Russell Simpson |
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Soprano sax |
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I played clarinet in Jr. & Sr. High, which involved a lot a marching bands in Texas. We also played a remarkably rich diversity of classical music in the non-football season. I was selected to play in the Texas All-State Band, under Director Frederick Fennell of the Eastman School of Music. I picked up alto saxophone to play in small groups outside of school. All along I sang in the church choirs.
In college and the Navy I had less time for playing, but continued primarily clarinet. While working at Xerox a group of friends called "The Suburban Living Room Blues Band" played swing and jazz tunes together for over 40 years. I played clarinet and alto saxophone in this group. For several years, I played with "The Savoy Swing Orchestra", which was much smaller than the name implies. The lead player was Roy Burns on guitar. I continued singing baritone in church choirs, the Chinese Chorus and the Genesee Valley Orchestra and Chorus. When I joined New Horizons, I sang in the Chorus. While living in Japan, I studied singing Japanese folk songs with neighbors who were teachers. I played clarinet in the New Horizons Symphonic Band and the Clarinet Choir. In 2022-2023, I am focusing on playing soprano saxophone in the Green Jazz Band.. |
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