From the melody of the saxophone solo to the smooth transitions of the piano, Bill Prince showed he could play it all.
Prince, multi-instrumental, was this year’s guest artist for the annual Jazz Ensemble w/Guest Artist performances March 24-25. The ensemble performed with the talented musician at the Marshall High School (24) and the American Reformed Church in Luverne, Minn. (25) under the direction of Dr. John Ginocchio.
The Southwest Minnesota State University Jazz Ensemble performed pieces such as “What a Wonderful World”, “The Cat from Caracas”, “Honk”, and “Take Five.” Prince then followed, continuing with the band with pieces “Polka Dots and Moonbeams”, “It’s You or No One”, “St. Thomas” and “Four.”
Prince began his mult-instrumental career at 18 after asking a fellow friend if he could play his instrument. He owns over thirty instruments, from flutes, trumpets and trombones to saxophones and more.
Being a multi-instrumentalist, Prince shares that he doesn’t have a specific favorite, but if he does, it depends on the day.
“Sometimes I have a really good day [on a specific instrument]. Then that one is my favorite,” Prince said.
While performing with the SMSU Jazz Ensemble, Prince also spent time working with specific sections of the band as well as members of the jazz ensembles of Marshall and Luverne high schools.
“I’ve had a ball with [these] guys. I like the school and I like the band. John is a wonderful host. It’s been a good trip,” Prince said.
The only complaint, Prince shares, is the cold weather. Prince currently lives in northern Florida.
The SMSU Jazz Ensemble will continue performance at the All-City Jazz Festival April 7.
