Are there Asian Americans in jazz?
How did Max Roach collaborate with Asian American jazz artists?
How does Francis Wong bring together activism, jazz and community building?

In this episode Music Un-Tuxed welcomes, Francis Wong, the legendary jazz saxophonist and community builder from Chinatown, San Francisco. Wong tells host Michael Jamanis about his musical journey, the influence of the political upheavals of the 60s and 70s, and his work in integrating activism with music.

The discussion includes the significance of the Black Arts Movement, Wong's experiences with mentors like Max Roach, and his contributions in promoting Asian American identity through music. Wong elaborates on his approach to improvisation, composing cross-cultural pieces, and the importance of creativity and community building in music.

Don't miss this enriching conversation on leveraging music for social change and the value of radical self-acceptance in the creative process.

Link to work referenced at 21:52 • Melody of China and Francis Wong, "Shangha...

00:00 Introduction to Francis Wong
01:29 Early Inspirations and Activism
06:53 Asian American Identity and Music
12:18 Improvisation and Influences
16:58 Community Building Through Music
25:46 Teaching and Empowering the Next Generation
37:08 Radical Self-Acceptance in Music
38:48 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

Are there many Black classical musicians?
How can classical music be more inclusive?
Do DEI efforts work in classical music?

These are just a few of the juicy questions noted cellist Christian Sands and Michael Jamanis discuss on Music Un-Tuxed, a podcast that takes you behind the scenes into raw, vulnerable conversations with musicians.

Listen in as Christian shares his teaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of making music education inclusive and accessible.

He talks about the value of mentorship, proper technique, and fostering a love for music in students.

Additionally, he reflects on his personal experiences with music performance and education, including the challenges and rewards of teaching music to young students.

The episode also covers lighter topics, such as Christian's fondness for karaoke, walking his dog Spider, and his rejuvenation activities outside of his busy professional life.

The interview concludes with Christian expressing his preference for Gabriel Fauré's Requiem as a piece of music he deeply loves and would choose to listen to in his final moments.

Music Un-Tuxed is here to un-do the conditioning that comes with traditional classical training, promote vulnerability, and REDEFINE musical excellence and community building.

For more conversations about redefining musical excellence and community building, go to the link below subscribe to my newsletter and get Music Un-Tuxed in your inbox: https://www.michaeljamanis.com/

Christian Sands Bio
Christian Sands is a noted cellist and educator. A graduate of the Detroit high school of the arts and Wayne State University in cello performance, he plays with orchestras, chamber ensembles, jazz combos throughout the Detroit metro area and Canada. He is a teacher in the Sphinx Overture program and on the faculty at the Detroit Waldorf School where he is also the Co-Chair of the Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. He teaches violin, viola, and cello.


#violinteacher #cellists #musicuntuxed #musicteachers #violintechnique #chambermusic #Blackviolin #sphinx #elsistema #classicalmusic #chambermusic #

What is music good for?
Should you use youtube when learning music?
How do you balance the quest for excellence with spontaneity and finding your own voice?

These are just a few of the juicy questions world renown violinist and author Arnold Steinhardt and Michael Jamanis discuss in their interview on Music Un-Tuxed.

Arnold also shares his perspective on the need to take risks, especially when recording, exploring music outside of the classical genre, and offers many funny stories along the way.

For violin technique, especially questions about vibrato watch this youtube video next.
• Violin VIBRATO Exercises and Techniques

For more conversations about redefining musical excellence and community building, go to the link below subscribe to my newsletter and get Music Un-Tuxed in your inbox: https://www.michaeljamanis.com/

Arnold Steinhardt Bio
Arnold Steinhardt is world renowned, as the first violinist of the Guarneri Quartet for 45 years, and author of two books: Indivisible by Four and Violin Dreams. He's been on the faculty of the Curtiss Institute of Music, the Colburn School, and also, where I studied with him, at Rutgers University and the University of Maryland.

#violinteacher #violinists #musicuntuxed #musicteachers #violintechnique #chambermusic