the performance. Uebelein said it was unique for a jazz band at any college to play with Leali, and he would remember it for a long time. "It is a good opportunity to play with a professional artist," Uebelein said. Cook said he hoped the students gained from this experience with Leali the same way he gained from a similar experience during his time as an undergraduate student. The band Cook was in while an By Madeline Jones 27H OH(;.\~IZ.\TIO~S undergraduate preformed with Milton Hinton, a jazz double bassist. National Public Radio called Hinton the rhythmic foundation for many of jazz's greatest artists. Daniel and Uebelein both credited their teachers as significant motivators in their desire to go above and beyond with their co-curricular involvement with multiple bands. "(Professors) actually care about you outside of your work and playing... I'm friends with them, and they care about m as a person, and that's a fantastic thing because then I care about what they have to say about me playing," Daniel said.
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