What a great story. It put such a big smile on my face. As a music educator of more than 35 years, I have lived this story many times. We start students with hope and encouragement and eventually skill and musicianship start to take over. We have faith that those first sounds we hear will not be the last. I have have been blessed to have had a part in teaching many of young players who have grown up to be fantastic musicians, teachers and lovers of music. As a little kid, just starting out, one night my folks set me up in a folding chair in front of a local country band and encouraged me to play along. I am sure band was playing and singing in E and I had never heard of C# major, so I must not have hit one right note on my little Conn alto saxophone. That didn’t matter however. What mattered was the encouragement I received that night. That encouragement, (and many other similar acts of kindness) fired my passion for music that has lasted over 55 years. Two music degrees, a successful teaching career and hundreds of memorable, (and not so memorable) gigs later, I owe it all to the many “Danny Barkers” in my life that heard the music in me that I had not yet played… (thanks to my parents, grand parents, and Melba, Robert, Charles, Tommy, Dale, Clifford, Margo, Terry, Roland, Kent, Michale and Don. These were the teachers who shared their encouragement and love of music with me…my “Mr. Barkers”). Terry from Texas
Teachers make all the difference in the world...i bought an acoustic...fiddle with it for 6 months...eventually took a few lessons and learned more from him in 30 minutes than learned on my OWN...it was humbling...i 've playing keyboards the.last five years since I retired...its reignited my passion...and thanks to you many of your students have begin playing again in their Sr yrs...i be 71 my next birthday... I AM STILL PATTING MY FOOT!!!! GOD BLESS YOU SIR!!! PEACE..😃😃😃😃😃😃😃
I remember an interview w/Wynton in the early 1990's, a jazz journalist tried to put him on the spot: "What do you think of groups who claim to play jazz, but are merely playing the same canned riffs with mass popular appeal over & over, like Spyro Gyra or the Jazz Crusaders?" Mr. Marsalis replied, most diplomatically: "Well, I'm sure they are really Cool Cats, & have really nice wives & kids, for whom they are striving to make the best living they can for them".
Diplomatic, but also just business reality for most music professionals - in order to make a living, you find an audience wherever you can (most don't) and give them what they want. Or become a session musician who just plays whatever dots are put in front of you (superb classical musicians often work for rappers or pop stars, for example, and backing vocalists are often objectively more talented than the people they back). Wynton is part of an elite who have a choice over work, rather than scrabbling, and his response reflects that reality.
@@mariuspoppFM Yeah, there's always Kenny G lol. But I think the interviewer was trying to be a bit more Nuanced than that - he used as examples bands that actually SOUND like real Jazz, but are actually playing it in a totally phoned in Cheez Dogg manner. Kenny G & actual other Smooth Jazz performers actually SOUND like Cheez Dogg Elevator Music. TBF, in my long jazz fan career, I've seen both Spyro Gyra & the Jazz Crusaders live, & they indeed put on kick ass shows, but, much like most arena rock / pop acts, it's the same exact show every night, down to the in-between-song banter. YMMV, as they say . . .
@@mustafa1name Indeed. My wife & I are amateur players, & hang around with some much younger up & coming real musicians. I always tell all of them "you don't want Sideshow Bob to be a fan of your band. That's literally the Kiss of Death. Making Sideshow Bob music is a Highly Creative way to Starve"
@@darrellmfume4020 When a child is raised with encouragement he/she is better able to discern the truth themself. As Galileo said, "You can't teach a man (or child) anything. You can only help him find it within himself ."
That's true for a lot of kids, I'm sure. I think it wasn't as important for me personally. Sure, my parents were encouraging. But even at that age, I didn't do it for them are anyone's approval. My love and curiosity for music is what drove me. I think support and enabling was more important for me. They bought me instruments and equipment, tolerated solo and band rehearsals at home, and drove to gigs. I started playing around the age of 10-11.
One of the most memorable days of my life is when my high school jazz band played at an autograph session for Wynton. I was the goofy bass trombone player. Wynton joined us for a song. He borrowed a trumpet from one of our band members. Afterwards, we had a pickup basketball game with his band before they played at the local club. On a particularly tough play, our saxophonist knocked over their trombone player. During the concert that night, the trombone player gave an exaggerated limp that made us crack up.
I think Wynton missed his own point. It wasn't that the old man heard the greatness in the kids -- it's that giving them the confidence that they were worthy made them live up to it.
What you wrote is how I understand it too. I don't believe Wynton missed the point. He wisely let us discover it for ourselves. Just as the music teacher in the story did so many years ago.
Teachers know that _w.r.t._ skills and understanding, believing does make things happen. It is a documented miracle of young people that they rise to expectations.
Idk what everyone else is saying, it seems like ur totally right, Wynton said that the man “saw something” in him and his friends but that seems like a favorably distorted perhaps even narcissistic perspective. Clearly who those kids were didn’t matter at all to the man and he surely said the exact same thing to every aspiring young band. It’s the power of those words that helped drive those musicians and probably the magic of that shared experience drove them to develop as a group as well. Idk if it detracts from the story that Wynton didn’t necessarily understand the old man’s message because he articulated it fully and the audience can deduce that an old jazz musician wasn’t magically sensing great musical ability in untrained children, but rather hoping to and succeeding in inspiring a new generation :)
I played at a gathering for Danny Barkers funeral with Kermit Ruffins. I didn’t know a lot about traditional jazz and tried to bow out but Kermit insisted “Aw man, get your bass you’ll be fine!”. I took it as a sign that indeed I would be fine. And I was. And I learned a lot that day, and all the subsequent days for eight years living in New Orleans. There’s a tradition of teaching and community that is extremely rare and I was lucky enough to experience some of that.
That’s right, Wynton. That’s all it takes. A musician is one who listens, then plays. It is simpler than most think, but so many really do understand. Singing in one’s mind, dancing, is all it takes to spark a musical expression. Then, it’s according to the man or woman, what tool they’re holding, and how they use it. That’s about it.
I was at a Guitar Center grand opening several years ago in North Myrtle Beach SC. Lots of musicians there with their kids, and the kids were all strumming, banging, hitting anything that made noise. It was chaotic, loud and anything but melodic. I looked around as I listened to this racket and smiled. I said to myself "This is where it all begins. I'm witnessing the infantile stages of a blessing. We are blessed to be given the gift of music. It's magical, It can relax you, give you energy when you have none, unlock memories from your past, make you cry when you forgot how to, it's in our soul ready to be unlocked, just like an infant that can barely stand, they hear music and the hands wave and those chubby little legs bend and they just start bouncing, smiling from ear to ear.
I was privileged to experience THE PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND live in person..in the spring of 1971..in the small chapel..at Austin College in Sherman Texas...It was life changing because I played all the brass except slide trombone and tuba...i was stupifiied at their skill and the whole planet has been uplifted and blessed by Wyntons teaching!!!
What he's describing is a Social Psychological phenomenon called The Pygmalion Effect. It wasn't that he heard something in them that they didn't, it's that his unwavering belief in them gave them the ability to believe in themselves.
That's how you do it. Every time a kid makes a noise that resembles what they're supposed to play, rejoice. If they do it again, throw your arms in the air. To get kids hooked on music, you first have to get them good enough to play together. It doesn't take long. Then, set up a situation where when they play well together, they get the "tingle." The tingle is that little feeling you get when music comes together. That tingle is the hook. Once you're hooked, ya gotta do it again and again. Yeah, maybe it's a white lie at first. I look at it like a self-fulfilling prophecy.
I worked with Danny Barker at the Palm Court Jazz Cafe in the mid-1990s. He liked my playing because I dug the trumpeter from Algiers, Henry "Red" Allen, who Mr. Barker had worked with. He was great fun to work with and had wonderful stories to tell. Kudos to him for encouraging the younger musicians. btw - in that short clip towards the end of the video (at 5:14) that's me on cornet sitting next to him and clarinetist Pud Brown on the bandstand at the Palm Court.
Man this is beautiful. If only we would spend time encouraging instead of kicking. Imagine what this world would be if we had that man encouraging the good out of everyone....
What a beautiful story with a point! Bad mouthing and criticizing someone because he/she is not perfect only destroys their motivation, and desire to be the best they can be, some day. Yet so many people are so ignorant and backwards thinking, they don't understand the power of positive reinforcement, and the power of words. This story is a powerful representation of just how strong that positive reinforcement can bee... all those kids - today, the best in their respective instruments. LOVE THIS!!!
I got a sax for chrismas and thought the fingerings were same as clarinet! I went over to a friend who also played clarinet neighbors. They played trumpet and drums. Their dad played Trumpet in army band and served in WWII and Korea. We had a 'jam session ' and didn't know one song! Guys knew parts of songs like the intro to Tighen' UP or the horn hook to Hold On I'm Coming. I played the bass part to Tighten UP on alto sax. We must have sounded like a 'spasm band' the old folks called when they played homemade instruments!
We ran stages in New Orleans for 20 yrs. Mr. Danny called me “boy” & I called him “Mr. Danny”. Also Wynton gave me a $20. tip in L.A. ‘81 . Righteous !!
😭I swear I'm a motivational speaker's dream. Lol. This brings up so many memories of similar experiences in the church. On this journey to my cultural discovery, this adds so much character & clarity to my own experience; his anecdote mirrors my (and I'm certified a lot of others') experience in the Black American church--my great grandparents, grandparents, and parents' generations--and how they spoke into us until we excelled. I'm a product of it & still play today carrying on the legacies of my mentor & my Great aunts.
Loved this! Now where's the jovial kid on the banjo, the chunky fingered kid playing piano, and the shy kid on sax? Don't they get a chance as well?B-)
The most uplifting story I've heard in years. And I never realized that Marsalis was such a great story teller - though I should have known from his playing that's what he does.
Encouragement rather than discouragement is enlightenment rather than darkness. A child's mind should receive the former(s) rather than the latter(s) and it likely would lead to climbing the ladder of success no matter what field they ultimately choose.
great story, was in New Orleans with 2 five month cruise ship contracts post Hurricane Katrina, Mississippi cruising to Gulf of Mexico, some ports in Mexico then back up to New Orleans., 4 and 5 day cruises. Even as a brief visitor to New Orleans, was struck by the vibe/atmosphere/architecture/social street conditions and most importantly... the music, felt like the music was everywhere, could hear it, feel it, smell it, real music town New Orleans!
I always wished I could play an instrument. I have a pretty good ear for music, but I never could play anything. If I could've had someone like that old guy to encourage me as a kid, maybe I could've at least played well enough for family entertainment. But I never received any encouragement as a kid. But at least I can really enjoy those who can play, and I love most any kind of music.
Just awesome.... Man, you always blow us away with that God given wisdom... Also, thank you for your chats during the pandemic. Bringing us together.. The lessons for free!!! Your always teaching and loving brother! All the best, Mike Watkins, Texas
I took an elective class in high school just over 20 years ago. A History of Jazz Music. Wynton has been one of my favorite musicians ever since, and I sincerely appreciate my teacher for his part in broadening my musical tastes.
I taught band for 30 years, and in my opinion kids actually do not know when they sound terrible, which is why they are able to continue playing. If they knew it was awful they would likely quit. That’s why it’s so hard to learn another instrument when you’re already good at one. You realize it’s bad and get frustrated.
Great story and a great lesson. I met Wynton once and he is a great down to earth human being, while being one of the best of the best musicians on the planet.
I taught a bunch of people how to play guitar. im pretty good, but every person I've ever taught are league's better than i am. Because i made it a point to teach people in a positive way and not in the crappy way i was taught. Ive done the same thing to kids and adults. My niece is a pro touring musician and an on demand hired gun. My friends son is a bad ass guitarist and piano player. I like to think i helped.
From my visits to NOLA, I knew that Barker was absolutely adored to this day…now I know why. I thought the interviews with him were a highlight of the Ken Burns doc. Never forget how he pronounced calliope like “cal-E-ope”. Seamed like a fun, decent and talented guy.
It's amazing what clueless kids can grow up to accomplish with words of encouragement from the adults in their lives. Just imagine what might _not_ have happened otherwise.
Right on. While appreciating the spirit and joy of New Orleans music, it is, also, a great place to hide your musical incompetence. When I visited New Orleans some years ago, I was appalled at the level of the bands that I heard there. In Europe, Traditional bands were hugely superior.
Sorry to hear that. You did not have the right teacher. We hear all the time about how inadequate, or ‘bad’ kids are…I heard it all my career. That’s why I avoided the teachers lounge with a passion. Not 100% of the time, but most of the time, the true blame is on the teacher, not the student. Teachers have to reach kids where they are and sometimes that is just plain hard to do, but nonetheless, it is there obligation. Skillful teaching is a very underrated skill set. Everyone went to school, (so that makes everyone an ‘expert’), but just like any other profession, there are many average practitioners, some really bad ones and some that are just amazing! I am sure you, I and everyone has experienced time with all three categories of these teaching styles. While you did not have a great and inspiring music teacher as a child, I trust that you did have some truly outstanding teachers in some areas of your experience. Hopefully, because of their skill and love, you have areas in your life now that make you the outstanding person you must be. I am sure that the great teachers in your life heard and saw other things in you, that you did not know you were capable of an inspired and encouraged you to excel in those areas. And the best news of all is that, as life long learners, we can still go out looking for those amazing teachers and try new things. Try music again. Purchase an inexpensive keyboard or dust off that old recorder. Check out some basic uTube vids. If that fires a passion in you, go farther into it. If your music, on any level, brings you joy, then it is worth it. You don’t have to become a great, accomplished professional to begin to reap the benefits of exploring the joy of creating music. I would say forget the past and go for it again. You never know where you might end up. I often repeat the old adage “when the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” I believe it. It happens to me all the time, even after 50+ years of intense music participation. There very well may be a great teacher out there somewhere waiting to meet you! Terry from Texas
America needs to relearn that music education IS education and is necessary , not expendable . Math and science scores improve with music education as well .We're falling behind
I did not have that experience with my first music teacher. In fact, he set up a blind audition and I tried to play, and for some reason actually played pretty well. There was a girl that played and made a mistake, and said oops so the audition wasn't blind anymore. The class was voting on who played better, and I won. But the music teacher said we had to start over. I gave up music until last year and started the piano. Do I wish I had another teacher? Yup.
What a great story. It put such a big smile on my face. As a music educator of more than 35 years, I have lived this story many times. We start students with hope and encouragement and eventually skill and musicianship start to take over. We have faith that those first sounds we hear will not be the last. I have have been blessed to have had a part in teaching many of young players who have grown up to be fantastic musicians, teachers and lovers of music.
As a little kid, just starting out, one night my folks set me up in a folding chair in front of a local country band and encouraged me to play along. I am sure band was playing and singing in E and I had never heard of C# major, so I must not have hit one right note on my little Conn alto saxophone. That didn’t matter however. What mattered was the encouragement I received that night. That encouragement, (and many other similar acts of kindness) fired my passion for music that has lasted over 55 years. Two music degrees, a successful teaching career and hundreds of memorable, (and not so memorable) gigs later, I owe it all to the many “Danny Barkers” in my life that heard the music in me that I had not yet played… (thanks to my parents, grand parents, and Melba, Robert, Charles, Tommy, Dale, Clifford, Margo, Terry, Roland, Kent, Michale and Don. These were the teachers who shared their encouragement and love of music with me…my “Mr. Barkers”). Terry from Texas
Teachers make all the difference in the world...i bought an acoustic...fiddle with it for 6 months...eventually took a few lessons and learned more from him in 30 minutes than learned on my OWN...it was humbling...i 've playing keyboards the.last five years since I retired...its reignited my passion...and thanks to you many of your students have begin playing again in their Sr yrs...i be 71 my next birthday... I AM STILL PATTING MY FOOT!!!! GOD BLESS YOU SIR!!! PEACE..😃😃😃😃😃😃😃
No you missed it.
I remember an interview w/Wynton in the early 1990's, a jazz journalist tried to put him on the spot: "What do you think of groups who claim to play jazz, but are merely playing the same canned riffs with mass popular appeal over & over, like Spyro Gyra or the Jazz Crusaders?" Mr. Marsalis replied, most diplomatically: "Well, I'm sure they are really Cool Cats, & have really nice wives & kids, for whom they are striving to make the best living they can for them".
Diplomatic, but also just business reality for most music professionals - in order to make a living, you find an audience wherever you can (most don't) and give them what they want. Or become a session musician who just plays whatever dots are put in front of you (superb classical musicians often work for rappers or pop stars, for example, and backing vocalists are often objectively more talented than the people they back). Wynton is part of an elite who have a choice over work, rather than scrabbling, and his response reflects that reality.
That assh0le could have found better examples than Jazz Crusaders and SpyroGyra
@@mariuspoppFM Yeah, there's always Kenny G lol.
But I think the interviewer was trying to be a bit more Nuanced than that - he used as examples bands that actually SOUND like real Jazz, but are actually playing it in a totally phoned in Cheez Dogg manner. Kenny G & actual other Smooth Jazz performers actually SOUND like Cheez Dogg Elevator Music.
TBF, in my long jazz fan career, I've seen both Spyro Gyra & the Jazz Crusaders live, & they indeed put on kick ass shows, but, much like most arena rock / pop acts, it's the same exact show every night, down to the in-between-song banter.
YMMV, as they say . . .
@@mustafa1name Indeed. My wife & I are amateur players, & hang around with some much younger up & coming real musicians. I always tell all of them "you don't want Sideshow Bob to be a fan of your band. That's literally the Kiss of Death. Making Sideshow Bob music is a Highly Creative way to Starve"
@@sideshowbob OMG Kenny Gs music is very boring to me. It puts me to sleep.
The thing each and every kid needs most of all is encouragement.
yes, kids do need encouragement. and they also need to HEAR the TRUTH too, which can be disappointing at times.
And even one word, one time, can do a lifetime of good.
@@darrellmfume4020 When a child is raised with encouragement he/she is better able to discern the truth themself. As Galileo said, "You can't teach a man (or child) anything. You can only help him find it within himself ."
What
That's true for a lot of kids, I'm sure. I think it wasn't as important for me personally. Sure, my parents were encouraging. But even at that age, I didn't do it for them are anyone's approval. My love and curiosity for music is what drove me. I think support and enabling was more important for me. They bought me instruments and equipment, tolerated solo and band rehearsals at home, and drove to gigs. I started playing around the age of 10-11.
One of the most memorable days of my life is when my high school jazz band played at an autograph session for Wynton. I was the goofy bass trombone player. Wynton joined us for a song. He borrowed a trumpet from one of our band members. Afterwards, we had a pickup basketball game with his band before they played at the local club. On a particularly tough play, our saxophonist knocked over their trombone player. During the concert that night, the trombone player gave an exaggerated limp that made us crack up.
What a great tribute. We all need to strive to be as encouraging as Danny Barker.
Absolutely.
Wynton is a National Treasure. Let's treasure him now, not later.
I think Wynton missed his own point. It wasn't that the old man heard the greatness in the kids -- it's that giving them the confidence that they were worthy made them live up to it.
What you wrote is how I understand it too. I don't believe Wynton missed the point. He wisely let us discover it for ourselves. Just as the music teacher in the story did so many years ago.
@@Havanorange Hmmm.
Teachers know that _w.r.t._ skills and understanding, believing does make things happen. It is a documented miracle of young people that they rise to expectations.
Umm - that was his point - &:I'm not even gonna call you Hannah cause I'm in a good mood
Idk what everyone else is saying, it seems like ur totally right, Wynton said that the man “saw something” in him and his friends but that seems like a favorably distorted perhaps even narcissistic perspective. Clearly who those kids were didn’t matter at all to the man and he surely said the exact same thing to every aspiring young band. It’s the power of those words that helped drive those musicians and probably the magic of that shared experience drove them to develop as a group as well. Idk if it detracts from the story that Wynton didn’t necessarily understand the old man’s message because he articulated it fully and the audience can deduce that an old jazz musician wasn’t magically sensing great musical ability in untrained children, but rather hoping to and succeeding in inspiring a new generation :)
I played at a gathering for Danny Barkers funeral with Kermit Ruffins. I didn’t know a lot about traditional jazz and tried to bow out but Kermit insisted “Aw man, get your bass you’ll be fine!”. I took it as a sign that indeed I would be fine. And I was. And I learned a lot that day, and all the subsequent days for eight years living in New Orleans. There’s a tradition of teaching and community that is extremely rare and I was lucky enough to experience some of that.
That’s right, Wynton. That’s all it takes. A musician is one who listens, then plays. It is simpler than most think, but so many really do understand. Singing in one’s mind, dancing, is all it takes to spark a musical expression. Then, it’s according to the man or woman, what tool they’re holding, and how they use it. That’s about it.
I was at a Guitar Center grand opening several years ago in North Myrtle Beach SC. Lots of musicians there with their kids, and the kids were all strumming, banging, hitting anything that made noise. It was chaotic, loud and anything but melodic. I looked around as I listened to this racket and smiled. I said to myself "This is where it all begins. I'm witnessing the infantile stages of a blessing. We are blessed to be given the gift of music. It's magical, It can relax you, give you energy when you have none, unlock memories from your past, make you cry when you forgot how to, it's in our soul ready to be unlocked, just like an infant that can barely stand, they hear music and the hands wave and those chubby little legs bend and they just start bouncing, smiling from ear to ear.
@peterg5383 “i” is always capitalized in grammar when referring to yourself. Touché 🙂
@peterg5383You are supposed to start a sentence by capitalizing. 🤦
@peterg5383 You’re adorable ☺️
@peterg5383 "
I was privileged to experience THE PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND live in person..in the spring of 1971..in the small chapel..at Austin College in Sherman Texas...It was life changing because I played all the brass except slide trombone and tuba...i was stupifiied at their skill and the whole planet has been uplifted and blessed by Wyntons teaching!!!
What he's describing is a Social Psychological phenomenon called The Pygmalion Effect. It wasn't that he heard something in them that they didn't, it's that his unwavering belief in them gave them the ability to believe in themselves.
That's how you do it. Every time a kid makes a noise that resembles what they're supposed to play, rejoice. If they do it again, throw your arms in the air. To get kids hooked on music, you first have to get them good enough to play together. It doesn't take long. Then, set up a situation where when they play well together, they get the "tingle." The tingle is that little feeling you get when music comes together. That tingle is the hook. Once you're hooked, ya gotta do it again and again. Yeah, maybe it's a white lie at first. I look at it like a self-fulfilling prophecy.
As an artist, this is so similar to the way you train people to do art....because you have to start somewhere. This was amazing. :)
I worked with Danny Barker at the Palm Court Jazz Cafe in the mid-1990s. He liked my playing because I dug the trumpeter from Algiers, Henry "Red" Allen, who Mr. Barker had worked with. He was great fun to work with and had wonderful stories to tell. Kudos to him for encouraging the younger musicians. btw - in that short clip towards the end of the video (at 5:14) that's me on cornet sitting next to him and clarinetist Pud Brown on the bandstand at the Palm Court.
Even when Wynton is trying to sound bad, it still sounds pretty good.
Listening to Wynton Marsalis talk about music, is as enjoyable as listening to him play Music!
A remarkable gift indeed!.......
Man this is beautiful.
If only we would spend time encouraging instead of kicking. Imagine what this world would be if we had that man
encouraging the good out of everyone....
Sometimes the truth is so undeniable that it brings a tear to your eye.
What a beautiful story with a point! Bad mouthing and criticizing someone because he/she is not perfect only destroys their motivation, and desire to be the best they can be, some day. Yet so many people are so ignorant and backwards thinking, they don't understand the power of positive reinforcement, and the power of words. This story is a powerful representation of just how strong that positive reinforcement can bee... all those kids - today, the best in their respective instruments. LOVE THIS!!!
That was one of the most beautiful music/mentor stories I’ve ever heard. And I needed to hear it today...
I got a sax for chrismas and thought the fingerings were same as clarinet! I went over to a friend who also played clarinet neighbors. They played trumpet and drums. Their dad played Trumpet in army band and served in WWII and Korea. We had a 'jam session ' and didn't know one song! Guys knew parts of songs like the intro to Tighen' UP or the horn hook to Hold On I'm Coming. I played the bass part to Tighten UP on alto sax. We must have sounded like a 'spasm band' the old folks called when they played homemade instruments!
It's always a pleasure to teach people who want to learn.
We ran stages in New Orleans for 20 yrs.
Mr. Danny called me “boy” & I called him “Mr. Danny”. Also Wynton gave me a $20. tip in L.A. ‘81 .
Righteous !!
A great story about a great man, a great city and the beauty of music...Bravo!
Always encourage.With practice, technique improves.👍
😭I swear I'm a motivational speaker's dream. Lol. This brings up so many memories of similar experiences in the church. On this journey to my cultural discovery, this adds so much character & clarity to my own experience; his anecdote mirrors my (and I'm certified a lot of others') experience in the Black American church--my great grandparents, grandparents, and parents' generations--and how they spoke into us until we excelled. I'm a product of it & still play today carrying on the legacies of my mentor & my Great aunts.
Loved this! Now where's the jovial kid on the banjo, the chunky fingered kid playing piano, and the shy kid on sax? Don't they get a chance as well?B-)
So much for those decrying "everyone gets a trophy" culture. It seems unconditional encouragement can do magic.
The most uplifting story I've heard in years. And I never realized that Marsalis was such a great story teller - though I should have known from his playing that's what he does.
What a great story. Props to the elderly gentleman for bringing so many kids into music.
Encouragement rather than discouragement is enlightenment rather than darkness. A child's mind should receive the former(s) rather than the latter(s) and it likely would lead to climbing the ladder of success no matter what field they ultimately choose.
great story, was in New Orleans with 2 five month cruise ship contracts post Hurricane Katrina, Mississippi cruising to Gulf of Mexico, some ports in Mexico then back up to New Orleans., 4 and 5 day cruises. Even as a brief visitor to New Orleans, was struck by the vibe/atmosphere/architecture/social street conditions and most importantly... the music, felt like the music was everywhere, could hear it, feel it, smell it, real music town New Orleans!
We need to fund music education even more than we used to!🎶❤️
I always wished I could play an instrument. I have a pretty good ear for music, but I never could play anything. If I could've had someone like that old guy to encourage me as a kid, maybe I could've at least played well enough for family entertainment. But I never received any encouragement as a kid. But at least I can really enjoy those who can play, and I love most any kind of music.
Exactly his point, wasn't it. Thank you for sharing that.
It's never too late to learn!
@@RadCenter It IS too late. I just don't have the dexterity, and I got way too many hobbies already.
I always liked how the great jazz pianist Keith Jarrett referred to Wynton's skill to those of a good high school trumpet player!
It’s a lucky kid whose parents support his music. Mine did not do much of that. So I had to find my own motivation.
Just awesome.... Man, you always blow us away with that God given wisdom... Also, thank you for your chats during the pandemic. Bringing us together.. The lessons for free!!! Your always teaching and loving brother! All the best, Mike Watkins, Texas
"He taught us to hear and listen." That is one wise man.
I took an elective class in high school just over 20 years ago. A History of Jazz Music. Wynton has been one of my favorite musicians ever since, and I sincerely appreciate my teacher for his part in broadening my musical tastes.
Fantastic story!
This popped up in my feed this morning and I have to say it's one of the best stories about music I've ever heard. Thank you!
More of this type of content please and thank you!
Quality informative entertainment.
Thank you.
You got it! Glad you enjoyed it.
@@OLDSCHOOLnola I really liked how you followed up on everyone as he mentioned them. This is a very enjoyable video.
I taught band for 30 years, and in my opinion kids actually do not know when they sound terrible, which is why they are able to continue playing. If they knew it was awful they would likely quit. That’s why it’s so hard to learn another instrument when you’re already good at one. You realize it’s bad and get frustrated.
Great story and a great lesson. I met Wynton once and he is a great down to earth human being, while being one of the best of the best musicians on the planet.
That was a wonderful description of how instruments act together to make music.
Man, I don’t listen to a lot of Wynton, and I don’t love New Orleans Jazz; I love the guitar and piano. Still, this made me almost cry.
I taught a bunch of people how to play guitar. im pretty good, but every person I've ever taught are league's better than i am.
Because i made it a point to teach people in a positive way and not in the crappy way i was taught.
Ive done the same thing to kids and adults.
My niece is a pro touring musician and an on demand hired gun.
My friends son is a bad ass guitarist and piano player.
I like to think i helped.
Mr.Barker a National Treasure, he made the Treasure go around the world. Happy Birthday Mr. Barker 13Jan1909
.thank you!
The old saying, "Anything worth doing is worth enduring being bad to get good."
That's a great story. You've always said it's about listening and hearing. What a powerful message for young, up-and-coming musicians.
From my visits to NOLA, I knew that Barker was absolutely adored to this day…now I know why. I thought the interviews with him were a highlight of the Ken Burns doc. Never forget how he pronounced calliope like “cal-E-ope”. Seamed like a fun, decent and talented guy.
Come on, man! I didn’t need be sittin’ hear at my desk in the middle of the workday tearin’ up and on the edge of cryin’! 😳
That's why I love music, it's completely subjective and will always be.
Beautiful story
what a legend....i was lucky enough to chat with WM.back in 96 nyc Smalls jazz club...i was on holiday from uk....amazing
Beautiful Story ! Also Herlin Riley! Danny Barker lives !
thats the brilliance and genius of a great teacher
The fact that he still remembers that horn run is deep. #Wow
The importance of being a good teacher. most important A KIDS TEACHER
An Absolutely Fantastic Story!!!!!
It's amazing what clueless kids can grow up to accomplish with words of encouragement from the adults in their lives. Just imagine what might _not_ have happened otherwise.
Incredible story!
Absolutely fantastic short documentary.
Thanks for sharing 🎶
Wow now that was a real MENTOR !!
So grateful for this story, and especially this precious man who put his best into the kids! ❤️🙏💞😎
There is a lesson here for all of us.
Great story!
Right on. While appreciating the spirit and joy of New Orleans music, it is, also, a great place to hide your musical incompetence. When I visited New Orleans some years ago, I was appalled at the level of the bands that I heard there. In Europe, Traditional bands were hugely superior.
That is great! And everyone continued to play and I am guessing bad habits and form didn't take long to shape up. Amazing!
Every time I listen to traditional jazz; I can’t help but cry tears of joy.
Sorry to hear that. You did not have the right teacher. We hear all the time about how inadequate, or ‘bad’ kids are…I heard it all my career. That’s why I avoided the teachers lounge with a passion. Not 100% of the time, but most of the time, the true blame is on the teacher, not the student. Teachers have to reach kids where they are and sometimes that is just plain hard to do, but nonetheless, it is there obligation. Skillful teaching is a very underrated skill set. Everyone went to school, (so that makes everyone an ‘expert’), but just like any other profession, there are many average practitioners, some really bad ones and some that are just amazing! I am sure you, I and everyone has experienced time with all three categories of these teaching styles. While you did not have a great and inspiring music teacher as a child, I trust that you did have some truly outstanding teachers in some areas of your experience. Hopefully, because of their skill and love, you have areas in your life now that make you the outstanding person you must be. I am sure that the great teachers in your life heard and saw other things in you, that you did not know you were capable of an inspired and encouraged you to excel in those areas.
And the best news of all is that, as life long learners, we can still go out looking for those amazing teachers and try new things. Try music again. Purchase an inexpensive keyboard or dust off that old recorder. Check out some basic uTube vids. If that fires a passion in you, go farther into it. If your music, on any level, brings you joy, then it is worth it. You don’t have to become a great, accomplished professional to begin to reap the benefits of exploring the joy of creating music. I would say forget the past and go for it again. You never know where you might end up. I often repeat the old adage “when the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” I believe it. It happens to me all the time, even after 50+ years of intense music participation. There very well may be a great teacher out there somewhere waiting to meet you! Terry from Texas
One of the best things I've ever seen on youtube. Great one!
Beautiful. ✌🏼❤️🎶😉
This made me burst into tears and I don’t know why
Maybe 'cause the old man had unwavering belief in those kids? Quite moving.:)
oh man, that was a great story. Big smile!!!
I needed this today, thank you.
Listening to Wynton Marsalis talk about about music, is as enjoyable as hearing him play Music.
What a remarkable gift for him and all of us....
Funny but an important message!
America needs to relearn that music education IS education and is necessary , not expendable . Math and science scores improve with music education as well .We're falling behind
Tears.
What is the song playing in the background?
What an incredibly family.
Hey Wynton, great story. Got me thinkin of Gunther. Be well.
Wonderful!! You can do it!!!
That is one of the most beautiful and inspiring stories I've ever heard...
2:26 I think I now understand where the name "Tuba Skinny" is derived from :)
Beautiful.
Art, culture and love.
loved it
That's one of the best stories I've ever heard.
I made a drawing of Fatts Tubba and the band, on the street, It was the year before the hurricane i think. I often wondered what happened to them.
A great educator once said "Kids don't need to be taught. They need to be encouraged and admired".
The power of love can move mountains.
Love to hear Wynton speak on any subject; always comes cross as kind and decent. A fine talent and a great human being.
I did not have that experience with my first music teacher. In fact, he set up a blind audition and I tried to play, and for some reason actually played pretty well. There was a girl that played and made a mistake, and said oops so the audition wasn't blind anymore. The class was voting on who played better, and I won. But the music teacher said we had to start over. I gave up music until last year and started the piano. Do I wish I had another teacher? Yup.
When did that happen?
@@orionsshoe2424 1960s.
Excellent Story!
☆☆☆☆☆
💯
I have been playing traditional NOLA jazz for several decades and one of my best friends is a bespectacled clarinet player !😅
That's awesome. Tell him hello!
Beaitiful…and funny story 😄
That’s a great lesson