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Joe Harris
Saxophonist - Teacher
About Me
Native of Wilmington, Delaware, I started playing the Clarinet when I was
in the 4th. grade and studied with violinist and teacher Estele Frankle.
I started playing the Alto Saxophone in the 7th grade at the request of
my classmate Ernie Watts, and began my jazz improvisation studies
with Boysie Lowery , noted jazz teacher of Clifford Brown , Len
Winchester, Ernie Watts, Rick Rossi, Al Cato, Gerald Chavis, to name a
few.
While attending Bayard Jr. High school, I began recording with Teddy
and The Continentals, The Teen Kings, Joey and The Challengers and
other local and Philadelphia based vocal and instrumental groups.
It was at this time that I found my passion - JAZZ
I attended the Wilmington High School and switched to the Tenor
Saxophone and studied Music Harmony and Theory with Harry
Andrews and attended summer sessions at the Berklee College of
Music.
I also studied and had the pleasure to play with Pianist Norris Austin and
Bassist Al Cato.
In the early 1970s , I joined the commercially successful band , Turning
Point.
Based out of New York, Turning Point toured the United States for 7
years and gave me most of my solo experience.
Returning to Wilmington, Delaware I began studying with guitarist Steve
Giordano and pianist Ron Thomas and played Atlantic City, Clubs and
Tri State Jazz Concerts. It was at this time that I found my other
Passion - TEACHING
