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Jazz Artist In Residence
"The school is going to be known for music again," says Joe Muscolino, newly appointed jazz Artist in Residence at Westminster College. A musician with three bands of his own, Joe graduated from the Westminster jazz program in 1975. He studied sax, clarinet, flute and music writing and arranging. "I learned what I needed to do, and I've been doing it ever since."
The Westminster jazz program was well known in the 70s. "It was great- imported in 1972 from the University of Utah. Manford Shaw brought the whole program over. I read about it in Downbeat Magazine articles, and I moved to Salt Lake City," says Joe.
He always loved music. "As a kid, I played in a mummers band with my father." Originally from New Jersey, Joe wanted to make a good living playing good music. And he's doing just that. "Some artists starve because they are self indulgent," he says. "You can't just do any weird thing you want. Somebody's wedding is not a jam session."
Joe's music covers a broad spectrum. He does what's appropriate for the occasions, but still tries to expose people to different styles of music."
"How would I define jazz? It's a huge body of music. There are so many types like any kind of art." My goal has always been to turn as many people on to jazz as possible, not to turn them off. I want the response to be Wow; I didn't know I liked jazz.
Joe is always looking for "talented young students who are interested in working hard." He sometimes allows private students to play with his bands. "Westminster bands are a combination of students and outside musicians. We have always drawn from and been supported by the community.
He is pleased with the music minor and the jazz program now established at Westminster. "With Chris Quinn's help, we've purchased equipment and instruments, and we're fast becoming a strong presence in the community. I consider it giving something back to the college for the education I received here."
K.C. Price Muscolino, Joe's wife, also has connections to Westminster. Although she was taking flute lessons at the same studio where Joe was teaching saxophone lessons--often in the cubicle next to hers, the two didn't meet until Joe ran into her mother, Raye, at the Salt Lake Country Club, where his band was playing. She told Joe: "You ought to meet my daughter-she's an artist and photographer,and she plays the flute."
Then K.C., working on a project, came to Joe's house to shoot photos of him. "When we discovered we were both left-handed Catholics, our fate was sealed," he laughs.
And there were other cosmic coincidences. "Fred Carleson was Raye's dad and K.C.'s grandpa; the very same Fred Carleson who built and renovated Carleson Hall- the dorm. Imagine. I move to Utah, live in Carleson Hall and end up married to the guy's granddaughter! Terrific."
He and K.C. work out of their home, where he teaches and she does graphic design. Her work is exhibited at the Finch Lane Gallery and the Kimball Art Center. She also does art for book and CD covers.
"K.C. likes to have a family dinner every night with our sons, Nick and Max," he says. The Dalmatian, Sasha, waits patiently for handouts. Then Joe usually leaves to spend the evening playing with one of his bands. Lately his sons have become more interested in music. Joe is pleased. "My son Max always says, 'When Dad dies, I want his band. 'Now, I say, 'Max, why wait?...
Someday we may be listening to the Max Muscolino band. But as Joe says, "The only way you can be good at something is to love it enough."
JOE MUSCOLINO
Graduated Cum Laude from Westminster College with BA in performance & composition, Class of '76. Studied arranging, composition, and Saxophone with Ladd McIntosh, clarinet with Martin Zwick, and flute with Jane Lyman.
Has performed with Bob Hope, Lou Rawls, Johnnie Mathis, Tom Jones, Rich Little, Engleburt Humperdink, The Osmonds, Maureen McGovern, Donna Summer, and many others.
Has done production work and performance on various commercial recording projects, most notable being the 1991 World Series promo, Queen Mary TV special, Dick Tracy stage show at Disney World, Channel 5 News Theme, and numerous LDS church spots.
Since 1979 has led one of the most sought after variety bands along the Wasatch Front, and has performed extensively throughout Utah, Nevada, Wyoming, Idaho, and Colorado.