LEADERSHIP
Teaching
Bass:
All throughout high school, Solomon has been mentoring younger peers at the Middle School and around town. Since Solomon was in Grade 9, he has been going over to the Middle School to teach young Bassists how to understand the Bass with more clarity. Most times, these Bassists had never touched a Bass before, so Solomon could help them start with proper technique and a fueled passion for the Bass. This has been a wonderful experience for Solomon. As well, Solomon has done this with some ofhis peers at High School, either initially learning how to play or desiring some tips and tricks to expand their knowledge of the Bass. Some of Solomon's friends at church have come over for private sessions to learn from Solomon how to play the Bass as he does.
In Semester Two of Grade 12, Solomon was given the opportunity to be a Substitute Band Teacher to conduct, lead, and teach a Grade 9 Band Class when his Band Teachers were away. At this time, he was allowed to be a mentor to his younger peers. He gave his insight on what they could work on in their music, but his main goal was to help them see how Band, and specifically Jazz Band, is important, and that their passion for it should continue.
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Solomon giving a private lesson to a young bassist at Senator Riley when he was in Grade 10
Solomon jaming with two Grade 7 boys at Senator Riley
Tuba:
In Grade 9, Solomon was given the opportunity to be a clinician for Tuba at Band Camp. The Senator Riley Band sends their Grade 8 and 7 students to SABC for three days to help them grow at a very fast rate. One of the ways they expand their musical ability is that clinicians come from Highwood to teach them in depth about their instrument. During this time, the Highwood clinician has the opportunity to promote the student's passion for music, correct bad techniques, give them praise where praise is due, and give them a reason to continue in the Band. This position as a mentor is very important in the Culture of Band. One of the essential characteristics of the Culture of Band is passing on what you have learned to younger generations. To teach a peer at Band Camp and then see them play with them a year or two later is priceless. Solomon has been allowed to do this four times through High School.
Solomon teaching two young Tuba players at the Grade 7 band camp when he was in Grade 10
Leadership Through The Years
Grade 9
From an early age, when Solomon was passionate about something, he gave it his all. On top of this, when Solomon saw that something was wrong, he let his voice be heard and helped to find a solution. This is the case for music, probably more than anything else. In Grade 9, when Solomon joined the Highwood Senior Symphonic Band, he was quickly recognized as a passionate musician. As the year progressed, he was no longer just a follower but on the road to becoming a leader. The first section that he was ever a part of in Grade 9, he helped to lead, as he could see where parts were wrong, and he could understand how to fix them. During this time, Solomon's passion for the Tuba was not all that was noticed, but also his passion for the Bass. His brother asked him to play in a Jazz Combo that was trying to play pro-level charts, called The No Name Fusion Ensemble. He rose to the challenge and began to transcribe and arrange music for the Combo by artists such as James Brown and Jacob Collier. Solomon always gave his two cents on whatever was going on, helping to lead the Combo where he could, with his brother as the main leader.
Grade 10
In Grade 10, Solomon got a secured position in the Highwood Jazz Orchestra (HJO) as their second Bassist. Solomon would help lead rhythm section sectionals and give his peers help on their parts when they asked. At a similar time, he auditioned and received the position as bassist in the Lab Band. He was put in a Junior Combo with other younger members of the Lab Band, and during their practices, he would lead the combo through finding pieces to play, deciding who would solo, and how they could arrange it for the group specifically. Solomon also transcribed and arranged music for this combo, namely "Tune 88," by Jeff Lorber. Regarding his Tuba playing, Solomon continued to lead the Tuba section and Low Brass during practices and sectionals with his peer, Owen Farr-Jones. Solomon was asked to play Tuba in the Grade 9 Concert band to support them in concerts and festivals, which was a great time to be a leader for them.
Solomon playing Electric Bass with the Jazz YCC Lab Band in Grade 11
Solomon playing Tuba with the Grade 9 Concert Band when he was in Grade 12
Grade 11
In Grade 11, Solomon became the only bassist in the HJO and leader of the Rhythm Section, as well as the Senior Bassist of the Lab Band. Solomon was given the position of Bassist for the Senior Lab Band Combo, which was later named the Kasci Combo, and he gladly took it. During rehearsals and concerts, Solomon helped to co-lead the combo with leader and drummer Izy Montanez. Solomon's leadership in the Highwood Senior Symphonic Band continued and strengthened, as well he was also asked to play with the Grade 9 Concert band again in concerts.
Grade 12
During Solomon's grade 12 year, Solomon finally became a senior in the Band program. As well, Solomon joined a new class at the school called "Leadership In The Arts", which gave him more purpose and direction in his leadership. Solomon continued to lead the Tuba section and the Low Brass, and as you can see in the picture above, he was again supporting and playing with the Grade 9 Concert Band. On top of that, Solomon continued to lead the Rhythm Section in the HJO. Solomon began a small combo called the Cute Combo of eager musicians with similar passion and skill. With Solomon's knowledge from his extracurriculars in Jazz, he would lead practice every Wednesday, when they were all available. Solomon took the position as co-leader of the Kasci combo with leader and Guitarist Keegan Henry. As well, Solomon continued to lead the Rhythm Section in the Lab Band through weekly practices, sectionals, and concerts.
Looking Forward
Solomon is hoping to go to a University for a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Education with the hopes of becoming a Band Teacher. From all of the teaching experience that Solomon has been given, he hopes to put it to good use as a teacher for the betterment of future generations. Solomon hopes to help students understand the importance of music and promote their passion for it. Without the educators in Solomon's life, he would not be where he is today, so Solomon wants to help others see the importance of their passion for music as he has.