Page A8
May 13, 2015
Jazz Students
and Mentor
Impress
C ontinued from P age A1
rector, who has been involved in the Port-
land’s jazz scene for 40 years.
Memory, who founded the American
Music Program in 2005 as a regional jazz
youth orchestra, has been in poor health in
recent years due to complications from di-
abetes.
“There’s an emotional commitment to
playing ‘Tattooed Bride’ from memory.
No professional group does that,” Marsalis
said backstage. “American Music Program
wanted to play that for their band director,
Thara Memory. They love him. They want-
ed him to feel it. ... For this band to play at
that level, it was a great achievement.”
Memory won a Grammy with his for-
mer student Esperanza Spalding in 2013
for Best Instrumental Arrangement Ac-
companying Vocalists for the song “City
of Roses” from her album “Radio Music
Society.” The track also features students
from the American Music Program.
The three-day Essentially Ellington
competition featured 15 finalist bands —
chosen from among 88 entries — perform-
ing Ellington compositions.
--Associated Press
Advertise
with diversity in
Portland
Observer
The
Call 503-288-0033
or email
ads@portlandobserver.com