Jazz musician works hard to excel despite challenges

By Nicole Arias
Staff Writer

Rebecca Hodson was in high school when she wanted to quit being a musician, but now, she is one of four freshmen in the Purdue Jazz Band, playing both the clarinet and the saxophone.

Hodson, a freshman in the School of Liberal Arts, was a sophomore at the Indiana School for the Blind and a member of the school's jazz combo when she almost quit because of the combo's director, Greg Erbeck.

Hodson said he was always pushing and telling her to improve; one day she asked him why.

"At first, people are astonished by your natural talent," Erbeck said. "But after they get to know you, people soon realize that you have talents you haven't even tapped into yet. If you worked a lot harder, think of how good you could be."

Those words are still a source of inspiration.

Hodson was in the 8th grade when she joined the jazz combo. When the group's saxophone player couldn't perform, Erbeck gave Hodson, a clarinet player, a saxophone and told her to learn it.

For two years, Hodson had played the clarinet; now, she had barely two months to learn the saxophone. She did and still does.

In high school, Hodson was selected for all-state jazz and concert bands and was frequently recognized as an outstanding soloist in the competitions performed with the combo, which performed about 30 times a year.

Although Hodson has had musical success, it has not come easily.

"A lot of times, people are unsure of her abilities," Hodson's mother, Denise, said.

For instance, one of the criteria to be selected for the all-state jazz band is to sight-read the sheet music. Unable to see since birth, Hodson had to perform an unfamiliar piece after hearing it only once, Denise said.

"It's frustrating sometimes, but I try not to dwell on it," Hodson said. "It's better than blaming others for not getting where you want to go."

Hodson learns music by listening to it. She can do this because she has perfect pitch, meaning that she can recognize any note after hearing it.

Hodson said her best experience performing was when she played with the jazz combo last year at the Purdue Jazz Festival, in which about 100 high schools compete each year.

Hodson's group won.

After the festival, Erbeck left his position as the director of the jazz combo and the school wanted to drop the combo rather than replace Erbeck.

Hodson fought the administration and the combo was allowed to continue, but she was left with the responsibilities of a director throughout the remaining months of her senior year.

"We were at the peak of the mountain and then we fell off," Hodson said. "Now, it's special because he (Erbeck) watched me lead the group. Two weeks later, there was no alternative and no Mr. Erbeck to ask for help from."

The experience Hodson gained during high school prepared her for a future in music, starting with being a member of the Purdue Jazz Band, in which she has performed about eight solos this semester.

Hodson said that although music may not always be the center of her life, it will always be a part of it.

"Music is my area of strength, a way to relieve stress and meet and interact with people," she said.

FEATURES DESK PHONE:
(765) 743-1111 ext. 256

Features editor:
Megan Finnerty

To send a letter to the editor, please email opinions@purdueexponent.org