David DeJesus, saxophone M.M., Manhattan School of Music B.M., Purchase College Conservatory of Music, SUNY Purchase "I spend a lot of time helping students gain a great tone on their instrument since we all want to play and practice more when we have a good sound." David DeJesus was born in Brooklyn, NY but began playing saxophone in sixth grade as a middle school student in Norwalk, Connecticut. “When it came time to pick an instrument I picked clarinet as my primary and saxophone as my secondary. The clarinet spots quickly filled up, however, so I was placed on saxophone. I was first disappointed at being assigned to saxophone, but quickly fell in love with its powerful tone and the roles it plays in various ensembles.” Creating a learning atmosphere that is both fun and challenging, Dave “spends a lot of time helping students gain a great tone on their instrument since we all want to play and practice more when we have a good sound.” He strongly encourages input from his students in shaping the course of their lessons, particularly when picking pieces to work on, and is able to teach classical, jazz, rock, or funk saxophone technique. "The saxophone is a very versatile instrument and I am glad to teach any genre a student may be interested in." While he is open to teaching younger students, most children are not ready to hold the saxophone physically until age 9 at the earliest with age 11 being an ideal time to begin. When working with adult students, Dave emphasizes a plan that "complements adults busy lives rather than complicates them.” As a performer, Dave plays with big band ensembles and smaller Jazz and Latin music groups and can often be heard in jazz clubs around New York City including the Village Vanguard and Birdland Jazz Club. “I really enjoy playing in large ensembles. I love being in the center of all of that sound and hearing all of the voices move in different directions, coming together at key moments.” His favorite composers include Wayne Shorter, Tadd Dameron, and Billy Strayhorn. “I love all great music from classical to hip-hop, but my favorite styles would have to be jazz and Afro-Cuban music.” Dave cites Charlie Parker as his greatest influence as a saxophonist. “He was the one whose music made me aware of the beauty of the saxophone. We also have the same birthday and are both only children!” When he’s not performing, teaching, or practicing, Dave also enjoys cycling and riding his Vespa Scooter around town.