by
Rhythm Scene Staff
| Feb 21, 2020
Jason Baker has taught percussion at Mississippi State University since 2004, where he coordinates the percussion studio and serves as the percussion arranger for the MSU Marching Band. Prior to that, he completed degrees at the University of North Texas, New England Conservatory of Music, and the University of Connecticut. Dr. Baker has released three solo CDs and two etude books, as well as a number of compositions/arrangements and journal articles. He plays timpani for several regional orchestras and enjoys getting to travel as a percussion soloist and clinician. Solo interests involve commissioning new works for marimba by emerging composers from the American South.
Rhythm! Scene: If you weren't a university percussion professor, what career could you see yourself having pursued?
Jason Baker: I could see myself having become a police officer.
R!S: What's one thing in your institution or city/town (other than your school of music or music department) that you are proud to tell people about?
JB: The people where I live are generally nice. In fact, being around them has made me a friendlier, more patient person. In addition, we have some great restaurants and an amazing women’s basketball team.
R!S: What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
JB: I’ve been a stutterer since early childhood. Most days I can manage it to where people can’t tell or just think I’m pausing a lot to think about what I’m about to say, and other days it can still be a struggle. As an adult I’ve tried to open up about it so it can maybe inspire other young people with similar challenges.
R!S: What is your favorite percussion instrument and why?
JB: I like the marimba the most because it combines melody, harmony, and a large range of notes with the physical elements of percussion. It also allows me to play music I enjoy that was written for other instruments.
R!S: Where did you grow up, and what’s one interesting thing about your childhood (musically or otherwise)?
JB: I grew up in Oakdale, Connecticut. My first musical love was punk and ska music — bands like the Descendents, Bad Religion, and Less Than Jake. I still listen to this music on a daily basis and go to shows when I can.