The Monroe Street Journal

Issue date: 3/10/08 Section: Features

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On a relaxing evening, crowds of Ross students and faculty gathered together in the basement of Wyly Hall to engage in a memorable event. In contrast to normal guest events where notable business executives show up to lecture, this event featured an internationally acclaimed trombonist named Jiggs Whigham. Mr. Whigham is an American born musician who currently lives in Germany. Involved in every facet of music, Whigham performs, conducts, compose, and teaches music in multiple countries including England, Germany, and the United States. Traveling all the way from Germany, Mr. Whigham comes to Ross with the intention of doing two things: entertain and preach the marriage of business and music.

Starting off with a piece from the "Autumn Springs," Mr. Whigham stunned his audience with awe. As Ross students enjoyed his melody, Whigham began to question his audience about what they hear. After the initial performance, Mr. Whigham led a brief question-and-answer discussion where he attempted to explain how he visualizes and create music. "What we're doing here is that we're taking in all this information, and in any given moment, we're going to direct it and build from it," said Mr. Whigham.

Whigham also spoke to Ross students about the different genres of music, and he particularly spoke about Jazz. Speaking with his sense of humor, Whigham claimed that Jazz musicians are spontaneous and fun to be around. "Jazz musicians are usually making decisions in milliseconds; it is the nature of the beast," Whigham stated. "There is nothing better than hanging out with a bunch of Jazz musicians." Then all of a sudden, Mr. Whigham takes the crowd and dictated them to sing Happy Birthday to Dean Dolan. The entire audience then stood up and started to sing.

On a more serious note, Mr. Whigham then began to probe Ross students with questions. "Why are we here to talk about music? Is it because we are interested in the life?" Mr. Whigham then begins to discuss the marriage of business and music. In doing so, he starts off by questioning the concept of money and business. "Is business all about making money? Yes, in one form or another," said Whigham. "But to me, it's important that even though business is all about making money, there lies a responsibility to our society. With this money-making mentality, you also must have a debt of commitment to what you're doing hopefully for our society," said Whigham. "That's where the marriage of business and the arts of music come together. We need you to make this music business work, and you need us," he declares.

Mr. Whigham further emphasized how music can be a remedy for easing our pain, stress, and difficulties. To demonstrate, Whigham again reaches out to the crowd; and this time, he tells them to dance with a partner and sing in the classroom. When everyone (including Dean Dolan) was dancing, singing, and laughing, the usual intensity of the Ross community seemed to have temporarily disappeared.

Finally, Whigham emphasizes "giving" as a part of our service-oriented careers. "Sure you want to make a profit, but you must be a giver and give back," said Whigham. As he continues to lecture, Whigham was able to realistically capture the crowd in terms of both entertaining and educating them. Filled with laughter and joy, this remarkable event was overall an enjoyable experience shared by the Ross community.

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