ResourcesAPS PACEsetter: Tia Fuller Jams with Beyoncé
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When Tia Fuller picked up a musical instrument in third grade at Wheeling Elementary School, she had no idea that one day she would perform with a Grammy winner. Her journey has taken her across the world with international celebrity and singer Beyoncé.
While at Wheeling, Fuller learned to play the recorder. In fourth grade, her parents bought her a flute at a school auction and her love for music grew.
A few years later, Fuller played the flute at Aurora Hills Middle School under the direction of music teacher John Toepfer. Toepfer suggested that she switch from flute to saxophone because of the similarities in the instruments.
“Tia’s musicianship was always outstanding. I remember her love of life, her sense of who she was and where she was going, and the smile in her voice every day.”
- John Toepfer
Aurora Hills Middle School Music Teacher
Fuller attended Gateway High School where she played flute in the concert band, saxophone in the jazz band and drums in the marching band. “I remember practicing for 4 to 5 hours a day,” said Fuller. “Our drum instructor stressed the need to be disciplined in order to excel. I learned the importance of building skills, being productive while practicing and working as part of a team.”
Fuller graduated from Gateway in 1994 and later earned a bachelor’s degree in music from Spelman College and a master’s degree in jazz pedagogy/performance from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
In
June 2006, Fuller learned that R&B artist Beyoncé was looking for an all-female band. She auditioned along with thousands of hopefuls and is now playing saxophone in Beyoncé’s band. “Beyoncé chooses musicians for her all-female band who complement each other. Her show reflects diversity of music genres — funk, classical, Coltrane and gospel. It’s great to be a part of this group,” said Fuller.
Fuller has played more than 150 concerts with Beyoncé and credits her success to her early musical career in APS.
“I have to be consistent in my performance while I am on tour. This takes a lot of discipline. I learned about discipline, diligence and consistency from my teachers and family.”
- Tia Fuller
Professional Musician & Gateway Grad
To read more about Fuller’s amazing career and hear music from her “Healing Space” CD, visit www.tiafuller.com.
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