Delbert Anderson talks Jazz, Composing, and Teaching the Next Generation of Musicians
Written by Aiyana Irwin on November 29, 2024
Surrounded by drums and strings, RONN!E from Daybreak Star Radio sits down with a man who plays a different instrument altogether. Delbert Anderson is a Diné musician specializing in jazz trumpet music.
Having started at a young age, Delbert originally tried out the trombone but found he couldn’t make the instrument sing. However, when he was shifted over to the trumpet, something clicked. By the time he was in 6th –7th grade, Delbert was already playing with adults. He had joined the local jazz band, was taking lessons, and doing small gigs around town. The Band director of the local community college encouraged him to join several more bands, expanding his portfolio. He was constantly busy, which helped him develop the work ethic he would need to make his career work long term.
Once he got into high school, Eastern New Mexico University had taken an interest. His Senior year, he was officially offered a full ride for his trumpet playing. This would allow him to learn not only more complex music, but the business side of being a musical artist. His trumpet teacher would encourage him to help with negotiations and business discussions that he was a part of.
Delbert’s music is rooted deeply in his Indigenous identity and elevating Diné culture. He incorporates it into every aspect of his music, including the composing. There are times when he goes to the elders and listens to their stories and landscapes and uses them as inspiration for songs. To be able to take those stories and translate them into a musical context is a rare ability that he is able to beautifully capture.
As a musician, Delbert also teaches the next generation how to express themselves through art. He focuses on the individual as he teaches. It’s all about individualism. The idea of education is to turn someone into themselves. Making someone themselves and translating that into music. Delbert urges the youth to bring yourself to the table, learn where you’re coming from. If the youth can grasp the idea of individualism, then Delbert believes there are going to be a lot of great musicians to come.
