Master Class: Jon Faddis
Friday, May 26, 11:30 p.m.
Michael Caldwell, Reviewer

ITG 2000 Co-Host Jon Faddis presented a clinic in which he helped all of the participants access their inner thoughts and consider the implications of practice that revolves around being truthful to one's self. After talking about his youthful memories of listening to Dizzy Gillespie, he shared some of the techniques his first teacher, Bill Catalono, shared with him. The main exercise is a simple three-note major arpeggio, played sequentially upward by half steps. The object is to play the arpeggio softly and perfect each of the attacks. He informed the audience that it was important to be aware that the aperture should get smaller as the player ascends, and that set and consistent corners are essential for forming the embouchure. He reflected that playing in the upper register takes many years to develop, yet learning to playing in this range is much easier than most people think. He also stressed to strive for perfection because if one practices mistakes, they will perform mistakes. He suggested that for most problems, people already have the answers inside them. In confirmation of Faddis' theories, participant Peter Therell was amazingly transformed from a person with range problems to a player that was able to reach a double high D.

He continued to encourage everyone to send positive messages to themselves while practicing, and to explore their own depth of character. In a repeat of last year's display of generosity, he once again took a large part of the group outside to continue the master class on a beautiful sunny afternoon. Jon Faddis has proven himself to be an extremely valuable teacher, example, and musician. (Michael Caldwell, Editor, ITG Journal)