Sight-Reading, Virtuosity, and Identity

Abstract

This is the first of two chapters which tackle the issues of race in jazz education. The present chapter examines case studies of two major figures: Stan Kenton and his protégé Maynard Ferguson. Kenton’s involvement in jazz education is notably seen through his patronage of the growing program at North Texas State University. His penchant for hiring musicians who were often veterans of the highly segregated Los Angeles studio scene was an influence on North Texas, and by extension, jazz education in general. The second case study examines the ascendence of Maynard Ferguson, known for his high-range playing. His adoption of popular hits, as well as an intensely physical, virtuosic playing style to cultivate an enthusiastic audience, which was comprised largely of young jazz students. As the school jazz movement of the time was dominated by young white men, Ferguson’s approach may have had the unintended consequence of reinforcing such disparities.