Frederick C. Tillis facts for kids

Frederick Charles Tillis (January 5, 1930 – May 3, 2020) was an amazing American musician, composer, poet, and teacher. He was known for his incredible talent as a jazz saxophonist and for writing many different kinds of music. He also taught music at colleges for many years.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Growing Up in Galveston

Frederick Tillis was born in Galveston, Texas, on January 5, 1930. He grew up with his mother, Zelma Bernice Gardner, his stepfather, General Gardner, and his grandparents.

His mother was a piano player and singer. She helped him discover music when he was very young. At George Washington Carver Elementary School, Frederick joined the drum and bugle corps.

Becoming "Baby Tillis"

As he got better at playing the trumpet, Frederick started his first professional music job. He was only twelve years old and played in jazz bands. This earned him the nickname "Baby Tillis."

Later, his band director at Central Side High School, Fleming S. Huff, suggested he try playing the saxophone. This was a big step in his musical journey.

College and Military Service

In 1946, Frederick Tillis received a music scholarship to Wiley College. He was the first person in his family to go to college. He graduated in 1949 with a degree in music. Right after, he became the college band director there.

He married Edna Louise Dillon, who also studied music at Wiley. In 1951, they moved so Frederick could study music at the University of Iowa. During the Korean War, he joined the United States Air Force as a volunteer. He became the director of the 356th Air Force Band. Later, he used the GI Bill to continue his studies. He earned his PhD from the University of Iowa in 1963.

Career as a Teacher and Composer

Teaching at Universities

After finishing his PhD, Frederick Tillis taught at several universities. These included Wiley College, Grambling State University, and Kentucky State University. In 1970, he joined the faculty at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

He held many important teaching and leadership roles there. He retired in 1997 but remained a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Music and Dance. He also directed the University Fine Arts Center and the Jazz in July Workshops.

Creating New Music

Frederick Tillis started writing music when he was twenty. He was inspired by many famous composers like Bach and Prokofiev. He also drew ideas from African-American composers and music from around the world.

Some of his most famous works include A Symphony of Songs, which was based on poems. He also wrote Ring Shout Concerto for the famous percussionist Max Roach. Another notable piece was Concerto for Piano for the jazz pianist Billy Taylor. Besides music, Tillis wrote several poetry books and a textbook called Jazz Theory and Improvisation.

Later Years

In his later life, Frederick Tillis faced some health challenges. He was cared for by several people, including his neighbor Kay Montgomery, his daughter Pamela Tillis, and Rosangela Marquez.

Selected Compositions

Frederick Tillis wrote many pieces of music for different groups and instruments. Here are a few examples:

• Autumn Concerto for Trumpet (1979) – For jazz orchestra.
• Brass Quintet (1962) – A piece for five brass instruments.
• Concerto for Piano (1979) – Written for a jazz trio and a symphony orchestra. It was created for Billy Taylor.
• Designs for Orchestra, Nos. 1 and 2 (1963) – These pieces can be played separately.
• Five Spirituals for Chorus and Brass Choir (1976) – Based on texts by Gwendolyn Brooks.
• In the Spirit and the Flesh (1985) – For orchestra and mixed chorus. It was dedicated to Robert Shaw and the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
• Niger Symphony (1975) – For a chamber orchestra.
• Ring Shout Concerto for Percussionist And Orchestra (1973–74) – Dedicated to Max Roach.
• Spiritual Fantasy No. 9 ("Sympathy") (1986) – For soprano solo, choir, and brass quintet, with text by Paul Laurence Dunbar.
• Three Symphonic Spirituals (1978) – For orchestra, including famous spirituals like "We Shall Overcome" and "Deep River."

Poetry Books by Tillis

Frederick Tillis also wrote many books of poetry:

• In the Spirit and the Flesh, E Publications (1989) [1]
• Images of Mind and Heart E Publications (1991) [2]
• In Celebration (1992) [3]
• Of Moons, Moods, Myths, and the Muse, P&P Publications (1993) [4]
• Harlem Echoes (1995) [5]
• Children's Corner: From A to Z (1997)
• Seasons, Symbols, and Stones (1999) [6]
• Akiyoshidai Diary (2000) [7]
• Scattered Ghosts and Southern Winds
• Bittersweet Harvests (2001) [8]
• Breaking Dawn and Healing (2005) [9]
• The Nature of Things (2006) [10]

Textbooks by Tillis

• Jazz Theory and Improvisation: A Manual of Keyboard, Instrumental (or vocal), and Aural Practice, Silhouette Music Corp., New York (1977)

Discography

Frederick Tillis's music has been recorded on albums, including:

• Frederick Tillis: Freedom, New World Records (1996)
  • Motherless Child
  • Spiritual Fantasy No. 12: Nobody Knows the Trouble I See
  • Spiritual Fantasy No. 12: Wade in the Water
  • Spiritual Fantasy No. 12: Crucifixian (He Never Said a Mumbelin' Word)
  • Spiritual Fantasy No. 12: I'm A-Rollin'
  • Spiritual Fantasy No. 9 (Sympathy)
  • Freedom
  • Beyond Shades of Doubt
  • The Rain Forest
  • Singing for The Sake of My Soul
  • The Best Times