Harry Miedema — From The O’Jays to Building UIndy’s Jazz Program
StudioHFL host Larry Powell interviews saxophonist Harry Miedema about his life and career. Harry discusses retiring from the University of Indianapolis about seven years ago, continuing to play weekly with his Florida-based Blue Heron Sextet (about 90 charts written), and missing teaching. He recounts joining UIndy as an adjunct in 1985 while touring, later directing the jazz ensemble after Jim Edison, and building concerts and a jazz series with help from Jamey Aebersold, including notable guest artists and Edison’s donated chart library. Harry describes 23 years touring with The O’Jays (1976–1998), his West Point band service, lessons with Joe Allard and David Baker, work hiring brass players, sharing a stage with Louis Armstrong in 1971, and recent projects including a clarinet analysis book and transcriptions.
00:00 Interviews Return
00:39 Sponsors Thanks
01:37 Interview Begins
02:12 Obituary Mixup
03:25 Blue Heron Sextet
04:43 Teaching After Retirement
05:19 Building UIndy Jazz
09:03 Concert Series Highlights
10:57 Life With The O'Jays
12:43 UIndy Recruiting Reality
14:34 Teaching Philosophy
15:03 Mentors Joe Allard
17:56 David Baker Influence
18:59 Indy Roots Larry Hall
21:13 Making It Happen
22:10 Learning on the Hustle
23:41 West Point Band Life
24:44 Mentors and Clarinet
25:34 Jamey Aebersold Connection
28:00 O'Jays Brass Hiring Stories
32:43 Louis Armstrong Encounter
34:29 Jazz Game Changers
36:35 Retirement Projects in Florida
38:51 Recordings and Radio Wrap-Up
