By Chris Nafekh, Staff Writer

Published in print Oct. 1, 2014

It is always clear to me when an artist is passionate about their work. Interviewing Aaron Gross was scheduled around a very busy schedule, including his bass lessons, tune-ups and gigs.  And when we talked about his music, he was all smiles.

Aaron is a senior double bass major in the Miles Davis Jazz Program. Born and raised in Durham, he began playing music at age three when he picked up a violin and began studying the Suzuki method. At 12 he picked up the bass, where he found passion.

Before UNCG, Aaron attended the Durham School of the Arts.

“Durham was wonderful,” he reflected, “because I was surrounded by like-minded individuals who all took music beyond a hobby. It served as a nexus for developing contacts whom I still connect with today.” In school, Aaron learned jazz, music theory and basic piano.

To attend a university, he moved to Greensboro. “The jazz scene here is great. It’s inflated by the university, but it’s heavily supported by students who want something sustainable.” Aaron often expressed excitement being around serious artists who are willing to learn.

Collaborating with musicians throughout his education, Aaron has played in many jazz recitals and pursues a number of side projects. “I’m part of several groups including The Zen Poets, with Annalise Stalls as lead soprano sax.” The Poets play original swing jazz by Stalls, and are mastering their newest project, “Frames of the Imagination.” 

The group will be competing in the Fourth Annual Salett Arts Center Jazz Competition.  They have won the judges’ favor in past years, and are excited to compete again.

“I also play every Friday night at The Worx on Elm Street,” Aaron told me. “I play from nine to midnight with some real jazz veterans of Greensboro.”

“So you lead a very active musical career?” I inquired. 

“Yes,” he replied immediately. “One night, we had to play Riverfest, in Eden. We played on stage there, then came back for a school function. That went on all night, and in the morning we woke up and played at a church. There’s a great variety of events we play.”

The demanding career of a jazz artist impressed me. In the immediate future, this benevolent bassist is playing many exciting events. “This Friday, October 3rd, there’s a Jazz Ensemble in the UNCG auditorium. It’s going to be an incredible concert, and we’ll be playing original arrangements by the students and faculty.”

On the 10th he will be playing with Chad Eby and Brianna Lee at the Beyu Café. “I’ve played with them once or twice before – it’ll be a really cool event,” he told me excitedly.

As an artist, he has lived with music his whole life, delving into pools of knowledge and experience from those around him. The university’s jazz program plays a key role in socializing young musicians. Jazz music is played in a band, often improvised, and requires much cooperation.

“The teachers at UNCG are incredibly knowledgeable and experienced,” Aaron said. Working with accomplished faculty like Eby and trumpeter Brandon Lee provides artists with valuable familiarity.

“Probably the best teacher I’ve ever had,” Gross contemplated, “would be my bass instructor and my biggest mentor, Steve Haines.” Steve heads the jazz program and according to Aaron, “has built it up to what it is today. He’s the reason we have the Miles Davis trumpet on display in the auditorium. He taught me that talent doesn’t get you everything, and that’s a common misconception in the arts.  He taught me that hard work goes a long way, and I think we, the students, are proof of that.”

As Aaron continues to work hard, hiscareer will further along with his experience and musicianship. Between the university’s jazz program and faculty, his busy schedule and side projects, he will continue pursue happiness through that which he loves.