WHAT'S NEW

Sometimes, the key to great improvisation is to use less melodic vocabulary in multiple contexts. Here is a ii-V-I Lick in three contexts over F Blues and “Autumn Leaves”:

– the ii-V-I progression in the last four bars of F blues
– the major ii-V-I in the first four bars of “Autumn Leaves”
– the minor ii-V-I in the second four bars of “Autumn Leaves”

F Blues is the 2020-2021 Texas and Oklahoma All-Region Jazz Band Audition Improv Etude. “Autumn Leaves” is the 2020-2021 Texas All-State Jazz Band Audition Improv Etude.

2020 has brought about the cancellation of weddings, events, and parties due to COVID-19. Justin Pierce’s Dallas Jazz Band continues to perform for socially-distanced gatherings around the metroplex in Dallas, Fort Worth, and surrounding communities. We have worked with our existing clients to reschedule dates and are accepting new bookings for Fall and Winter 2020.

Do you have a holiday party where the ambiance of a jazz trio might fit the bill? Maybe a more intimate event with a solo saxophonist?

Contact us today to discuss your event! Our jazz band is committed to providing safe, fun entertainment for your guests.

When I post the TMEA and OKMEA saxophone etudes every year, quite a few students comment and ask for tips on the improvisation etudes. This year, I wanted to dedicate a special masterclass to this. Join me Thursday night and learn the keys to practicing and improvising over F Blues, Autumn Leaves, ii-V-I vocabulary, and more.

This will cover F blues (TX/OK) and Autumn Leaves (TX), two common songs/progressions that all jazz musicians should know.

Register today at In Harmony Lessons.

Join me on Monday, June 29th at 6 PM for an online masterclass covering the Texas Music Educator’s Association All-State All-Region Jazz Etudes. We’ll discuss:

• Etudes 1, 2, 3
• Practice Techniques
• Improving Your Tone
• Articulation
• Audition Tips
• Metronome Tips
• And more!

Register here – spots are limited! Use the discount code INHARMONY21 for $10 off registration.

Ashley and I are glad to share this voice and piano cover of the jazz standard “Smile”, by Charlie Chaplin.

We recently had the pleasure to perform for Catherine and Jason’s wedding at the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens Japanese Garden. Here is a clip of our jazz quartet featuring jazz saxophone, piano, bass, and drums performing during the cocktail hour. Enjoy Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “The Girl from Ipanema.”

Call us at 409-658-5281 or email us today to book live jazz music for your event!

Here’s a saxophone-guitar duo version of the Advent/Christmas hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” with jazz guitarist Demarcus Baysmore. Recorded live at the Oklahoma Baptist University Hanging of the Green 2017.

In August, our jazz band performed for an appreciation dinner for 250 American former POW veterans. The Perot Companies in Dallas, TX hosted this annual event on Thursday, August 16, 2018. The gathering displayed appreciation for the service of former POWs who served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. While the Veterans toured the museum, our jazz band played jazz standards and songs of the 1950s and 1960s.

Justin Pierce and his Dallas Jazz Band at the Perot NAM POW Reunion. Photo by Grant Miller

In November, I had the pleasure to serve as the clinician for the 2017-2018 Region X All-Region Jazz Band I in Orange, TX. This enthusiastic, auditioned group of high school jazz musicians assembled a concert of challenging big band music in only two rehearsals. I also had the privilege to perform a tune with Louisiana jazz educator and bassist Jay Ecker, who directed Band II. Thanks to organizer Jose Ochoa for his hard work in organizing this event!

Directing the TMEA All-Region Jazz Band

with TMEA All-Region Jazz students after the concert

Performing a blues with bassist Jay Ecker

Vandoren Regional Artist Justin Pierce

As long as I have played music, I have always enjoyed performing on Vandoren reeds on both saxophone and clarinet. Their consistency, quality, and beautiful tone make them a natural recommendation for students and professionals. For these reasons, I am thrilled to partner with DANSR, Inc. as a Vandoren Regional Artist, presenting clinics and masterclasses at schools across the region. Music teachers who would like to host a free Vandoren masterclass for your saxophones, clarinets, or jazz band may fill out the Contact Form. Please include your name, school name, possible clinic dates/times, and desired topics (ex. articulation, reed selection, all-state masterclass, jazz improvisation). Looking forward to visiting your school soon!

Vandoren Regional Artist Site

Sam

I am here in Beaumont Texas… Do you know of any jazz sax teachers around the Beaumont area.
Thanks
[email protected]

Miguel

Hi Mr. Pierce !
I’m a high school student from Houston, TX wondering if you could give me some practicing tips on the Jazz Etudes for Region and All-State band. By practicing I mean how to practice the piece and divide by chunks and how slow to go. I’ve always wanted to do region band, but I never put in the practice required, but this year I think I’m going to put myself out there and try my best. BTW, I really like your tone on your YouTube videos! I play on a Meyer 5L and play on Rico jazz select. Do you think I should try some Javas (like size 2 1/2).

Debbie Lacher

Please call me about hiring you to play at an event. Thank you for calling me.
Debbie Lacher at 469.767.0355

Arya Nallanthighall

I would like to take private lessons this summer to improve my improvistional/ sight reading skills.