Getting to Know the Brand-New Chatham Band & Director, Adam Lee
Did you know Chatham is launching our very own band this fall? Students are invited to audition and help shape what’s slated to be a fun, enriching, and impactful experience for those who are musically inclined and interested. Curious about where to start? So were we—that’s why we caught up with Band Director, Adam Lee to gather the answers to some possible FAQs about this exciting all-new program.
Adam Lee
First things first—meet Band Director, Adam Lee.
Before signing on to direct the newly founded Chatham band, Adam Lee accomplished a lot both as a musician and a musical educator. He spent four years in Los Angeles as a musical educator at a private high school where he started a jazz ensemble. Prior to that, Lee spent time teaching at a high school in New York, earning his Masters of Music Education at NYU, and living in Beijing, China, where he created a professional big band. Most recently, Lee was teaching lessons at the Afro-American Music Institute and he is currently completing his PhD in Jazz Studies at the University of Pittsburgh.
So, how exactly did the Chatham Band come to fruition?
The Chatham Band came out of a collaboration between President David Finegold and Dr. James T. Johnson, CEO of the Afro-American Music Institute. Lee, who was teaching at the Institute, says he happened to be “in the right place at the right time,” to take the lead on how this collaboration could best be manifested. Through talks with President Finegold and Chatham Vice President of Admissions, Amy Becher, a band program became formalized and Lee was appointed to lead it.
And what’s it going to look like?
Well, that’s really up to the students who are interested. According to Lee, “Our plan is to find out from the student body what they want to do and then do that. We’re hoping to have a flagship jazz ensemble which will hopefully draw people to the program and help grow it. I've been working with administration to put together a student survey to see what kind of ensembles the student body is interested in, We’ll direct our attention there once we get that data in. The big thing for students to know at this point is that if they want something, they need to tell us that they want it, show up for it, and we'll make it happen.”
“If I write a recommendation letter for a student, I want to be able to not just say that this person can move their fingers well and play notes but also that they have organizational skills. They can direct groups of their peers; they can come up with plans; they can coordinate and manage events. All of these skills can be developed through music.”
What if I don’t want to be a music major but still want to join the band?
You’re more than welcome to! The band is being designed with all majors in mind and anyone is welcome to audition.
What if I play an instrument that doesn’t fit neatly into a jazz ensemble?
Lee is totally cool with that: “If someone comes in and says, I really want to be in jazz, but I'm an oboe player, we'll find a way to make it work,” he says.
And will I get academic credit?
Absolutely. Per Lee: “Students participating in ensembles will be getting academic credit. There will be an expectation and they'll be making a commitment. You are a part of the ensemble and there is accountability on both sides—from us to provide a meaningful, educational experience and from the students to be making that commitment to their peers and to the university.”
“I am a strong believer that the worst reason to do anything is that it is the way it has always been done. if people want to push boundaries and and try new things, I am definitely open to and encouraging of that.”
So if I join, what can I expect?
Why not get in on the ground floor of something with a lot of potential and opportunity? Lee put it this way, “[You’ll have] the opportunity to play high-level music, which is rewarding for everyone who participates and gets to listen. [You’ll be able] to put performances on for Chatham and the Pittsburgh community. If things go really well, we can talk about doing national and international performances. If people are willing to put in the work and develop the skills, we can raise a program that Chatham and Pittsburgh can be proud of.”
I’m ready to learn more. How can I get involved?
First things first, attend this introductory band Zoom info session on Friday, July 22 at 12:00 pm with Adam Lee, where you can get to know him and learn more about what to expect. And if you have any questions or ideas, email Adam Lee directly at a.lee.2@chatham.edu.