Sac State professor brings music to the community

Shrinking education budgets are especially devastating to elementary and high school music programs. But Sacramento State music professor Julian Dixon is one of those making sure students aren’t denied the experience of live music, and he’s taken on a new job to continue his many outreach projects.

Dixon plays tuba with the Sacramento Philharmonic, and was recently named the orchestra’s community engagement manager. Working closely with Philharmonic Education Director Gayle Winney, Dixon will bring ensembles and individual performers to the schools, as well as to hospitals and other organizations building on the effort initiated by Philharmonic executive director Marc Feldman.

“I really believe music should be part of our daily lives,” Dixon says. “It’s exciting to see live music. There’s nothing like seeing people do incredible acts of skill on their musical instruments.”

As the Philharmonic’s community engagement manager, Dixon will coordinate outreach schedules of orchestra members and match the proper music program with the partnering organization. “We’re really trying to get our hands out into the community because there’s a strong need for music out there,” Dixon says.

He already has plenty of outreach experience, visiting schools on his own to let students know what it’s like to be a professional musician and play with the Philharmonic. “When I go to these schools they’re just starving for music because the programs have been cut back to such an extent,” Dixon says.

Even if a student doesn’t major in music, Dixon says the experience can have a positive impact in other aspects of their lives. Music teaches students to be creative, have high standards, pay attention to details, and work together in groups. “There’s so much involved in the music-making process that makes us better humans,” he says.

In addition to his outreach, Dixon opened the community up to musical experiences of a different kind last year, launching Sacramento State’s successful Down in the Valley tuba festival.

When you ask Dixon why music is so important, his passion for the subject is more than evident. “Music embellishes the important events and celebrations in our lives,” he says. “Music is a means of pulling people together. They come together through music, relate to each other and interact.”

For more information, visit www.csus.edu/music or call 278-5155.