DeKALB | Ron Carter has been the director of NIU’s jazz program for more than a decade. Before that, he taught in East St. Louis for 18 years. On top of that, he has logged time as a professional jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, flautist and vocalist. The man’s got credentials.

The NIU Jazz Ensemble, which Carter directs, has regular performances at which they cover a wide range of music.

“We like to play music and be true to its style, no matter what that style is,” Carter said. “One thing we do in our program that I don’t think many other schools emphasize is to relate the music to the culture, to where it came from. I feel that it is important to relate the music to the culture to maintain the integrity of the art form.”

The qualities Carter sees as necessary in up-and-coming musicians extend beyond raw talent. The musicians must also have dedication, dependability and the ability to get along with people.

“You’ve got to learn to be on time, and to set goals,” Carter said.

For young musicians looking for an introduction to the world of jazz, Carter recommends the works of Miles Davis, specifically “Love Songs” and “Kind Of Blue.” Davis was one of Carter’s heroes growing up, along with greats like Charlie Parker, Count Basie and Duke Ellington.

Going into his 13th year of teaching at NIU, Carter has nothing but enthusiasm for his band — the world-renowned NIU Jazz Ensemble — which Dizzy Gillespie once referred to as “my band.”

“This year we have a lot of talented young players,” Carter said. “Also, a greater percentage of players in Chicago are graduates of NIU — I call them the ‘Young Lions of Chicago.'”

Among the more recent successful graduates of NIU’s jazz program include the directors of jazz at both Roosevelt University and Columbia College and Kevin Sheehan of the Glen Miller Orchestra.

In his nonmusical life, Carter tries to spend as much time as he can with his family and working for his church.

Evan Thorne is a music critic for the Northern Star.