John Coltrane
Artist (s): Mr. Jeffrey Leech
Location in school: Music Room
Year completed: 2010
Rationale / Description:
The portrait of John Coltrane was created in response to the overwhelming support, encouragement and leadership of our Arts Department Head, Jeff Pighin. Through the challenges of our first school year, Mr. Pighin brought all arts areas at Maxwell together while advocating on their behalf and honoring their distinct nature as specific disciplines.
Mr. Pighin has long established himself as one of the most effective music educators in our Board. Throughout his career, his concert and jazz bands have been highly decorated, The Music Night events consistently showcase excellence in vocal and instrumental performance, he has organized international trips for all Arts students and continues to be an inspiration to his students everyday in the classroom.
Mr. Pighin's skill as a saxophone player and his love and knowledge of Jazz music seemed like a logical place to start when planning the work for his classroom. It was decided that a modern Master of Jazz would represent the progressive nature of the art form as well as the importance of tradition within its ranks. The image would be a reminder to his students of the importance of practice and dedication. An image that would embody the transcendent achieved through the mastery of skill. An artist at the height of his/her powers.
It was decided that John Coltrane would be our subject. An American Jazz saxophonist and composer, Coltrane helped pioneer the use of modes in jazz and was later at the forefront of free jazz. He organized at least fifty recordings sessions as a leader during his career, and appeared as a sideman on many other albums, notably with trumpeter Miles Davis and pianist Thelonious Monk.
Location in school: Music Room
Year completed: 2010
Rationale / Description:
The portrait of John Coltrane was created in response to the overwhelming support, encouragement and leadership of our Arts Department Head, Jeff Pighin. Through the challenges of our first school year, Mr. Pighin brought all arts areas at Maxwell together while advocating on their behalf and honoring their distinct nature as specific disciplines.
Mr. Pighin has long established himself as one of the most effective music educators in our Board. Throughout his career, his concert and jazz bands have been highly decorated, The Music Night events consistently showcase excellence in vocal and instrumental performance, he has organized international trips for all Arts students and continues to be an inspiration to his students everyday in the classroom.
Mr. Pighin's skill as a saxophone player and his love and knowledge of Jazz music seemed like a logical place to start when planning the work for his classroom. It was decided that a modern Master of Jazz would represent the progressive nature of the art form as well as the importance of tradition within its ranks. The image would be a reminder to his students of the importance of practice and dedication. An image that would embody the transcendent achieved through the mastery of skill. An artist at the height of his/her powers.
It was decided that John Coltrane would be our subject. An American Jazz saxophonist and composer, Coltrane helped pioneer the use of modes in jazz and was later at the forefront of free jazz. He organized at least fifty recordings sessions as a leader during his career, and appeared as a sideman on many other albums, notably with trumpeter Miles Davis and pianist Thelonious Monk.