Rhythm of success: Teagle’s path from San Jac to jazz performance at TSU
San Jacinto College alumnus Terrance Teagle's love for music developed in a household filled with diverse sounds.
Teagle grew up surrounded by his parents' varied music tastes. His mother, a third-generation musician, gravitated toward gospel, neo-soul, and R&B, and his father, funk, hip-hop, and rock.
"I grew up with music always playing," he said. "A music career was the only thing that ever truly made sense."
After graduating from Dobie High School in 2020, Teagle attended San Jac because of the smaller, more intimate environment and the Promise @ San Jac Scholarship.
“I participated in a joint concert with the Dobie jazz band and the San Jac jazz ensemble,” he said. “I liked what I saw, and the facilities were great.”
At San Jac, Teagle broadened his skill set, calling his experience “enriching.” His versatility now spans flute, clarinet, and piano, but his primary instrument has always been the saxophone.
In 2022, Teagle earned his Associate of Arts in music and transferred to Texas Southern University, where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Music in jazz performance.
With its rich jazz tradition and the famed "Ocean of Soul" marching band, TSU felt like the next step for a young musician passionate about jazz.
"If you ask certain people who play on the scene and around town where to study jazz, they say TSU," he said.
Jazz and the freedom of improvisation have become central to his musical identity.
"In jazz, technically, you can say whatever you want. It's that freedom you don't necessarily get from other parts of life," he said. "I can tell a story, a happy one or a sad one. I can rearrange an idea a lot of different ways."
Recently, Teagle returned to San Jac for a special moment — leading a jazz improvisation clinic for students. For him, the experience felt like a homecoming, a chance to demonstrate how far he has come.
"I set up the deal to challenge the students," he said. "It's a shock to the system to put you on the spot. It forces you to rise to the occasion."
In November, Teagle returned to San Jac again to perform in a joint concert featuring the Dobie High School, TSU, and San Jac jazz ensembles, creating a full-circle moment.
As he reflects on his journey, he emphasizes the importance of trusting oneself, especially when it comes to improvisation.
"You're thrown in there, and then they kick off a song, and everybody's waiting to see what you're going to do," Teagle said. "Even if it doesn't go well, at least you saw it through."
Teagle will graduate from TSU in May 2025. So what's next?
"My top choice for grad school is Loyola University," he said. "I plan on studying there with sax player Wes Anderson. I've seen some of his work, and I like his style. I'd love to study in the great city of New Orleans."
