Aaron Dodd tuba player…
Aaron Dodd tuba player (1948-2010) was incredible with a good vibe. It has been said that there were two tubists at Chicago’s Symphony Center: The one who played inside Orchestra Hall and the one who played outside Orchestra Hall. I learned that for nearly three decades, Aaron Dodd Tuba Player played on probably the toughest block anywhere for a street musician. The home-base of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. That is to say, he was a very inspirational tuba player.
Aaron Dodd loves jazz
While at Chicago’s Wendell Phillips High School, Aaron Dodd joined the high school band. He began playing many instruments. His twin sister, Linda said, “He could play anything.” Eventually, he decided that his instrument would be the tuba. Roger Rocco, a Chicago-area tuba player, and music educator said, “I first noticed Aaron’s smile in 1964 when we performed in the ten-member tuba section of the Chicago Public Schools All-City High School Band. Aaron’s grin was as wide as the bell of his tuba.”
Very few young musicians had the opportunity to study with Arnold “Jake” Jacobs. Aaron Dodd was thankful to receive “the knowledge” second-hand from Roger Rocco. Subsequently, Aaron met the legendary tuba player of the Chicago Symphony, Arnold Jacobs. He gave him lessons and helped obtain a music scholarship for Aaron to attend Chicago’s Roosevelt University. Aaron Dodd’s love was jazz. He began his professional career in 1968 with “Philip Cohran & The Artistic Heritage Ensemble.” They recorded Malcolm X Memorial (A Tribute In Music) with Pete Cosey, Charles Handy, Don Myrick, Willie Woods, and Aaron Dodd.
Good vibe for a tuba player
Meanwhile, he played for soul singer Donny Hathaway’s debut album, Everything Is Everything recorded in 1969-70. Richard Armandi, a Chicago-area tuba player and jazz artist/clinician said, “I met Aaron just after he recorded with Donny Hathaway. Above all, I always looked up to him in that he was creating a voice for our instrument in genres of music where the tuba wasn’t usually found. In addition, Aaron helped pave the way to make it a sought after and essential part within the ensemble.”