Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Spotlight on Tyler Hanks

When drummer Tyler Hanks signed up for a jazz class last year at the Patel Conservatory, he didn’t know a lot about jazz.

Tyler Hanks
He played a bit with his school jazz band, and had taken some drum lessons on and off, but “Patel is where I really got into jazz,” said Tyler, a junior at Steinbrenner High School.

Tyler came to the Conservatory because his sister Arden was taking dance classes. His parents wanted him to keep up his music skills and encouraged him to try the jazz class. He ended up enjoying the class a lot more than he expected.

“I just enjoy that it’s a small and intimate atmosphere,” he said.

Led by instructor Matt Weihmuller, the Patel Conservatory’s jazz ensembles will perform in the upcoming Jazz Jam concert on Dec. 5.

“Matt is a great teacher,” said Tyler, “I’ve learned a lot of different jazz tunes, and learned more about the history and different styles of jazz.”

In the class, Tyler connected with fellow musicians Parker Wilkson and Davin Norman, and joined their band, Infinite Eights. The alternative rock group plays local venues including at the Market on 7th and, most recently, opening for Aaron Carter at the Crowbar in Ybor City.

“We’re all really good friends. I love being able to go places and play...it’s fun being able to express yourself,” he said.

Tyler also takes drum lessons with instructor Dave Rudolph at the Conservatory.

“I’ll learn something with Dave in the lesson and then be able to apply it in the class. It lets me practice and get better at things and cement stuff in my mind,” he said.

“Overall, it’s just a really good experience.”

Come enjoy an intimate evening with our talented jazz students, performing classics like Four by Miles Davis, at the Jazz Jam concert, Fri., Dec. 5, 2014 at 6:30 p.m.


For upcoming auditions for the Patel Conservatory's spring music ensembles, including jazz, chamber and Rock School, click here.

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