Ron Carter, world-renowned jazz bassist


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Posted by js on May 20, 2002 at 00:26:08:

was the commencement speaker at the Eastman School of Music Sunday. (I had no idea that he was an Eastman alumnus - '59.) He made probably seven or so poignant contrasts between being recognized for his outstanding musical achievements (2 Grammy's, possibly the most-recorded musician of all time, member of best-ever jazz combo w/Miles Davis, etc., etc.) and contrasted those career achievements with achievements that he would like to be known for (teaching and helping others, encouraging others, raising his children to be good members of the community, honoring his devoted parents, etc.) One point that he made was simply wishing to be known as an American-whatever rather than an African- American whatever. As his final point, he had his two sons come up to the edge of the stage to receive the medal that had just been awarded him by the School - the highest award offered to alumni - and he stated that at least to this audience, he would be known as one who bestows such medals on his mother (at which point his sons carried the medal over to their grandmother) and only keeps for himself the box in which it was presented. It was a touching moment.

Also, kudos to the tuba performance major (someone supply a NAME, please) who was awarded Eastman's Performer Certificate , which is only awarded to a small percentage of graduates.


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