Biography
Musician, Composer, Bandleader, and Educator, Branson Bell strives to assist those he meets in becoming a better version of themselves. His music is straightforward, understandable, and relatable. At the 2019 Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, his band was said to display “an excellent approach to blend in sound and tone quality.” His composition Slim was performed in the spring of 2020 by the WSU Jazz Big Band and met with high praise.
Originally from Salt Lake City Utah, Branson began his journey through music at Bountiful High School where he first realized his calling to be a music educator. He received a Bachelors degree in Music Education where he was able to perform with artists like renowned trumpet player Dave Douglas, and legendary baritone saxophone player Jason Marshall. He studied Jazz and classical saxophone with award winning saxophonist and educator, Doctor Jon Gudmundson As a part of his degree, Branson worked as a student teacher at Woodscross High School where he was an impactful part of the program.
Branson is currently progressing through a Masters degree at Washington State University where he works as a Graduate Assistant. His roles at the university include assisting in Jazz History, music appreciation courses, and directing the WSU Big Band II. Branson studies composition with Doctor Greg Yasinitsky, saxophone performance with Professor Horace Alexander Young, and conducting with Doctor Dan Pham. His research focuses on the differentiation and pedagogical techniques required for directing and composing for developing jazz bands. Members of his Masters committee include Doctors Greg Yasinitsky, Martin King, Dave Turnbull, and Professor Horace Alexander Young.
Branson’s second most important goal in life is to bring people of all cultures and backgrounds together. In his words, music is the only language that connects all race, culture, and religion. Through his career, Branson has promoted suicide awareness and safe place procedures for his students. To him the word educator is the most important part of his title. His students are a part of his family. What is Branson's first most important goal? To learn how to best his wife in a game of banana grams... She is his first and highest priority.
Services
Commissions
Branson is available for hire on commissions for Wind Ensemble, Jazz Big Band, Jazz Combos, Marching Band, and Choirs. Branson has training in writing arrangements and original compositions with Composers Greg Yasinitsky and Horace Alexander Young.
Performances
Branson has extensive experience performing as a classical and jazz soloist on tenor and alto saxophone, flute, and clarinet. He has performed with wind ensemble, jazz big band, jazz combo, orchestra. rock, funk, and r and b groups. Branson also has experience organizing and managing performing groups.
Lessons
Branson has experience teaching private lessons for flute, saxophone, clarinet, beginning guitar, piano, and voice. Branson is available for hire as a music teacher for students of all ages.
Work
