Working for one of my heroes

In April, 2015, I was hired by one of my favorite composers, John Clayton, to help him write arrangements for "It Don't Mean a Thing... A Celebration of Swing." The show was an all-star gala at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. While the experience was a bit of a whirlwind, I ended up co-arranging 4 charts for the show.  Highlights include an adaptation of a live Ellington version of Take the A-Train to feature Terance Blanchard, and a medley of Andrews Sisters songs performed by The Puppini Sisters.

The true highlight of the whole experience was experiencing Mr. Clayton's writing process first hand.  I learned how he sketches his scores on 3 grand staffs, and I got to ask him why and how he writes for five trumpets.

I heard that the show was an overwhelming success.