Branford Marsalis, the renowned jazz saxophonist and composer, has taken on a new role as the artistic director for the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music in his hometown of New Orleans. The center, named after Branford's late father, serves as a hub for music education and community engagement. It is part of the Musicians' Village, a Habitat for Humanity housing development that was established to support musicians who were displaced after Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc in 2005.
Marsalis, who had been living in Durham, North Carolina, for years, decided to return to New Orleans not specifically to take on this role, but rather to reconnect with his roots. Becoming the artistic director of the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music is simply the 'icing on the cake' for him, as he put it in an interview with The Associated Press.
Following in the footsteps of his father, Marsalis will continue the center's legacy of music education. During the formal announcement, he performed 'Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans' and then handed the stage over to a group of students. Marsalis believes that music education can imbue young people with discipline, a philosophy of hearing, and valuable skills that can help them succeed in any future endeavors, even if they don't pursue music professionally. He draws inspiration from both his parents, who instilled these values in him.
The Ellis Marsalis Center for Music doesn't only offer programs for young aspiring musicians. It has also become a hub for adult musicians in the community. Marsalis shared an anecdote about how parents of the center's students started approaching them, expressing their desire to take music lessons as well. This led to the establishment of a recording studio where musicians from the Musicians' Village can record for a small fee. Numerous artists utilize this resource, and the center also hosts concerts and events.
The Musicians' Village, initiated by Marsalis and fellow musician Harry Connick Jr., aimed to provide housing for New Orleans musicians who lost their homes due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. However, Connick wanted to go beyond just providing housing and had a vision of starting a school. Marsalis, initially skeptical about the practicality of a school, was won over by the idea of a community center that used music as a driving force. They wanted to replicate the way community centers use sports as a unifying force. As the project progressed, the decision to name the center after Ellis Marsalis arose. He had shown great interest in the center and had shared his ideas with the project's manager for hours.
Marsalis is honored to continue his father's work at the center. He views it as an integral part of the tradition of New Orleans musicians carrying forward the city's rich musical legacy. For him, this legacy was never at risk of ending, even in the wake of the immense challenges presented by Hurricane Katrina. He firmly believes that New Orleans musicians have a bond that transcends any obstacle. The city's resilience and the unwavering dedication of its musicians are what ensured its revival. The center now stands as a testament to the city's indomitable spirit and the vital role music plays in the community.
Branford Marsalis's appointment as the artistic director of the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music marks a new chapter in his career. As he immerses himself in his role, he continues to honor his family's legacy and contribute to the cultural fabric of his beloved hometown.
