Tell us about yourself. Who are you and what do you do?
I am a saxophonist, composer and conductor, originally from São Paulo, Brazil, living in the US for the last 25 years, and teaching at UMass Amherst for the last 10. Before that I was living in NYC. My music is a result of all my experiences as a person born and raised in Brazil, an immigrant becoming a naturalized American, a performer, and an academic who studied different styles of music, from classical, to Latin, and jazz.
Tell us about some projects you have worked on. Which one was your favorite and why?
Each project is like a child, so I can’t say there is a favorite, but my current project, The New Immigrant Experience, is the one that is taking all my energy and attention right now. It was probably the most challenging I have ever done, considering the large scale of composing music for an 18-piece band, as well as conducting interviews with DACA recipients and putting together a documentary that goes behind the live music performance.
Which habits help or hinder your creativity?
I create better when I have a long term project in mind, or a commission. Those make the wheels turn. I always say that the best inspiration is a deadline. Not having a plan or a goal is what keeps me from creating. Creating is a long term commitment and requires discipline and a daily routine if possible.
What are some memorable responses you have had to your work?
I have had some of my musical heroes like Paquito D’Rivera, Randy Brecker, and David Liebman, contact me along my career to tell me how much they enjoyed my work, which meant the world to me. I am always extremely honored when a friend, a colleague or a stranger reach out to tell me that my work has touched them.
How has the COVID-19 outbreak and quarantine affected your process/creating/teaching? Has anything surprised you about adjusting to this quarantine?
Absolutely. Teaching became a lot harder via the internet. Music is a social activity, it needs lots of close contact in order to exist. Staying at home can give you a lot more time for practicing and composing, yet it is hard to keep a routine going always in the same place, especially when you have small children who need attention and help with school work. I have been enjoying practicing my horns more than composing since the outbreak.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
My mother told me early on that you have a better chance of being successful doing something you love than something you don’t. So that is what I did.
What are you currently working on?
That is a secret for now… sorry
Where can we find your work?
My website: www.felipesalles.com
My Youtube channel: sallesjazz