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Mikayla Gilbreath

Mikayla Gilbreath (17) began playing saxophone in September, 2005, and therefore still considers herself to be a novice. But her progress as a jazz musician has been nothing less than remarkable. Despite her young age and scant experience, she is currently Lead Alto Saxophonist for the nationally recognized "DVHS Performance Jazz Ensemble." The band is widely considered to be one of the best high school jazz bands in America.

In August 2008, Mikayla was admitted to Glendale College where she presently studies Saxophone and Jazz Improvisation.

Gilbreath's passion for jazz grew from her exposure to the music of Sonny Rollins. On November 19, 2006, with just 14 months experience playing her instrument, Gilbreath had the great honor of meeting Mr. Rollins and playing her music for him. Gilbreath admits that having Rollins listen to her play was one of the most terrifying moments of her life! But by merely showing interest in Mikayla and her music, the legendary Sonny Rollins has created many opportunities for Gilbreath, and has instilled in her a genuine desire for personal achievement.

Since March 2007, Gilbreath has been featured on SonnyRollins.com as part of "Meeting Sonny - The Sonny Rollins Podcast - Episode 3." In April 2007, Gilbreath appeared on National Public Radio where she participated in Jazz Journalists Assn President Howard Mandel's interview with Sonny Rollins entitled "Saxophonist Sonny Rollins Still Swinging Strong." Gilbreath proudly notes that Mr. Rollins is referred to as her "mentor" in that piece. And in the September 2007 issue of JazzTimes Magazine, Gilbreath was featured in Nat Hentoff's article entitled "Bridging Generations."

Saxophonist Candy Dulfer has also played a crucial role in introducing Gilbreath to jazz. Early on, Candy Dulfer's music caught Gilbreath's attention and now Dulfer's influence is reflected in Gilbreath's own playing style. But it was Dulfer's demonstrated success in a field dominated primarily by male performers that inspired Gilbreath most, and continues to motivate her as she strives to reach her own goals. Candy Dulfer's friendship and encouragement continue to provide Gilbreath with the confidence to reach higher.

Gilbreath has managed to connect with a surprising number of well-known musicians. In September, 2007, she hosted a pre-concert reception at Sonny Rollins' 50th Anniversary Carnegie Hall Concert that was attended by jazz artists Jimmy Heath, Lou Donaldson, Paquito D' Rivera, Joe Lovano, David Liebman, Dr. Lonnie Smith and Marion Meadows. She has also had the honor of meeting both Joey and Papa John DeFrancesco, George Benson, David Sanborn, and many other renowned artists, which has further served to increase Gilbreath's commitment to a life centered around jazz.

Gear

1962 Selmer-Paris Mark VI alto saxophone, Yamaha YTS-875 EXS Custom tenor saxophone, Cannonball SC5-HS curved soprano saxophone, Yamaha YCL-650 clarinet and Yamaha YFL-574 flute.


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"'On sonnyrollins.com,' [Jazz Journalists Association President, Howard] Mandel continues, 'You can see Mikayla Gilbreath, a 13-year-old saxophonist from Tempe, Arizona.' On one of the podcasts, Gilbreath, who first heard Sonny’s music in her grade school... is seen meeting Sonny backstage. ...And she tells how she became committed to the jazz life. ...'I heard Sonny Rollins, and I just loved it. I loved the way it sounded and I just -- I wanted to play jazz instead of just music.' ...Mandel asked her if there was anything odd about having been 'drawn to the music of someone whose background is so different from hers.' ...Wisely, the 13-year-old answered, 'You know, I really don’t think it matters. It’s the music that kind of brought us together. It wasn’t the fact that I was white and he was black, or that he was old and I was young. It was just--it was the music that we both loved.'" Nat Hentoff, JazzTimes Magazine, "Bridging Generations," September, 2007.

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