Meet Mace Hibbard

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mace Hibbard.

Mace, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in a musical family in Waco, Texas where my father taught at the local college. He is a jazz trumpet player, my mother was a music teacher and my sister grew up to be an opera singer, so there was always music in the house.

Musically, I started on piano when I was four or five. I also sang when I was a young boy, in both youth choirs and participating in the operas at Baylor University when they needed children. I started saxophone in the 6th grade at the age of 10.

I didn’t start playing jazz until I was a sophomore in high school, but then I dove right in. I had a great high school band director who was very motivating named Byron Swann. I was also lucky that my father, David Hibbard, ran a weekly jam session where I was able to learn how to play with some great local players. That kind of experience was invaluable as I was able to really perform the music in a real-world experience instead of just the classroom.

From there I went to the University of Texas at Austin where I got both my Bachelors and Masters degrees. I was able to study with the great Harvey Pittel, one of the master saxophone professors. While not a jazz player, he taught me how to truly play the saxophone at a high level, and more importantly, music. (no matter what the style) In terms of jazz, I studied with the pianist Jeff Hellmer, who was a huge inspiration.

Also, during that time, I was fortunate to live in Austin, Texas where there is a vibrant music scene. From very early on, I was playing gigs 3-4 nights a week with all sorts of bands. Blues, Swing, Jazz, Country…. you name it. I gained so much experience on stage an also from the local musicians who not only taught me how to be a better musician but taught me the important aspects of being a professional.

After 10 years in Austin, my wife and I decided we wanted to try somewhere new and relocated to Atlanta. I was lucky early to meet Joe Gransden, who really went out of his way to introduce me to the musicians in Atlanta. Since then, it has been a steady growth of playing with so many great musicians. A couple of years after moving, I started my own quintet, which still performs to this day, featuring great musicians like Melvin Jones, Louis Heriveaux, Marc Miller and Marlon Patton.

I’ve been able to start some great musical partnerships with musicians like Trey Wright (the Hibbard/Wright Project) and have been lucky to perform with groups as wide-ranging as The Joe Gransden Big Band, The Atlanta Symphony, The Melvin Jones Quintet, The Georgia Symphony Big Band.and so many other great musicians. Also, living in Atlanta has allowed me to play and tour with some fantastic musicians, including The Derek Trucks Band, Lyle Lovett, Jerry Douglas and Quincy Jones.

In addition to my playing career, I’ve also been an educator. I have taught at both Georgia State University and Georgia Tech, and I have done many middle schools and high clinics around the area to hopefully foster music education.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I consider myself very, very lucky. That being said, being a musician is a very different lifestyle and it can sometimes be difficult. I think the best advice is to be flexible and varied in the things you can do, from teaching to playing. That way, if there is a drop-off or a slow period in one aspect, the other aspect can help sustain you.

In terms of performing, it is so important to be able to perform in many different styles and as a woodwind player, many different instruments! That way, when someone calls, whether it is a small group jazz gig, a symphony gig, a Broadway show, or a rock band, you are able to deliver what is needed.

I have also been incredibly lucky to have a supportive wife and family, who really make it all possible.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I specialize in saxophone and woodwind performance and as an educator. Honestly, I just try to be a positive influence to the music in whatever situation I’m in. It sounds simple in a way, but I really want to always make the music better.

As an educator, my goal is to help my students become the best musicians they can become. Everyone learns differently, and it is my job to connect with them in a way that helps them succeed. I have been very lucky to work with some extremely talented students over the years.

What I am most proud of is the fact that I get to perform and teach music on a daily basis with some of my best friends. The music is great, but the friendships I’ve formed are far more important.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
At this point, as a father and a husband, my definition of success is MUCH different than it was 10 years ago. My definition of success is to be there for them. Sometimes that means my career may suffer because I’m unable to do certain things, but I’m fine with that.

But I don’t think that’s what you meant with the question, so I’ll answer it musically!

Once again, I define success by being a positive influence on the music. I want to be able to say yes to whatever gig I get called for and know that I can be an asset. Music can be humbling, and I certainly am not always successful, but that is my goal.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.macehibbard.com
• Email: mace@macehibbard.com
• Instagram: macehibbard1
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/macehibbard1/

Image Credit:
Keith Taylor, Angela Taylor, Sam Yi

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