February 5, 2016

By Blair Koch, University Communications and Marketing intern

Just as music students must master their instruments it’s obvious, while sneaking a peak at a recent rehearsal of the Montana State University Billings Jazz Band, that these instrumentalists must master multitasking as well.

In addition to keeping a keen eye on the conductor, tapping toes to the beat and swiping pages of fast-moving music, many—if not most—music majors play more than one instrument and Mady Johnson, 21, is no different.

To see Johnson’s fingers swiftly grace the ivory keys on her polished alto saxophone, you wouldn’t guess that the MSUB junior picked up the reeded instrument years after learning to play the clarinet, which continues to be her instrument of choice under her music performance major. She plays lead alto sax to the jazz band to boot.

“I’ve been playing clarinet since the fifth grade,” the Shepherd, Montana native said. “But I decided to learn the saxophone to have a better chance of going to All-State.”

Although Johnson didn’t make it her sophomore year, she practiced hard and was invited to attend the Montana All-State band her junior year. Today, she has played saxophone in a variety of Billings-community events, including monthly Al Bedooings dances and musicals.

She is very much looking forward to the MSUB Jazz Festival, taking place today.

As president of the Jazz Club, Johnson has had a front row seat in seeing the festival and jazz program as a whole rejuvenated.

“It’s exciting because (the Jazz Festival) has really lit a fire and people are practicing—it’s amazing, the growth in the ensemble,” Johnson said.

This year’s Jazz Festival is particularly exciting for Johnson in part because of guest trumpeter Wayne Bergeron.

The Los Angeles-based and Grammy-nominated trumpeter is one of the most highly sought after players in the world and his credits include playing with legends like Ray Charles and Earth Wind and Fire as well as being featured on soundtracks from movies like Frozen and Despicable.

“I can’t believe I’m going to meet one of the best trumpet players in just a couple days,” Johnson said. “It’s great this is happening here in Billings.”

In addition to catering to her music education goals, Johnson said MSUB has been a blessing because it’s so close to home.

She’s a first-generation college student but is able to save money by living at home in Shepherd with her parents. Her little brother attends City College and is studying auto repair.

“I figured, why go somewhere else just because of the name or because they have a football team?” Johnson said. “I love this campus and my classes and the quality of my professors. It’s a 20-minute drive and I get to see the mountains every morning on my commute. It’s perfect.”

If you’d like to see Johnson play the saxophone, catch the MSUB Jazz Festival. Otherwise, she’ll be playing her clarinet for her junior recital at 3 p.m., March 5, in Cisel Hall.