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	Vol.7, No 58, December 9, 1999
	Music instructor not singing blues By Don Weberg Daily Forty-Niner Leo Potts has worked with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Diana Ross and many others in concert and has his own album in music stores. Leo Potts is also a music instructor and lecturer, specializing in the saxophone, at Cal State Long Beach. Potts was also a graduate from CSULB. "I was the first student to be allowed to major on the saxophone," Potts said. "When I came in, they wouldn't allow saxophone majors." After graduating, Potts spent a number of years on the road with bands, recording with other artists until he received a call asking him if he would like to teach at CSULB. At that time in his life, marriage was on the horizon and it didn't take much for Potts to realize the teaching opportunity was a great way to start a new life. "I wanted to be more centered as far as being in town and trying to work my career from here," he said. In 1979, Potts formed the CSULB Saxophone Ensemble as part of saxophone major's curriculum. Since it's formation, the class has performed the 10th World Saxophone Congress in Pesaro, Italy for the Associazione Sassofonist Italiana and has traveled throughout California for many high schools and state conventions. "That was an incredible experience," said Potts of the experience in Italy. "And it's one that none of the students will ever forget." Currently, Potts and his ensemble class are trying to raise money to attend The North American Saxophone Alliance New Millennium Conference: Looking Back and Moving Forward concert. Potts said saxophonists from all over Canada and the United States will attend this event in Tucson, Ariz. The event lasts five days, March 7 through 10. "These kids will see and hear music in one place that they may never have the opportunity to hear anywhere else," Potts said. Potts said he is especially excited about this event because this is the first time it has ever been on the West Side of the United States. The more popular schools of music in the East originally organized it, thus the performances were held on the East Coast. "We have been told that we are the only college saxophone ensemble in the United States that has been invited to the conference," Potts said. Potts said two pieces of music have been specially written for the CSULB ensemble to perform at the concert. Brent Pierce, head of composition for Cal State Fullerton, has over 300 published pieces of music and composed "Innovation, Meditation and Dance" for the concert. Alan Lechusza, a graduate of CSULB and former student of Potts and current UC San Diego doctorate student wrote "In the Eyes of a Child" for the event. Potts said he is very happy for the support these people have offered by writing the pieces. Potts said he feels confident that the ensemble will fill the house, as they are the only U.S. college saxophone organization invited.		Professor helps L.B.P.D. research Asian criminals   National health survey hits L.B.   Speech, debate team grabs first   Music instructor not singing blues   Student beats shopping challenge   POLICE LOG Walk through racism   Alcohol, drugs lead to teenage sex   Professors don't profit from books Circus Dragon   'Deuce' humorous   Led Zeppelin produces another classic release Scott's success goes beyond LBSU Fall 99 ISSUES DAILY 49ER HOMEPAGE
Forty-Niner Publications, Department of Journalism, California State University, Long Beach ©1999 All rights reserved.