Fred Tillis oral history interview with Russell Annis, part 1
Description:
Oral history interview with UMass Amherst Professor of Music. Preparatory discussions for longer interview on history of the Music Department: arrival in 1970, brought by Philip Bezanson (former teacher at University of Iowa) who was largely responsible for building the department. Building programs at UMass: Jazz in July (with Billy Taylor, Max Roach); bringing faculty on board with Bromery's support into Afro American Studies (Roach, Nelson Stevens, etc.). Brought in Horace Boyer, 1973, one of the most significant figures in African American music and gospel music, over objections of many faculty. Jazz and symphonic composition. Developing a major in jazz over opposition from those invested in the European tradition. Learning music as a teenager during the Second World War (sax and trumpet); playing jazz; classical music; undergraduate study at 19. Composition. American and European classical traditions. Graduate study at University of Iowa.
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