Duquesne University: Mary Pappert School of Music

[DuquesneSax85]

There are several factors in determining a college that suits your needs best. Saxophone players are always looking for the right teacher. Duquesne of course has James Houlik... enough said. The saxophone studio is amazing here. Aside from James Houlik, the school of music has Mike Tomaro who is the professor of Jazz... once again enough said! The school has tenor saxophonist Steven Pollick of The New Century Saxophone Quartet. The Mary Pappert School of Music is an excellent school to learn the art of playing the saxophone. If you have any questions concerning the school, e-mail me.

[Razzy]

What do you think about the location of the university and how it pertains to gigging opportunities for players while they are studying there? For example, I hope to attend the University of the Arts in Philadelphia because of its great location, and the contacts I have made there will provide many good gigging opportunities and already have in fact.

[DuquesneSax85]

Razzy:
Very good question! Pittsburgh has so many connections, especially in Jazz. Pittsburgh offers several wonderful jazz clubs and the chance to actually get in and play. The Pittsburgh Jazz society is a big part of music world in the city as well as The Guild, where concerts are held. Of course Pittsburgh has the PSO (Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra). Many of the teachers at Duquesne are principal players in the PSO. You will find a wide range of music opportunities here in Pittsburgh. Every single one of our saxophone teachers at Duquesne have a massive connection of hookups with several clubs and many big names in the music industry. Mike Tomaro is "the" jazz man in Pittsburgh... He plays with bands such as the Roger Humprys Big Band and several others. James Houlik of course can get any gig he wants... He is actually on sabatical right now... I think he's writing a book and doing other various things. Stephen Pollock, who is in charge of Duquesne's saxophone quartets is a memeber of the elite New Century Saxophone Quartet. The NCSQ has played for the President several times and other famous places. Heck, Mr. Pollock has Bradford Marsalis on speed dial! If you have any other questions fell free to write a post!

[Vortex]

Besides that, Duquesne is right in Oakland... great college city. Awesome location

[DD]

In Oakland , not - The old joke was DU was built on a bluff and operated on the same principle. I prefer to think of it as being in the "southern Hill District", but then I go back to the late sixties (grad school 69/71 and Quartet to 77.)

[OANegrin]

Duquesne is situated between the Hill District and downtown Pittsburgh. Just a short bus ride to Oakland and Squirrel Hill, with downtown's cultural attractions within walking distance. Truly a prime location.

Check out:

http://www.newcenturysax.com
http://www.jameshoulik.com

James Houlik is giving concerto and recital performances throughout the world while on sabbatical this semester. Included is a date at Carnegie Hall in which he will give the world premiere performance of a new tenor saxophone concerto by David Cutler. In addition to his concert engagements, he is teaching two saxophone workshops in the far east, re-recording the Russell Peck "Upward Stream", and releasing a full-length CD of transcribed art songs originally for voice/piano.

And this is not a recent development. In general, he has a career that most people only dream about.

OANegrin

[DuquesneSax85]

Being a student of James Houlik, we were privledged to hear Houlik perform Cutler's piece. It's was wonderful!!! Dr. Cutler is a musicianship professor at Duquesne... He's pure genious. I was luck enough to hear to first performance of the piece. While Houlik is on sabatical, I am taking lessons with Steven Pollick, another saxophone teacher at Duquesne. I hope you have a chance to hear some of the Duquesne ensembles, for they are fansastic!

[BlndGuy7]

Duquesne is definetly an outstanding school and Pittsburgh has a great scene.


Any of you Pittsburgh peeps hear of Seneca Valley High School?

[Vortex]

Duquesne is definetly an outstanding school and Pittsburgh has a great scene.


Any of you Pittsburgh peeps hear of Seneca Valley High School?

I've heard of it, but don't know exactly where it is.

[DD]

It's east of I-79 north near Zelienople exit.

[BlndGuy7]

If you wanna hear a great high school band, check out Seneca's new CD "No Shoes Required."

[Vortex]

If you wanna hear a great high school band, check out Seneca's new CD "No Shoes Required."

"Great high school band" sounds like somewhat of an oxymoron if you ask me (unless you're talking about CAPA maybe). Anyway, where's it being sold?