NOW, A JAZZ MOMENT...

MUSIC: Morning Star

Hubert Laws:  Music is a communicative tool. And when you learn to use it, it can only enhance your life.

NEA JAZZ MASTER HUBERT LAWS IS ONE OF THE MOST HIGHLY REGARDED FLUTISTS IN JAZZ.  HE'S ALSO ONE OF THE MOST VERSATILE, WITH ROOTS IN POP, RHYTHM-AND-BLUES, AND CLASSICAL MUSIC.  THAT'S REALLY WHERE HE BEGAN...

Hubert Laws:  I got my first flute while I was in high school. What happened was, the high school band was playing this piece by Rossini called "The William Tell Overture."

MUSIC: William Tell Overture (sneak in under singing)

And in that "William Tell Overture" is a prelude most people don't know about. They know about [SINGS EXCERPT], they know that part because it was the Lone Ranger's theme. But the Prelude had a big flute solo in there. But in the high school band, there was no one to play that solo. But just about that time, a friend of mine, Sonny King, had a flute in his attic.  And he gave it to me.  I went around two days without even being able to make a sound off that thing. But once I started, you know, getting a sound, then I learned to play that solo. And that, boy, became like an instantmarriage.

MUSIC: up for punctuation, then fades under and out

THIS JAZZ MOMENT WITH FLUTIST HUBERT LAWS WAS CREATED BY THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS.  I'M CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE.