By ALESHA CAPONE
AN ARIA-award winning musician became a jazz fan while he was a student at Williamstown High School.
Saxophonist Ian Whitehurst – who still lives in Williamstown – joined the school’s jazz band as a drummer while he was a pupil.
The father-of-two is a professional musician, arranger and educator.
As a member of the Andrea Keller Quartet he played on the record which received the 2002 ARIA Award for Best Jazz Album.
The ensemble also received the Bell Award for Best Australian Contemporary Jazz Album during 2008.
“Jazz is based on improvisation and I enjoy the freedom of being able to play in the moment and the freedom to make it up as you go along,” Mr Whitehurst said.
Mr Whitehurst said he also enjoyed travelling overseas and to music festivals.
“Over time, I’ve basically started teaching full-time as well as performing and I really love it,” he said.
Mr Whitehurst teaches at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, Penleigh and Essendon Grammar and Monash University and the Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE.
He also travels to schools and teaches students to play as a jazz group.
“When pupils are in an ensemble and play jazz, I’m excited to hear the finished product,” he said.
“I really enjoy the moment the light goes on in their eyes and they achieve something they’ve been working towards or struggling with. It’s a great moment.”
Although he is a professional musician Mr Whitehurst said he was constantly rehearsing and gaining inspiration from other instrumentalists.
“It’s not a chore at all, it’s all part of playing,” he said.
“You never finish learning. There is always something new to learn.”
