News

[av_image src=’https://vailjazz.org-content/uploads/2015/08/Terell-in-focus.png’ attachment=’3964′ attachment_size=’full’ align=’center’ animation=’no-animation’ link=” target=” styling=” caption=” font_size=” appearance=” custom_class=” av_uid=’av-3vb36j’][/av_image]

Terell Stafford first picked up the trumpet at age thirteen, initially studying classical music. After a meeting with Wynton Marsalis who suggested he pursue jazz studies at Rutgers University, he began to become interested in and immerse himself in jazz. Terell eventually made the switch from classical to jazz, and his career took off both as a performer and a musical educator.

Terell is now based in New York, where he has worked with the Juilliard School’s jazz program and the Lincoln Center’s Essentially Ellington program. He is also the Director of Jazz Studies at Temple University in Philadelphia and serves as the Managing and Artistic Director of the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia. His professional career is just as impressive as his educational one; has performed and recorded with an impressive array of artists and groups, from Diana Krall to Bobby Watson, and currently leads the Terell Stafford Quintet.

Q+A WITH TERELL STAFFORD

What is the best part of the Vail Jazz Festival? 

It’s definitely a family affair. It’s like a big reunion.

What is the most memorable comment you’ve received from a fan?

One particular year, the parents of a student came up to me and let me know their son had a rough year and that the Vail Jazz Workshop was the highlight of his year. He was so excited to play, it really helped him. You always hear growing up that music is powerful and healing, not just from a listening standpoint, but from a mentoring one.

What’s your favorite post-gig meal?

Steak or baby-back ribs.

What is your favorite restaurant in Vail?

Sweet Basil. (psst, check out Vail Jazz @ Sweet Basil on August 30th!)

What is the most striking venue you’ve ever played?

Overlooking Mt. Fuji.

[av_image src=’https://vailjazz.org-content/uploads/2015/07/Workshop-instructors-blog-pic-300×209.png’ attachment=’3685′ attachment_size=’medium’ align=’left’ animation=’no-animation’ link=” target=” styling=” caption=” font_size=” appearance=” custom_class=” av_uid=’av-34jv97′][/av_image]

Stay tuned for next week’s “Q+A with: John Clayton”!

This article is part of a 6-part series highlighting the Vail Jazz Workshop instructors, who comprise the Vail Jazz Party House Band. In it’s 20th year, the Vail Jazz Workshop recruits 12 of the nation’s most talented teenage jazz musicians who travel to Vail for a week of intensive, two-to-one learning with the instructors. The students refine their skills, learn the art of playing by ear and most importantly, come to own and hone their special talents. Thanks to their Vail Jazz mentors, nearly all of the students have gone on to become professional musicians.