Ted Hogarth
AVAILABLE MERCHANDISE:
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY:
In 1985 I began studying at Interlochen Center for the Arts, in Northern Michigan. Here I found people my age who were just as enthusiastic and driven to learn and perform. I had no formal music training before Interlochen. I studied with Dr. Frederick Hemke, professor of saxophone at Northwestern University, and his teaching assistant Ron Blake. My introduction to jazz harmony and theory came from Tom Knific and Pete Brockman. I continued my studies at Arizona State University playing tenor in combos and on gigs until I decided that my musical future was in Chicago.
Here I entered a world where players get together to play and express themselves through their music. It is a community that I'm proud to be a part of. I played baritone in big bands for most of my high school and college career though I did not own one. After a year of playing tenor exclusively I began to miss playing baritone. I knew I needed to have my own horn. After acquiring a new baritone, I began working more than ever. I was fortunate to start working in radio and television commercials, as well as doing some independent film soundtracks.
One afternoon I got a call to sub in a rehearsal with the Chicago Jazz Ensemble directed by Bill Russo. Russo was chief composer and arranger for the Stan Kenton Orchestra in the 1950s. I didn't know this or anything about Bill but I quickly learned. The Chicago Jazz Ensemble is a repertory orchestra that focuses on the music of Bill Russo, Kenton, Lunceford and Ellington & Strayhorn. Once I had performed with the CJE a few times, and after studying this great music in depth, I was hooked. I have been with the CJE for five years and the education I've received as a member of the ensemble has broadened my perspective in areas such as composition, improvisation, spirituality and humanity. There is no greater feeling for me than when I am playing music of great composers with musicians who are focused and that channel their talents, and spirit to bring life to the compositions. And meaning to their lives.
| 
