Ole:
I studied with Mr. Fielder back in the early 70s when I was in the Air Force and stationed in Montgomery AL. He was the trumpet professor at Alabama State University and also taught brass methods, jazz ensemble, music history, theory, etc. You name it, he taught it.

He was a great influence in my life, still is even after almost 30 years.

He had played lead with Sammy Davis Jr. when he was alive and was in Chicago, heard the Chicago Symphony and realized that that was what he wanted to do. He left the band and began studying with Mr. Cichowicz. He flew to Chicago once or twice a month for lessons with Mr. Cichowicz while teaching at Alabama State.

We would have lessons whenever he had free time - Saturdays, late evenings during the week. We had one lesson on a Saturday that started at 8:00am and I left his apartment at 2:00pm! He didn't charge me a dime for any lesson I ever took from him - he just wanted to make sure I learned something. He taught me air flow, but more importantly he taught humility and gentleness and that beautiful music comes from a pure heart and beautiful thoughts.

He left Alabama State and moved to Nashville to teach at Tennessee State and play with the Nashville Symphony. I lost track of him after that. I'm so glad to hear he has re-surfaced as a teacher of note. He is one in a million and deserves whatever recognition he gets. He is tireless as a teacher and dedicated to his craft and his students. Hope this helps.

Bruce Zeiger