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Since 2005, KNKX's School of Jazz has provided mentorship, learning and performance opportunities to Western Washington middle school, high school and college jazz students. A cornerstone of the station's signature community outreach program, it has directly impacted thousands of jazz students, band directors and professional musicians. School of Jazz is sponsored by BECU.

School of Jazz: Student musicians Noah Barr, Rafael de Ocampo guest DJ for KNKX

Abe Beeson
/
KNKX

Saxophone player Noah Barr and trumpet player Rafael de Ocampo — juniors from Redmond High School — graced the KNKX studios Dec. 6 as guest DJs for the evening. Listen to the show and read a Q&A with Barr. 

Why do you play saxophone?

Barr: My brother and sister had played it and before me, and after starting on clarinet my middle school band director gave me the opportunity to switch to sax, an offer which I quickly took. I still play because of its versatility.

What’s your all-time favorite jazz piece?

It’s hard to choose a favorite, but anything off of “Central Park North” by the Thad
Jones/Mel Lewis orchestra is great, specifically "Big Dipper." The way the saxophones work
together, the tightness of the overall band, and the energy they bring to the songs is
just amazing to listen to. I also listen to some smaller combo music by artists such as
Dexter Gordon and Kenny Garrett.

 
Who is your jazz hero?

I feel like most saxophone players look up to the old greats like Bird, Coltrane,
Lester Young, etc., but in terms of modern players Eric Marienthal’s technical facility
on the instrument is something I aspire to, as well as the tone and clear sound of Art
Pepper.

Why jazz?

I’ve always had a strong emotional connection with music, but jazz just makes me
feel a different way that can’t be described. It’s just more energetic and feels freer
than any other genre. Playing jazz is unlike playing any other type of music because
you can express anything through your playing and it can’t be wrong.

NOAH AND RAFAEL's PLAYLIST

"The Chicken," Jaco Pastorius (The Birthday Concert)

"Compared to You," Maynard Ferguson (Big Bop Nouveau)

"Impressions (Take 3)," John Coltrane (Both Directions at Once)

"Strasbourg/St. Denis," Roy Hargrove (Earfood)

"There's the Rub," Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band (Swingin' for the Fences)

"Sandu," Clifford Brown/Max Roach (More Study in Brown)

"Perhaps," Charlie Parker (Complete Savoy & Dial Master Takes)

"Spain," Chick Corea Return to Forever (Light As a Feather)

"In a Mellow Tone," Count Basie (On the Road)

"I Can't Get Started," Maynard Ferguson (The Essence of Maynard Ferguson)

Follow Noah Barr on Instagram: @barrochocolate