Editor’s Note 10/20/23 at 5:13 p.m.: This article has been edited to correct a misconstruction of a quote. An earlier version incorrectly paraphrased that Professor McMullen believed jazz in Oakland to be more ‘authentic.’ The article now reflects an accurate characterization of McMullen’s experience with jazz in Oakland jam sessions.
Professor of Music Tracy McMullen’s journey into jazz was neither direct nor without resistance. Raised in Fairbanks, Alaska, McMullen’s introduction to jazz came from a high school stage band visiting her elementary school.
“For me, it’s definitely mysterious how I had this love of jazz,” McMullen said.
If you were to poll members of Bowdoin’s music community on who among their peers they want to play with most, one name would appear with greater frequency than the rest: Danny Little ’22. The second-semester senior started his musical career young, playing classical piano.