Raised in Jamaica with an intrinsic interest in creating unique musical instruments, Douglas Ewart immigrated in 1963 to the United States. It was here that he studied music theory at the AACM School of Music and picked up the first two instruments that he would play in a line of many; saxophone and clarinet. Ewart learned both tools from esteemed jazz pianist Muhal Richard Abrams, who would eventually become one of the artist's collaborators. Ewart's abilities extend to a variety of instruments including flutes, drums, bassoon and his trademark "totem flutes," (an instrument crafted from bamboo that is as much visually artistic as it is sonically).
The multi-talented artist now resides in Minnesota, but has taught at the Art Institute of Chicago. Additionally, Ewart has given lectures, workshops and exhibitions at many other prominent Chicago locations, including the Field Museum of Natural History and the DuSable Museum of African-American History. He presided as president of the AACM from 1979-1986, was commissioned for numerous scores, and has held memberships with various institutional panels. Ewart's collaborations are extensive, and his decades-old groups Inventions, Clarinet Choir and Nyabingi Drum Choir, all remain active.
For more information, visit their website: http://www.bambooewart.com
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