Saw you with the "Jazz Knights " at West Point

[Stan Haskins]

Hi Lynn -

I enjoyed sitting in on your rehearsal with the Jazz Knights at West Point. I loved the music. (By the way, I just wrote a blog entry about it here)

I wonder if you could talk a little about two things:

How did you develop such a clear, smooth arco sound on the lower strings in high positions? I know you mentioned that the bass is set up for it, but I think your technique has alot to do with it, too

Could you talk a little bit about how you approach "leading" a big band from the bass chair?

Thanks for any comments you care to make.

[Lynn Seaton]

Thank you for the kind words. I owe most of my ability to the techniques of Francois Rabbath. His method allowed me to learn to play across all strings in all registers. Concerning leading a big band from the bass chair, I have not really done that. I do go in front of the band to rehearse certain sections and look at the score. I do give visual cues to the director and the band when they play my feature charts. All the big bands I have played with have had a director.