NEW YORK---Magical moments are even more special when they take us by surprise. In my 30 years teaching at Juilliard, I savored countless classical music concerts with stars of all ages on the platform of Paul Hall with its elegant ambiance. And yet, it was a tribute to saxophonist Joe Temperley on Monday, March 6 by his students Peter and Will Anderson that reminded me that the gift teachers give lives well beyond them.
Joe Temperley passed away last May at the age of 89. Throughout his long career, he played baritone sax with Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, Thad Jones, the Duke Ellington orchestra, and was an original member of the Jazz at Lincoln center orchestra.
To honor their beloved teacher, the Anderson twins rounded up a corral of alumni and stellar players, including Juilliard faculty Vincent Gardner, Andy Farber, and James Burton. (Take a look below at the playlist and roster to see what you missed.)
