HFL168 Harry Miedema
from studioHFL Hosted by Larry Powell
Harry Miedema — From The O’Jays to Building UIndy’s Jazz Program StudioHFL host Larry Powell interviews saxophonist Harry Miedema about his life and career. Harry discusses retiring from the University of Indianapolis about seven years ago, continuing to play weekly with his Florida-based Blue Heron Sextet (about 90 charts written), and missing teaching. He recounts joining UIndy as an adjunct in 1985 while touring, later directing the jazz ensemble after Jim Edison, and building concerts and a jazz series with help from Jamey Aebersold, including notable guest artists and Edison’s donated chart library. Harry describes 23 years touring with The O’Jays (1976–1998), his West Point band service, lessons with Joe Allard and David Baker, work hiring brass players, sharing a stage with Louis Armstrong in 1971, and recent projects including a clarinet analysis book and transcriptions. 00:00 Interviews Return 00:39 Sponsors Thanks 01:37 Interview Begins 02:12 Obituary Mixup 03:25 Blue Heron Sextet 04:43 Teaching After Retirement 05:19 Building UIndy Jazz 09:03 Concert Series Highlights 10:57 Life With The O'Jays 12:43 UIndy Recruiting Reality 14:34 Teaching Philosophy 15:03 Mentors Joe Allard 17:56 David Baker Influence 18:59 Indy Roots Larry Hall 21:13 Making It Happen 22:10 Learning on the Hustle 23:41 West Point Band Life 24:44 Mentors and Clarinet 25:34 Jamey Aebersold Connection 28:00 O'Jays Brass Hiring Stories 32:43 Louis Armstrong Encounter 34:29 Jazz Game Changers 36:35 Retirement Projects in Florida 38:51 Recordings and Radio Wrap-Up
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