Tom Braxton Bios (Page 3)

TOM BRAXTON

Bio for Music Workshops and Clinics

Dunbar Middle School
in Lubbock, Texas

National jazz recording artist, Tom Braxton, is a seasoned music educator and clinician with more than 20 years of teaching experience in the public and private school systems. For the past 25 years, Tom has dazzled audiences of all ages with his exciting and exhilarating stage performances that showcase his exceptional skill on alto, tenor and soprano saxophones as well as keyboards and flute. In like fashion, students from pre-school through the college level have been mesmerized and inspired by Tom's hands-on approach and interactive teaching style which are key elements of his music workshops and clinics.

Tom completed his early education in the Lubbock Independent School District. After graduating valedictorian of his high school class, he attended Texas Tech University on music and track scholarships. In 1983, the summa cum laude graduate received a Bachelor of Music/Performance degree from Tech and later relocated to Austin, Texas where he worked as a substitute teacher at both the primary and secondary levels. In 1989, Tom moved to Dallas, Texas and joined the staff of Tyler Street Christian Academy as band director. In his second year at Tyler Street Christian Academy, Tom was invited to also join the staff of Gospel Lighthouse Christian Academy to start a band program. Tom supervised and directed both music departments until 1992. Over the next 7 years, he served as the principal woodwind instructor at Christ for the Nations Institute and worked as a substitute music teacher in the Carrollton/Farmer's Branch School District. In the fall of 1999, Tom was invited to serve as the band director at American Heritage Academy in Carrollton, Texas. The following year, Tom was appointed Fine Arts Director, and he functioned in that capacity for the next 10 years. Under his leadership, the music department won numerous awards at the district and state levels in band, choir, art and theater. Tom is currently a woodwind instructor at the Lone Star Music Academy in Flower Mound, Texas.

Tom Braxton
Kirk Whalum's Gospel According to Jazz
Workshop in Kansas City, Missouri

Tom has been a featured clinician and performer at Kirk Whalum's Gospel According to Jazz workshops in Memphis, Tennessee and Kansas City, Missouri. He has instructed worship leaders and musicians in churches in Seattle, Washington and northern California. Tom has also conducted seminars at the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame. Alongside Everette Harp and Kirk Whalum, he was a featured guest speaker on "Sax Chat," a panel discussion hosted by Gerald Albright for the Smooth Jazz Cruise. Tom has conducted workshops and performed at a variety of colleges and universities including Texas Tech University, Del Mar College, Cedar Valley College, Midland College, University of Texas at Dallas, San Angelo State University, Prairie View A&M and Tuskegee Institute, to name a few.

Tom Braxton
American Heritage Academy
in Carrollton, Texas

Tom's music workshops and clinics are specifically designed to fit the needs and experience level of the student. His lectures and presentations can be adapted for students ranging from the pre-school level through college. The subject matter of the workshops encompasses a wide range of topics including a review of general music skills, growth and development of the musician, tips to improve technique, jazz improvisation, music industry tips and a "History of Jazz" PowerPoint presentation.

General Workshop Overview

The objectives for the students in the workshop fall into three main areas: growth and development of the musician, a review of general music skills, and the importance of the proper equipment for music production.

In the area of growth and development, the student will learn about the pursuit of the craft of music. The student will see the importance of the history of their particular genre of music and the priority of music education if they are to attain success. The business of music is also an integral portion of this segment. Character issues such as dependability, responsibility and preparedness round out the picture of what a professional musician should be. They will be given insight into the world of the working musician.

General music skills are critical and will be discussed. Tone production, scales, chord recognition and sight-reading are some of the topics to be covered. Practice regimens and method books play a key part and the student will receive practical instruction in these areas. Working on weaknesses will be stressed.

Proper equipment can’t be overlooked and is a staple of the workshop. Students will learn what to look for when they are buying instruments, mouthpieces etc. They will also learn the proper care and maintenance of their instrument.

Clear instruction in this workshop will give the student practical information that they can take home and use immediately.

For booking information, contact Jean Robinson, Ol'Loreece Management, at 916-524-2506 or ol.loreece@sbcglobal.net.

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