End of 2019? That flew by! News, thoughts, and thinking ahead to 2020.

(Dec 2019)

Wow it’s December 29th and I’m completely in aww of how fast this year has gone by. I’m still catching up from the holiday season and have been fortunate enough to be resting and doing some self care. I’ve been wanting to jot down some thoughts about a couple of unflattering moments that sometimes get more attention than it should. Specifically putting the narrative before the music. While it’s important to have a story and even more important, to be consistent and truthful with your story, it’s not okay to put the story in front of your actual ability level. We spend lots of time building our fan base with stories and sometimes lose site that our story and our actual ability isn’t lining up. While I enjoy witnessing many people post their successes & news, I don’t exactly agree with posting videos of giving advice and putting snarky/ spiteful posts because you feel the need to insert your dominance within the music. The music you play and how you play it will always speak louder volumes than your speaking voice. I believe the saying “I learn more listening to “this person” play more than I do speaking to them” is a common expression because of this very notion of letting your music speak louder than words. I’m not saying to not speak up, but I am saying everyone needs a filter, especially when so many people see what others say on social media. Before posting, remember that your intention and what people see aren’t always the same. Ask yourself what do you want people to visit your page for; statements of definitive opinions, personal beliefs, or your music? Transparency through words is already hard enough in person, why make it harder with a definitive post in writing? Another thought that I’ve been marinating on; the necessity for having mentors post school. I really enjoy being held accountable by my peers but I also enjoy the occasional lesson where I “get roasted” by a respectable person/mentor. I’ve been noticing the decline in wanting to be mentored within the music industry. While I understand wanting the freedom of choice and answering to no one I also don’t understand how that will serve the music for a higher purpose? If you’re in someone’s band who is much older than you and you resent the notion of playing within their musical style, how will you ever become versatile in understanding different music? While I’m considerably young, I can say I’ve had some of the best mentors in the world look out for me and I continue to seek mentorship from others at all times. I was once told that you should have 3 mentors during the stages of life. One some what older 5> years older, 10-15 years older, and one much older than you. These types of age gaps can create goals for you like a possible 5 years plan , and 10 year plan, and a career length plan depending on your mentor(s). We shouldn’t shy away from mentorship when the art form that we love takes a lifetime to learn. I believe it’s okay to be a mentee and mentor that’s how to maintain constant learning and educating in this art form. I hope these points strike a chord with people and hope they make sense for you all who read this.

On a lighter note I’m excited for a premiere packed 2020. The Sencalar/Glassman Quintet will be releasing our CD in January of 2020, we will also be touring Michigan again in January as a part of our Realization tour. We will be visiting: Urban Beat (Lansing, MI), Cadieux Cafe (Detroit, MI), Jazz Tuesday’s @ Moriarty’s Bar & Grill (Lansing, MI), Ohio State University, and Blue Llama Jazz & Supper Club (Ann Arbor, MI.) We will also be coming to west Michigan for the Big Rapids Festival of the Arts in February of 2020. In March we are guest artist at The 2020 American Trombone Workshop on Saturday March 7th at 1pm. Lastly, we will be the 2020 Artist in Residence at Jazz institute at Brevard. As far as other projects I’m excited to premier a new ensemble of mine, the Altin Sencalar octet. We will be debuting at the Elephant Room January 16th and the next month I’m bringing back my quintet w/ legendary trumpeter, Walter White on February 13th. I’m also excited to continue teaching at Central Texas College where I’ll be completing my first year as a professor and beginning a new relationship with REMIC microphones (more on that soon.) Lots more to come and I’m excited to keep on keepin’ on.

Have a great end of 2019 and here’s to 2020, everyone!

-Altin

New semester, updated website, and back in Texas.

(Oct 2019)

Hey everyone! First off, welcome to the new and updated website. It’s been about 2.5 years since I changed my format and I’m super happy with this look, so hope YOU dig! Currently, I’m back in the Austin area where I accepted a professorship at Central Texas College Teaching in the music department as an Adjunct Professor of Music of brass instruction and aural skills/ear training. Really enjoying the education field and the opportunity to educate those wanting to learn. My time in Michigan was unforgettable and I forged many lasting friendships that I will cherish for a long while. I’m super excited to be coming back and forth as I’m playing somewhat regularly with the legendary Motown groups; the Temptations and The Four Tops. Along with my traveling I’m also looking forward to the release of “The Sencalar/Glassman Quintet’s” debut album, “Realization.” This is an album that represents our growth as young artist and our coming of age process while at Michigan State University. This album was produced by our mentor, Michael Dease and features Rodney Whitaker, Addison Frei, Nathan Borton, Zachary Adleman, and a special appearance by Michael Dease. We also were able to feature some fantastic arrangements by Steve Davis, Jason Hainsworth, Randy Napoleon, and Joseph Herbst. This album is going to be nice to watch unfold. We can’t wait to announce more new on that. I’m commuting lots between the midwest and Texas along with other places in between and hope to catch some of you wherever I may be. Check out my calendar for the rest of October and hope to see you tuning in or at the gig!

More to Come!

-Altin Sencalar