Transcript and audio recording of Wynton giving entire Northwestern Commencement speech
Even though the rain kept me from giving the entire speech I had prepared at Northwestern’s commencement, I wanted to make the full transcript and the audio available to you all.
Click here to download a PDF of the speech
Click here to listen to the complete audio MP3 of the speech
Kids for Coltrane said
on June 28, 2009 @ 6:56 am
[…] Transcript of Wynton’s entire Northwestern Commencement speech Kindly read this magnificent commencement speech written by Wynton Marsalis. It is perfect to me. His speech embodies the lessons I share with my students every year. As we travel the road less traveled we must remember to have courage “to sing our own unique song.” Wynton’s speech shares the importance of this and reminds us to have the courage to follow our bliss with integrity and commitment. Wynton Marsalis is the Artistic Director at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Wynton sent over a fabulous jazz curriculum to use with my students. In addition, he sent over autographed books and CD’s last spring when my students raised funds for the Friends of the Coltrane Home. I must again thank Joanna Massey from Jazz at Lincoln Center for believing in me and understanding my vision and mission. Joanna went to Harvard University for her master’s degree and was also touched by the important work of Harvard’s Howard Gardner, Steve Seidel, and David Perkins. ~Joanna, I will be attending The Future of Learning Institute at Harvard this summer. When I return I will be sure to share the experience with you and my friends who click on my site. […]
peter b said
on July 8, 2009 @ 12:08 pm
Just downloaded wynton’s northwestern speech.And what a fantastic speech it is, i found it very inspirational and powerful.I will be sharing this with my friends!!
Thank you wynton for your dedication to jazz music.
Jason said
on July 9, 2009 @ 1:35 pm
I have been a fan of Mr Marsalis since I first purchased his Trumpet Concertos album when I was in elementary school and listening to this speech reminds me why…a great performer and a better historian. Wonderful stuff for sure. Thanks