Interviews
Julius Tolentino
Jazz director at newark academy- livingston nj
Saxophonist and educator Julius Tolentino has been on the New York jazz scene for over 20 years, playing with numerous big bands: Natalie Cole, Gloria Gaynor, and the Illinois Jacquet Big Band to name a few. He is the jazz director at Newark Academy, an adjunct professor at Princeton University and Montclair State University, and the director of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s High School Jazz Academy.
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A graduate of the Hartt School of Music, Mr. Tolentino brings up his early mentorship experiences with alto saxophone legends Jackie McLean and Illinois Jacquet as well as his resilience and determination to always learn and refine his saxophone technique.
Jason anderson
Director of Jazz Studies at the Osceola County School for the Arts - Kissimmee, FL
Jason Anderson attended Berklee College of Music and studied with legendary saxophonists. He toured and performed with well-known artists such as Roy Hargrove, Elliot Mason, and Jeremy Pelt. Mr. Anderson has taught privately for over fifteen years and directed the NJ Youth Symphony Jazz Program. He is now the Jazz Director at Osceola County School for the Arts, placing 1st in 2022 and 2023 in the Essentially Ellington competition with OSCA's top jazz band.
Mr. Anderson recalls his early experiences in Portland, Oregon that sparked his musical interest and addresses viable ways to spread jazz's influence through music education and opportunities.
oliver hagen
Orchestral director at Newark academy - livingston, nj
Oliver Hagen is a faculty member at Juilliard Preparatory Division and Newark Academy. He was a guest conductor at the Manhattan School of Music and the Mannes Preparatory Division. He played piano on Third Coast Percussion’s 2017 Grammy-winning album. Dr. Hagen has appeared at countless venues such as Carnegie’s Zankel Hall, Lincoln Center Festival, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Dr. Hagen obtained a master's in Music Education at Hofstra University and his doctoral degree from the Eastman School of Music.
Dr. Hagen expands on classical music's applications and the skills, practicality, and fulfillment it can bring to academics and other important aspects of life.
jason marshall
Legendary baritone Mingus big band baritone saxophone player - New york, ny
Jason Marshall has studied with no less than the elite baritone saxophone specialists of the 20th century including Hamiett Bluiett, Ronnie Cuber, and Gary Smulyan. Mr. Marshall’s formative musical experiences include stints with the Thad Wilson Jazz Orchestra and The Mingus Big Band. His band “Overt Negritude” released its debut album, and he has also conducted workshops at every level of education.
Mr. Marshall talks about the vibrant music culture that dominated his childhood in the DC area and how that, despite criticism and many challenges, led him to become one of the best Baritone Saxophone players in the world.
Jack Bender
choral director at newark academy - livingston, nj
Jack Bender has always loved piano from a young age. After obtaining a degree in Music Education from Rutgers, he directed/accompanied a variety of musicals at the Barn Theatre and has directed music at the Sacred Heart Church for 22 years. Currently, Mr. Bender is the Choral Director at Newark Academy and a freelance musician.
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Mr. Bender explains how his supportive musical environment at Bloomfield High School in NJ has inspired him to become a talented pianist and passionate about teaching music and seeing others grow as singers and instrumentalists.