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Trumpet Celebrity Interviews

[ a celebration of the artistry of ALL styles of Trumpet ]





S E N E C A   B L A C K




Seneca Black (Trumpet) was born on April 15, 1978 and was inspired to pursue jazz music at age 12 after hearing his first Duke Ellington recording. He was the lead trumpeter in the 1995-96 Grammy All-American High School Jazz Ensemble, and, at age 18, this honor garnered him full scholarships to the country's top music schools, including The Manhattan School of Music, Berklee College of Music, and the University of Miami. A graduate of the New World School of the Arts in Miami, Florida, Mr. Black moved on to study at the Manhattan School of Music as a student of Lew Soloff. After the lead trumpet position opened up in 1997, he joined the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of Wynton Marsalis. During his tenure with the band, he has performed under the direction of John Lewis, Jimmy Heath, Paquito D'Rivera, among others. An active and enthusiastic educator, Seneca has presented workshops throughout the U.S. and across 5 continents. These workshops are primarily in conjunction with the Essentially Ellington Jazz Band Competition every May in New York City.

T H E   I N T E R V I E W. . .



  • Would you like to add your website or web address at this point?
    1. Sentica@aol.com . My own website is coming soon. Jazz at Lincoln Center’s homepage is www.jazzatlincolncenter.org which includes information and schedules.
  • Was your family background musical?
    1. One of my older sisters played trumpet until she graduated high school. My mother was an amateur clarinetist. We would play duets when I was younger. I remember her playing a weekly radio show that included Harry James and other big band luminaries.
  • What made you decide to play the trumpet?
    1. I decided to play the trumpet after watching my sister practice and hearing her playing.
  • At what age did you start?
    1. I was nine years old.
  • On leaving your education, have you been a full-time musician?
    1. Yes, I started playing with the LCJO at 19.
  • Describe your earlier experiences of semi-pro work.
    1. I’ve played in Polka bands and Salsa bands as well as community big bands in South Florida and Pennsylvania.
  • What orchestral/ big band experience?
    1. I’ve been playing with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra for almost five years now. I worked with Chico O’Farrill’s Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra as well as Bobby Short’s band. Other opportunities (such as work with Nicholas Payton and Christian McBride) have had to be turned down due to conflicts. With the LCJO we’ve collaborated with the NY Philharmonic, Boston Symphony, London Symphony, Russian National Orchestra, Chicago Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic et al. as well as the NYC Ballet.
  • What small group experience?
    1. I’ve been a member of the LCJO sextet. Also, I’ve worked with my own quintet.
  • Other work experience?
    1. I’ve been a soloist with a handful of collegiate, high school, and middle school wind ensembles and jazz bands. I’ve presented numerous educational workshops both internationally and in the U.S., primarily with J@LC.
  • List recording work for others.
    1. LCJO: Swingin’ with the Duke (Live), Big Train, All Rise (Coming Soon)

    New York State of the Art Jazz Orchestra: Explosion.

  • Any solo recordings.
    1. Coming Soon.
  • Any new projects?
    1. Though no new personal projects in the works, J@LC is building the first ever jazz concert hall (to be completed in NYC, 2004.) More info on their webpage.
  • Favorite four albums?
    1. Duke Ellington Live at Newport, John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman, Mahler No.5, Chicago Symphony (any version with Herseth), Clifford Brown with Strings
  • Favorite two movies?
    1. The Empire Strikes Back and Glory
  • Favorite three foods:
    1. Biscuits ‘n’ Gravy, Indian, and Chinese.
  • Non-Musical hobbies/interests:
    1. Baseball/sports in general, weight lifting/exercise, sociology/mythology, Joseph Campbell’s writings
  • Any funny road stories?
    1. When the LCJO was touring Japan in the Summer of 1998 the band presented an afternoon workshop in Yokohama at a big concert hall. As Wynton was speaking to a student band (through a translator) a few members gathered behind the band riser. While Marcus Printup was attending to a student, a certain member placed a whoopee cushion on his seat, unbeknownst to him. As Marcus sat down unaware, Wynton was speaking about the two-beat-feel on the bass when there was an eruption, a loud BRAAAAPT! that echoed throughout the hall. Needless to say, Wynton was not amused. Marcus was the picture of extreme embarrassment . Another good one was when Ryan Kisor put fake dog poop under Wynton’s derby mute during a concert. I’ve got some other hilarious stories about studying with Lew Soloff yet they’re too long to get into right now.
  • Three trumpet tips:

    1. I.  Remember the breath.

      II. Seek out the best recordings

      III. Find a good teacher to share the journey with.

  • Any days off?

    1. One day a week, to help build and repair the muscles

  • End of interview sentiment:

    1. Have a positive attitude and patience. I think growing as a musician is related to growing as an individual. Try not to be myopic; the best artists are those that are not just interested in music. They bring life experience to their artform and that’s what makes them great.

     

    Thank you very much indeed for sharing your thoughts with the
    ' Trumpet Web Community ' 6th June 2002.


    Go see Seneca's "on the road diary" with the LCJO he's writing for NPR Jazz.org... Click here!

    Greg Evans' Trumpetstuff.com w/Seneca video / audio clips
    (Click Here)



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