Thomas Graham

Thomas Graham serves as the Director of Bands at Andrew Lewis Middle School in Salem, VA and also as the Assistant Director of Bands at Salem High School. He operates Band O'Clock, a blog that helps music educators build and manage a thriving jazz program at their school. Thomas has recently been published in the book Musicianship: Improvising in Band and Orchestra, available through GIA Publications. He maintains an active schedule as a clinician and adjudicator with concert, jazz, and marching ensembles. You can contact him at graham.bandoclock@gmail.com.

Contributions

How to listen to jazz: Intro to deep listening

In this season of school closures and social distancing, many educators have been tasked with converting their classrooms into an online format. Listening assignments are incredibly valuable and easy to implement in our new educational landscape.

How to listen to jazz: Listening webs

If someone wants to excel at any activity, it is necessary for them to observe the greatest practitioners of the craft. This is especially true of jazz. By immersing themselves in the language of the music, young players can greatly expand their vocabulary and understanding of the style.

Why starting improvisation in beginning band is a necessity

Improvisation is an essential skill in today’s musical landscape. Professional musicians of all kinds are often expected to improvise whether on a “classical”, “jazz”, or “commercial” gig.