In pursuit of excellence, pianist returns to North Texas alma mater as jazz instructor

Fred Sanders garnered a unique musical education by playing alongside some of the best musicians in history.

Now, as he returns to his alma mater, Weatherford College, as the new director of jazz studies, Sanders plans to share that education with his students. Sanders, a former WC music student, brings more than 30 years of experience in music performance and education.

As an accomplished pianist, he has performed with the likes of Wynton Marsalis, the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Dr. John, Norah Jones, David “Fathead” Newman and Erykah Badu, among others.

Sanders recalled his days playing with these legendary musicians, noting they helped shape his life as he hopes to help shape the lives of his students.

“I genuinely enjoy learning. My memories of each of these artists are about each lesson that they taught me,” he said. “I have been blessed to study with those who have created, invented, and developed this music from sourced artists such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Buster Smith, Charlie Parker, and Red Garland.

“I’ve played with legends like Clark Terry, who introduced me to Milt Hinton, Al Gray, and Alvin Batiste, who mentored me in New Orleans music and also introduced me to Wynton Marsalis.”

Sanders said the hands-on information he has won’t be found in textbooks.

“My traveling, performing, and teaching with Wynton Marsalis are priceless moments. These moments are the experiences that mark my passion for music. They have all taught me,” he said.

Sanders’ teaching and directing credits are also impressive, including UT Arlington, Tulane, Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, and Southwestern Theological Seminary. Now, he said he is ready to add another elite college to his resume’.

“I am eager to contribute to the rich history that has been firmly established at Weatherford College. One hundred and fifty years of rich history, 150 years of service to the community, and 150 years of academic excellence,” Sanders said. “I chose Weatherford College 30 years ago because we share the same core values — faith, family, and excellence.

“Excellence is something everyone wants, but few are willing to work to achieve. Being average is easy, but excellence requires more. Excellence requires discipline, excellence requires commitment, excellence demands integrity, and proficiency.”

Dean of Fine Arts Duane Durrett recruited Sanders to study at Weatherford College in the 1980s and said he is excited to hear the WC Jazz Band under his direction.

“I am excited to welcome Fred back to WC,” Durrett said. “He has become an incredible pianist and master teacher. His abilities to combine music and technology will lead WC to new highs in performance and learning for our students. Our students, community and college will benefit from his many talents and ability to attract the best in young musicians.”

Durrett said Sanders will be a key figure in WC’s implementation of Spirio, the innovative performance recording system on Steinway & Sons grand pianos, as well as the digital recording of other facets of music.

Sanders earned Distinguished Alumnus status from WC in 2018, and he said he is returning because it provides endless opportunities for students. He’s hoping his experiences will enlighten them even more, inspiring them to create their own unforgettable moments.

The piano is Sanders’ primary instrument, but he’s played various others, including cello at age 8. He considers himself a choir singer, not a soloist, but he’s only in his 40s, so he smiles and says, “at least not yet.”

He also writes and arranges music.

“I find that I enjoy producing music equally as much as performing,” he said.

Sanders is married to vocalist Sheila Sanders. They have three children, two sons, one daughter, and recently celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary.

While he doesn’t necessarily come from a musical family, Sanders said, “My grandmother was a beautiful singer with great musical ears and impeccable rhythm placement.”

“My goal is to inspire people with compassion, training them to express feelings and thoughts, through melody and song,” Sanders said. “My goal is to equip the next generation of decision-makers to place their signature on three principles — integrity, proficiency, and excellence.

“Weatherford students will have a global presence in the arts community. Our future is looking strong as we support and tell the story of our roots, jazz, and American music heritage.”

Sanders will officially begin teaching at WC full time in the fall but will teach private piano lessons this summer via remote technology.