NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — It’s been said that the best teachers teach from the heart. No one embodies that more than a music legend who has been changing lives at the Neighborhood Music School in New Haven for decades.
At 85 years old, Jesse Hameen II is still at the top of his game. He has hands that make magic with a pair of drumsticks — lightning quick and always in rhythm.
Hameen II is a fixture at the Neighborhood Music School, sharing his gift with hundreds of up-and-coming drummers.
“I teach them it’s not just what you do musically, but the holistic attributes of music, how you make that a part of your personal life, private life, and business life,” Hameen II said.
His top student these days is 18-year-old Ben Sachar of Bethany. He’s been learning under Hameen II’s watchful eye for the past four years.
“He’s one of the best teachers I’ve ever had, counting school and everything,” Sachar said. “Whenever I see him play, I just can’t keep from smiling- because he has so much love and you can tell by how he plays the drums and how he expresses himself musically, you can tell music is a part of him,” he continued.
Before turning his focus on teaching, Hameen II played in jazz clubs in New Haven and New York City, alongside some of the biggest names in music, including Lena Horne, Grover Washington Jr. and George Benson.
“My mother and father said I came out of the womb, beating a rhythm,” Hameen II said.
A packed house was at the school last month to celebrate his 85th birthday with a concert, and he was the star of the show.
“When I walked in, I felt love; people definitely care about me, my eyes teared up,” he said.
Around the campus, he’s a legend who makes time for everyone.
“Every single time he comes, he walks the halls, knocks on doors, and says hello to every single person in the building; that’s a rare treat that kind of humanity,” executive director at Neighborhood Music School, Noah Bloom, said.
Hameen II said he loves bringing people together, traveling the world with the joy of music.
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