Music
Frederick A. Fox
1931–2011 · composer, music educator
Detroit-born composer and former jazz saxophonist, a Wayne State graduate who founded the Indiana University New Music Ensemble.
- Born
Detroit, Michigan- Died
aged 80- Birth name
- Frederick Alfred Fox Jr.
- Detroit years
- 1931–1950s
- Field
- Music
01 / The Detroit story
The Detroit story
Fox was born in Detroit in 1931 and got his early musical training in his hometown, studying saxophone with Larry Teal, the woodwind teacher who shaped generations of Detroit players, and theory and arranging with Ray McConnell. He studied composition with Ruth Shaw Wylie and earned his bachelor of music at Wayne State University in 1953. After a year with Ross Lee Finney at the University of Michigan he left to tour as a jazz tenor and baritone saxophonist, then gave up the road in 1956–1957 to compose seriously. He earned his master's and doctorate at Indiana University, taught and worked for foundations around the country, and returned to Indiana in 1974 as professor of composition. There he founded the university's New Music Ensemble in 1975–1976 and made it one of the leading ensembles of its kind, touring to Chicago, Washington, San Francisco and New York.
Highlights
- Studied saxophone in Detroit with Larry Teal
- Bachelor of music, Wayne State University, 1953
- Toured as a jazz saxophonist before turning to composition
- Founded the Indiana University New Music Ensemble (1975–1976)
02 / Their Detroit places
Their Detroit places 1
Where they lived, worked, performed and liked to hang out. Closed and demolished places stay here too, because they are part of the city's history.
Studied here · about 1949–1953
Wayne State University
Fox earned his bachelor of music degree here in 1953, studying composition with Ruth Shaw Wylie.