Photo is from my recent performance with the Galveston Symphony Orchestra on Ring Shout Concerto for Drum Set and Orchestra+Saxes! This occurred on October 13, 2025 at the Grand 1894 Opera House in Galveston, TX.
Saxophones from Left to Right are:
Andre Harness (soprano), Jaymee Lamprecht (alto), Nick Madden (tenor), Dakota Crespo (bari)

Finding Balance

Posted by Andre Harness

11/13/2025

It’s been a busy month, which is funny to say since the Golden Triangle Big Band took a hiatus for October. But even with the band on break, there’s been plenty to do behind the scenes. I’ve been lining up performances for the rest of this year and for 2026, and I’m especially excited that we’ll be part of the City of Beaumont’s Christmas Tree Lighting this year!

On the home front, I recently wrapped up a big backyard revamp and expansion project. It’s been expensive, exhausting, and completely worth it. I’ve already spent a few evenings out there in the cool weather, wrapped in a blanket with hot cocoa in hand, watching TV under the stars. Lately I’ve been following Critical Role, my favorite Dungeons & Dragons show—it’s something Taryn and I both enjoy, and it’s been great to dive into a world and fandom that feels creative and inspiring. If I had more time, I’d love to be a game master for my own campaign one day.

Musically, I’ve stayed active but admittedly slowed down a bit these past few weeks. Part of that came after a recent lesson with a well-known New York saxophonist (who shall remain unnamed). It was a strange mix of encouraging and discouraging. But after sitting with it for a while, I’ve pulled out the lessons that really resonated and left the rest behind. Here’s what stuck with me:

Jazz isn’t true improvisation. It’s a language. Communication in jazz isn’t just making random “animal sounds” at each other. It has structure and form. If jazz were pure improvisation, it would often sound incoherent. It’s patterns, ideas, and even mathematical.
When you find an idea you like, really learn it. Not just in one key or one position. Put it everywhere. Translate it into every corner of your playing until it naturally shows up on its own.
Truly know the changes. This sounds basic, but there’s a big difference between following chord symbols and owning a tune. You should be able to outline the harmony without the chart in front of you.
Anyone can be great. It just takes dedication and time.

Some of that may sound like common sense, but hearing it delivered with conviction by someone you respect hits differently. It was an intense lesson. But after talking with a few good friends, I was reminded that not every lesson has to be gold from start to finish. You take what works, drop what doesn’t, and keep moving. That’s part of the process and what you pay for!

And while I understand what my instructor meant about jazz being structured and systematic, I still believe in the power of true improvisation. There’s a sweet spot between the two ideas, discipline and freedom, study and intuition. Like Bird said, “First you learn the instrument, then you learn the music, then you forget all that s**t and just play.”

So I took a short break, caught my breath, and now I’m ready to dive back in.

Happy holidays, everyone.

Andre

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