Alumni Spotlight: James Carter
Who are you now, and background?
My name is James Carter, I was born January 3, 1969, the youngest of five children(2 brothers & 2 sisters) with musical inclinations of varying degrees. My brothers pursued music professionally and were my prime inspiration in my early years. In addition to my siblings, I also have a host of cousins and various other members of the family that are involved in music and the arts that provided my artistic environment.
What is your art?
I am a woodwind performing and recording artist, bandleader, composer, lecturer and teacher (class & private).
When did you attend Blue Lake?
My inaugural year I attended Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in the Summer of 1983 when there were still tents(with flaps that needed shutting at all times) and I had a great time, met new friends and grew exponentially during my time at BLFAC! I attended BLFAC from 1983-1987. The years1983 and 1984, I was a camper and played in the Blue and Gold Jazz bands under directors Bob Nixon and Richard Goldsworthy. In 1984, I interviewed by Kelly Bucheger and accepted for the International Exchange Program of 1985and at the age of 16. I went on my first European Tour under the direction of Bill McFarlin. During this tour, I received a call from President Fritz Stansell to join the BLFAC faculty big band the Blue Lake Monster upon returning from the tour which I stayed on sessions 3 and 4. After those sessions, we undertook a tour of Europe with the Monster with Detroit late greats trumpeter Marcus Belgrave and Pianist Harold McKinney. For the years 1985-87, I served on BLFAC faculty in the capacity of tenor saxist with the Monster, improv/jazz theory, sax sectionals and instrumental demonstrator at the Gilbert Stansell Museum!
Where are you now?
In the midst of the global Covid pandemic and social upheavals, I’ve been spending the time at home with family making sure our unit is intact and aware of what’s going on in our society today and remaining as optimistic as possible that we as collective humankind will get through this very rough patch and be better humans to one another on the other side!!
Why Blue Lake?
Because of BLFAC, I’ve been able to experience the best of camp life with a great and unmatched artistic curriculum with grand faculty ready to help you attain the next level in your artistry and personal growth! Long Live BLFAC!!
Interesting read: http://harderbop.blogspot.com/2011/04/james-carter-ruined-my-life.html