WHAT GOES AROUND………

When Vince Wedge was an aspiring young trombone player attending Coronado High School, he knew he wanted to audition for the Young Sounds of Arizona big band program, sponsored by Local 586 and led by their highly esteemed Music Director, Barry Black. Though formed only a few years before, the Young Sounds were already an impressive group and many members went on to become highly respected pros, most of whom are still performing today. Vince knew he wanted to be part of the energy, passion and dedication to excellence personified in Young Sounds of Arizona musicians.

Vince got his wish. He did indeed win an audition for a trombone chair and joined the program in 1975, playing hor the bans his junior and senior years in high school. His experience with the young musicians and the program's mentorship through education and performance not only transformed him into a better solo and ensemble player. It also turned him on to the challenge and potentiality of music education as a love and calling in life. These experiences eventually led Vince's steps right back to where it all began: Young Sounds of Arizona.

Vince Wedge is that rarest of music educators who can start the school year with musical neophytes as his band and end the school year with a top high school ensemble, those same kids forming a tight, cohesive and hard-swinging band. Year after year, his bands are known for leading the pack and finishing at the top of their category in band competitions. Thus was born the story of the kid who would eventually lead the bands that changed his life.

Following a 1985 Music Education degree at Northern Arizona University (he's currently working on a Master's degree), Vince's path took him to teaching positions in New Mexico, Arkansas, Kingman, Moon Valley, Mesa Community College and, since 2001, Director of Bands at Red Mountain High School. He has served as an adjudicator, published articles on teaching jazz improvisations and solo and festival coordinator in Arizona and Alaska and, as VP of Arizona's association of jazz band directors was responsible for all aspects of the Arizona All-State Program as well as planning and hosting two jazz festivals.

Asked what his game plan is for this year, Vince said, "The bands are gonna burn! This will be a well-rounded jazz experience for them and we are going to put an emphasis on bringing in great clinicians to work with the kids. We also want to tie the Young Sounds brand tightly to Professional Musicians of Arizona and the AFM, bringing them to the forefront, for all in the Valley to see, a real educational force in the community."

Local 586 could not be more pleased to have Vince with us as the leader of the Young Sounds musical program. His past history and his current approach to this new gig is right on the money. A great teacher, serious young players and the support of Pro Musicians of Arizona: a winning combination.

It IS all coming around!