I met Rafael
Méndez - Mike Vax
Boy, do you
realize that was almost 50 years ago?
I was a Mendez "freak" in high school. I loved his playing and
attended a couple of clinics that he did at local high schools. I
learned his solos, bought his records, and yes, even played his
horn. I was playing my Mendez model Olds when I went to the Stan
Kenton Clinic in 1960 at Indiana University, that eventually
changed my life.
He was one of the most gracious, warm and caring individuals that I
have ever met. He made EVERY student he came in contact with, feel like
they really meant something to him.
I didn't get any "quality" time alone with him. Just long enough to
have him sign a record jacket. I just remember how warm he was to
everybody and, of course, his wonderful playing. I do remember
him talking about the importance of consistent practice and talking
about "resting as much as you play."
I also remember him "daring" us to tell him when he switched from
single tongue to double tongue in a passage he played for us. It
was impossible to tell. I also remember that he was the first one
I ever saw, who could circular breathe. It blew my mind. I
listened to his recordings constantly, starting with 78 records.
Somewhere, I still have a 78 with "La Virgen de la Macarena" on it.
While I never received a horn from him, one of my most prized
possessions is a copy of "The World's Most Versatile Trumpet
Player" LP that he autographed. I sold my original Mendez Olds years
ago (big mistake), I did find a "mint" one in the attic of a friend
about 10 years ago and bought it, just to have.
I really think that the clinics I attended by Mendez and Don Jacoby
were what made me want to be a professional trumpet player!
Maybe that is partly why I love doing clinics so much now, and
have made it my "life's work."
Mike Vax
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