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Ben Wolfe
Born in Baltimore, bassist Ben Wolfe grew up in Portland, Ore., and moved to New York when he was 23. He studied with Ray Brown, Homer Mensch, and Orin O'Brien, and started working professionally when he was in high school. He is currently studying with Ron Carter. This is his third year teaching at Juilliard.
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| Ben Wolfe |
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When did you first know you wanted to be a musician and how did you come to know it? My friend Bill Roth brought me to a rehearsal for a Christmas concert when I was 12. The band director ended up needing me to play percussion. After the concert, I told her I wanted to play tuba, and she brought one to my house a week later. I joined the band and I never imagined doing anything else.Who was the teacher or mentor who most inspired you when you were growing up and what did you learn from that person?I had many teachers and mentors along the way who have been important. As a young musician, having the opportunity to study with the great bassist Ray Brown was huge in my development. Ray was one of the people who encouraged me to move to New York. I remember Ray telling me to go where I would have the most competition, where I "don't have everybody."What was the first recording that you remember hearing or buying? What was its significance to you?My father played me a lot of great records when I started to play music, including artists such as Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, Lester Young, Billie Holiday, Paul Chambers, Charles Mingus, etc.If you could have your students visit any place in the world, where would it be, and why? I've traveled all over the world and seen a lot of beautiful places, but New York has always been my favorite. This is where what I wanted to do existed. The jazz scene is in New York, and this is where you come to learn to play.What are your non-music related interests or hobbies? What would people be surprised to know about you?I love to play and watch basketball. As far as what would surprise people? I guess that would depend on the person.How did you make the decision to become a teacher?I never thought of myself as a teacher, nor did I ever decide to become one. When I started teaching here at Juilliard, I found I really loved it. Being around the students and the faculty is inspiring; I always look forward to being here.What "words of wisdom" can you offer young people entering the field today?Learn to get inside the music. Being aware of your own playing is not enough.If your students could only remember one thing from your teaching, what would you want it to be?I want them to remember the difference between playing an instrument and making music—a distinction I hope my students will understand.What recent performance has had a big impact on you?Hearing an open rehearsal here at Juilliard with Branford Marsalis and the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. They played with such finesse. Playing with beauty and consciousness always is more appealing to me than great displays of virtuosic ability.What CDs are you listening to?Charlie Parker: Sessions Live Vol. 2; Elmo Hop: The All-Star Session; Sonny Rollins: The Bridge; Bach: St. Matthew Passion; Brahms: String Quartet in C minor; Webern: Passacaglia for Orchestra; assorted other music in the car.What is your proudest accomplishment in life?I remember being 23, getting in my car, and driving 3,000 miles to Brooklyn with very little money and no prospects for work. I was determined to do nothing but play jazz, and I'm proud that that is what I have done.If you weren't in the career you are in, what would you be doing?Probably not playing ball.
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