|
|
|
|
Dr. Allison Adams is Associate Professor of Saxophone at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. She is a member of the Nief-Norf Contemporary Music Ensemble and the tenor saxophonist in Estrella Consort, a saxophone quartet devoted to the performance of new music. Adams frequently performs with the Knoxville Symphony and has been featured in recitals across the country. She has also performed at the World Saxophone Congress, International Saxophone Symposium, North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) Conferences, International Clarinet Association Conference, and TUTTI Festival.
Besides her study of the saxophone, Adams’ main area of research centers around performance injuries, wellness for musicians, and the integration of yoga into performance. A chapter on her recovery from focal dystonia is available in the collection Notes of Hope (Mountain Peak Music).
Her main saxophone teachers include Timothy McAllister, Eugene Rousseau, and
Steven Mauk. She is a D’Addario Performing Artist. For more information, please go to www.allisondadams.com
Crystal Alexander-Duckett is an Austin based saxophonist, educator and composer. In 2018, Crystal’s saxophone quartet Code Seis was premiered the Les Bois Quartet at Texas State University. In 2015, Crystal was a guest artist at the 6th Sax Fest Costa Rica Internacional. Here, Crystal performed as a featured soloist with the Banda de Conciertos de San Jose. She also taught master classes in chamber music and electronic music at the Universidad de Costa Rica and the Instituto Nacional de Musica. An active member of NASA, Crystal continues to premiere new music and lecture on topics including the integration of Tai Chi for musicians. Crystal is a member of the Austin Saxophone Ensemble, and has performed with other musical groups such as the Midwest Winds, and the Round Rock and Topeka Symphony Orchestras.
Joining TWU’s music faculty in 2010, Roy Allen brought nearly 30 years of experience in performing and teaching saxophone to undergraduate and graduate level students. In addition to teaching at TWU, Allen is currently the Director of Instrumental Studies /Professor of Saxophone at Brookhaven College in Dallas, Texas. Mr. Allen's students have gone on to being recognized throughout the country.
Mr. Allen has performed extensively with the East Texas, Mesquite, Garland, Las Colinas, Waco and the Dallas symphony orchestras – as well as the TAMU-Commerce Wind Ensemble, Richardson Community Band and the Camerata Woodwind Quintet. Allen has been a tenured member of the Dallas Winds (formerly the Dallas Wind Symphony) since 1992 and has performed on over 15 internationally released recordings with the group on both alto and tenor saxophones. Mr. Allen received his Bachelor and Master degrees from Baylor University, where he was a student of Dr. Michael Jacobson.
Dr. Anderson holds degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Ithaca College, and Indiana University. His teachers have included: Debra Richtmeyer, Steven Mauk, Otis Murphy, and Eugene Rousseau.
As a faculty member of the University of Alberta since 2009, Allison trains the next generation of thoughtful, artistic musicians, teaching saxophone, chamber music, woodwind techniques, and aural skills. Outside of the university, Allison helps develop the contemporary arts community as the President of New Music Edmonton, Alberta’s premiere new music concert presenter, since 2010. She was also the co-curator of SubArctic Improv, a monthly concert series pairing dancers, musicians, text, and visual artists in a totally improvised context which ran from 2016-2018. In 2017 she was awarded the Qualico Artistic Leadership Award from the City of Edmonton. Allison's recent musical activities include UltraViolet ensemble, improvisation ensemble damn magpies, the Edmonton Saxophone Quartet, and work with Edmontonian dance companies. She has premiered over 70 solo or chamber works for saxophone.
James Barrera has been active as a performer and teacher in Southern California for over 20 years. He has performed throughout the Los Angeles and Orange County region as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral performer. In demand as a teacher and clinician James is Lecturer of Saxophone at the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at CSU Long Beach where he has taught since 2005. He has adjudicated for the MTNA State and National competitions and host for the NASA Region II Conference. James is the founder of the California Saxophone Choir, and the ALLOY wind duo. His primary teachers include Leo Potts, Dr. Otis Murphy, and Dr. Douglas Masek. James holds degrees from CSU Long Beach, Indiana University, and is currently a DMA candidate at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music. James currently resides in Cypress CA with his wife Janelle, son Michael, 3 cats, and dog, Oilver.
Chris Beaty is Associate Professor of Saxophone at Texas A&M University-Commerce, teaching applied saxophone lessons, coaching quartets and conducting the saxophone choir. Additionally, he directs Jazz Ensemble I and teaches courses in jazz improvisation, pedagogy and history. He holds degrees from the University of Memphis (DMA-saxophone performance), University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (MM-saxophone performance) and Austin Peay State University (BS-music education). His principal teachers include Allen Rippe, Rick Van Matre, and Stephen Clark.
Prior to his appointment at Texas A&M University-Commerce Dr. Beaty held teaching positions at Eastern New Mexico University and Austin Peay State University.
Rhett Bender is a Professor of Music (Saxophone) at the Oregon Center for the Arts at Southern Oregon University. He is the Director of the Siskiyou Saxophone Orchestra and Cascade Clarinet Consort. Bender served as the Region 1 Director of the North American Saxophone Alliance. He directs the Siskiyou Saxophone Orchestra in Ashland, Oregon. In China, Bender is saxophone guest artist-teacher at the Sichuan Conservatory in Chengdu and a Visiting Professor at the School of Arts of Yantai University. Bender performs with the Globe Saxophone Quartet, Rogue Valley Symphony, Britt Festival Orchestra, and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Rhett Bender is a Conn-Selmer Artist Clinician.
JEFF BENEDICT, founding member of the Orion Saxophone Quartet, holds a B.M. and an M.A. from the Lamont School of Music and a D.M.A. from the University of Texas at Austin, where he was a student of Harvey Pittel. He has been the winner of four "deebee" awards from Downbeat magazine, one each for Classical Performance and Jazz Composition, and two for Jazz Performance. He is in demand as a classical soloist, and has premiered many new works for the Saxophone. He is an accomplished jazz artist as well, and has produced 15 jazz recordings on Resurgent Music, Sea Breeze and Tapestry Records. Jeff is a Professor Emeritus of Music at the California State University, Los Angeles.
JEFF BENEDICT, founding member of the Orion Saxophone Quartet, holds a B.M. and an M.A. from the Lamont School of Music and a D.M.A. from the University of Texas at Austin, where he was a student of Harvey Pittel. He has been the winner of four "deebee" awards from Downbeat magazine, one each for Classical Performance and Jazz Composition, and two for Jazz Performance. He is in demand as a classical soloist, and has premiered many new works for the Saxophone. He is an accomplished jazz artist as well, and has produced 15 jazz recordings on Resurgent Music, Sea Breeze and Tapestry Records. Jeff is a Professor Emeritus of Music at the California State University, Los Angeles.
Nicholas Bissen is a freelance teacher and performer in Houston, TX, teaching a full studio across the city. Nicholas’s teaching values lead him to frequently conduct and arrange for saxophone. His arrangement of Delibes’s “Flower Duet” was recently featured on the trio album by James Bunte, Nathan Nabb, and Hyun Ji Oh, “Jamnaji,” and his edition of Fernande Decruck’s Sonata in C# was performed by James Bunte at the opening concerto concert for the 2018 NASA Biennial conference in Cincinnati. Nicholas’s newest adaptation is Khachaturian’s Violin Concerto in D Minor for Alto Saxophone.
Nicholas received his BME from the University of Central Missouri, MM from the University of Cincinnati, Performance Certificate from Stephen F. Austin State University, and received four years of additional instruction from the Frederic L. Hemke Saxophone Institute. These teachers respectively are, James Gai, James Bunte, Nathan Nabb, Frederic Hemke, John Sampen, and Gail Levinsky.
www.nicholasbissen.com
Saxophonist, composer, and educator David Bixler is a multi-faceted artist, having received critical acclaim for both his playing and his writing. He actively leads several projects that serve as platforms for his diverse musical interests. As a sideman David has performed and toured the world with the orchestras of Chico O'Farrill, Lionel Hampton, and Toshiko Akiyoshi. He is also active as a composer in both the jazz and classical worlds, and recently premiered The Hughes Project, musical ruminations on the poems of Langston Hughes for jazz quintet and string quartet. He is the host of Liner Notes with David Bixler, a new podcast centered on conversations with jazz musicians. Bixler is the Director of Jazz Studies at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. As both a Selmer and Vandoren Artist he is active as a clinician throughout the world.
Nathan Bogert is Assistant Professor of Music Performance (Saxophone) at Ball State University. As a standout saxophonist of his generation, Nathan is in demand as a performer and clinician. His performances have taken him to venues on five continents as both a soloist and member of various ensembles. Described as “unbelievably stunning” by Sequenza 21 of the Contemporary Classical Music Community, Nathan’s musical endeavors as both a classical and jazz saxophonist have distinguished him as one of the more unique saxophonists of the younger generation.
As a soloist, he has appeared with many orchestras and bands including the top concert ensembles at both Ball State University and the University of Iowa. Nathan’s commitment to commissioning new compositions has enabled him to premiere compositions by composers Aaron Perrine, Jody Nagel, Benjamin Fuhrman, and Israel Neumann among others.
Myles Boothroyd is a performing artist dedicated to promoting the versatility of the saxophone across traditional genre boundaries. He has earned top national prizes in the MTNA solo and chamber competitions, as well as first prize in the NASA collegiate solo competition. He serves as assistant editor for The Saxophone Symposium and has presented at conferences across the United States and Canada.
Boothroyd teaches as Assistant Professor of Saxophone and Music Theory at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in saxophone performance and literature, a Master of Music degree in saxophone performance and literature, and a Master of Arts degree in music theory pedagogy from the Eastman School of Music. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Central Michigan University. His former teachers include Chien-Kwan Lin and John Nichol.
As a soloist, Dr. Bradfield has performed across the United States, Canada, England and Australia, and her solo CD, Variations, is available on Mark Records. She has also been featured in performance at the World Saxophone Congress, North American Saxophone Alliance Biennial Convention, and North American Saxophone Alliance Region 2, 3, and 4 Conventions.
Dr. Bradfield completed her doctorate in saxophone performance at the University of North Texas, and her dissertation An Annotated Bibliography of Selected Music for Saxophone by Charles Ruggiero with an Analysis of Interplay for Soprano Saxophone and Piano has since been published. At UNT, she also earned a Master of Music in saxophone performance and Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies. Dr. Bradfield is currently Associate Professor of Saxophone at the University of Northern Iowa, and has served on the faculty of Eastern New Mexico University, Cameron University, Oklahoma State University, and Oklahoma Christian University.
From his 30+ million views across social media to his appearance on international television and NPR’s Weekend Edition, Billboard-charting saxophonist/innovator Derek Brown and his ground-breaking extended technique style has been exploding across the world music scene.
Derek has performed solo concerts in all 50 United States and over 25 countries around the world (almost 200 total international shows). His ongoing “BEATBoX SAX” music videos and tutorials on YouTube have been enormously popular among saxophonists and music lovers alike (over 130,000 Youtube subscriptions), leading to endorsements with Legere, JodyJazz, P.Mauriat, BG France, and AKG.
Previously Director of Saxophone and Jazz Studies at Abilene Christian University for six years, Derek received his BM in Music Performance (Classical and Jazz) from Hope College (2006) and his MM in Jazz Studies at University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music (2008).
Greg Bruce is a woodwind player, composer, and educator from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. His main creative output for the past several years has been leading the award-winning sax-machine, Ouroboros. Through Greg’s leadership, the band has released two full-length recordings, thoroughly toured Eastern Canada, and played in the US and the UK.
As an educator, Greg has been teaching privately for over 15 years. He has worked as a sessional instructor at Memorial University, adjudicated festivals and competitions, and has led numerous masterclasses and workshops, including his Horn Jam! series for nand students.
Currently, Greg lives in Ontario where he is pursuing his doctoral studies at the University of Toronto. As part of his research, Greg is composing for a new amplified-saxophone-feedback system that he invented, as well as studying jazz and classical approaches to electroacoustic saxophone
A native of Geneseo, Illinois, Jim Buennig [BYOO-nig] is a saxophonist, educator, composer, and recording artist based in Iowa City, Iowa, specializing in a range of musical styles with his main focus being jazz. He received a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies from Western Illinois University and a Master of Arts degree in Jazz Studies from The University of Iowa.
Jim currently teaches at Black Hawk College in Moline, Illinois and is completing his final project for the Doctor of Musical Arts degree at The University of Texas at Austin Butler School of Music.
Buennig's latest album is entitled Smoke & Mirrors and was released in January of 2019. It consists entirely of original compositions and features his quintet based in Austin, Texas.
Jim Buennig is a D'Addario Woodwinds artist.
Houston-based saxophonist and educator Reese Burgan is Adjunct Professor of Saxophone at Lone Star College - Montgomery and coordinator of the annual Montgomery Saxophone Day. His performing career has taken him around North America, including appearances at multiple NASA conferences, The Midwest Clinic, and the International Duo Symposium, as well in local venues in Houston and Atlanta.
Additionally, Reese is a private lesson teacher maintaining a vibrant saxophone studio of over 50 students spanning The Woodlands and Cypress areas and is the site coordinator for the Young Saxophonist’s Institute - Klein, an annual summer saxophone camp with locations throughout Houston and Dallas.
His special interests include new music and collaboration. Recent commissions include works by composers including Lowell Fuchs, Michael Markowski, and Coleman Rowlett spanning genres including electronic music, chamber music, and solo works. Reese holds a Master’s Degree from Georgia State University and a Bachelor’s Degree from Sam Houston State University.
Saxophonist Aaron Burr is currently pursuing his Doctorate of Arts in Saxophone Performance at the University of Northern Colorado. There he serves as the graduate teaching assistant to Dr. Andrew Dahlke. He also holds a Master of Music degree from The University of New Mexico, and a Bachelor of Music degree from Northern Arizona University. His primary teachers include Dr. Andrew Dahlke, Dr. Eric Lau, Dr. Ashley Kelly, Glenn Kostur, and Dr. Jonathan Bergeron. Aaron has had the opportunity to perform with the NAU, and UNC symphony orchestras, collaborate with composers on new chamber works, and give recitals in both Arizona and New Mexico. In Albuquerque, he was in demand for teaching private lessons, as well as a clinician, working for several high schools in the area. He was a member of the Platinum Saxophone Quartet which were the guest artists for the Music from Angel Fire school outreach program in April of 2018 and in April 2019.
Saxophonist Aaron Burr is currently pursuing his Doctorate of Arts in Saxophone Performance at the University of Northern Colorado. There he serves as the graduate teaching assistant to Dr. Andrew Dahlke. He also holds a Master of Music degree from The University of New Mexico, and a Bachelor of Music degree from Northern Arizona University. His primary teachers include Dr. Andrew Dahlke, Dr. Eric Lau, Dr. Ashley Kelly, Glenn Kostur, and Dr. Jonathan Bergeron. Aaron has had the opportunity to perform with the NAU, and UNC symphony orchestras, collaborate with composers on new chamber works, and give recitals in both Arizona and New Mexico. In Albuquerque, he was in demand for teaching private lessons, as well as a clinician, working for several high schools in the area. He was a member of the Platinum Saxophone Quartet which were the guest artists for the Music from Angel Fire school outreach program in April of 2018 and in April 2019.
Katherine Campbell is a saxophonist based in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She is a member of the T.H.A. Saxophone Quartet, an ensemble that strives to play music by living composers. Katherine has appeared with the Occhiolism Quartet at the Navy Band Saxophone Symposium. Katherine is finishing an undergraduate degree at Bowling Green State University with Distinguished Artist Professor Dr. John Sampen. Katherine has also participated in masterclasses with Carrie Koffman, Jim Umble, and Rhonda Taylor. She strives to expand the audience base for classical saxophone through engaging performances in public spaces.
Saxophonist Dr. Dave Camwell is a distinguished, versatile and dynamic performer, and serves as the Director of Jazz Studies and Associate Professor of Music at Troy University in Alabama. Camwell is a Yamaha, D'Addario, and Beechler Performing Artist and has over thirty publications available through Jeanne, Dorn and UNC Jazz Press. He has been involved in a variety of commissioning projects, including co-leading a consortium with Dr. Stephen Page that resulted in a popular new work by noted composer Marc Mellits entitled Tachycardia. In 2017, noted composer David Canfield dedicated his Concerto After Mendelssohn to Camwell, who has performed the work several times in the United States and Canada. The concerto was recorded with the Alberta Winds in May, 2019.
Camwell studied at the universities of Calgary, Jacksonville State, Northern Colorado, and Oregon, and can be heard on the Parma, Innova, Enharmonic, Teal Creek, and Mark Custom recording labels.
Dr. Seth Carper is a saxophonist and music educator teaching in the Jazz Studies program at Texas State University. Leading his quartet and co-leading the NOW Jazz Orchestra (New Original Works), Seth is an integral part of the central Texas jazz community. He holds a DMA and MM in Jazz Performance, and a BM in Music Education. As a performer, he has shared the stage with such jazz greats as Ernie Watts, Vincent Herring, Maynard Ferguson, Pete Christlieb, Bill Mobley, Jack Walrath, Joel Frahm, Andrey Heyward, and Jerry Dodgion.
Dr. Seth Carper is a saxophonist and music educator teaching in the Jazz Studies program at Texas State University. Leading his quartet and co-leading the NOW Jazz Orchestra (New Original Works), Seth is an integral part of the central Texas jazz community. He holds a DMA and MM in Jazz Performance, and a BM in Music Education. As a performer, he has shared the stage with such jazz greats as Ernie Watts, Vincent Herring, Maynard Ferguson, Pete Christlieb, Bill Mobley, Jack Walrath, Joel Frahm, Andrey Heyward, and Jerry Dodgion.
Christopher M. Charbonneau completed his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Performance at Arizona State University in 2015. He holds a Master of Music degree from Indiana University and a Bachelor of Music degree from California State University at Long Beach. His instructors have included Dr. Michael Hester, Dr. Timothy McAllister, Dr. Otis Murphy, Leo Potts, and Dr. Joseph Wytko. Christopher recently relocated to the Los Angeles area with his wife and duo partner, Hanah Charbonneau. Duo Charbonneau has performed throughout the United States, France, and Germany premiering exciting new works for saxophone and piano by Ida Gotkovsky, Kevin Timothy Austin, Michael Markowski, Gil Dori, and Roger Przyltulski. Christopher also performs as Tenor Saxophonist with the Bandersnatch Trio/Quartet and the Upland Saxophone Quartet.
nullDamian Cheek is the current Adjunct Instructor of Saxophone at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith and is completing a Doctorate in Musical Arts at the University of Oklahoma. Damian has been recognized as a classical solo and chamber performer and received first place awards at the Naftzger Young Artist Competition (2018), North American Saxophone Alliance Quartet Competition (2018), and Music Teacher's National Association Chamber Music Competition (2018). Damian has performed internationally as a founding member of the Elysian Quartet and has performed as a guest with the h2 Quartet. In 2018 the Elysian Quartet released their debut album, Red, under the Blue Griffin Recording label – featuring Damian’s arrangement of Marc Mellit’s marimba duet, Red. Aside from arrangements, Damian is a strong proponent of new music and has commissioned solo, quartet, mixed chamber, and electroacoustic works featuring the saxophone.
Southern California native Yiqun Chen is a saxophonist and pedagogue in both the concert and jazz idioms. Dr. Chen has taught and performed throughout the United States and internationally with appearances in Japan, China, Belgium, and Croatia.
Dr. Chen has been a featured soloist with the University of Iowa Concert Band, Hong Kong Youth Saxophone Choir, and La Prima Vera Youth Symphony Orchestra based in Orange County, California.
Dr. Chen received a BM from California State University Long Beach, an MAT from the University of Southern California, and DMA from the University of Iowa. Yiqun Chen currently serves as Instructor of Jazz Studies and Saxophone at South Dakota State University.
Primary teachers include: Kenneth Tse, Damani Phillips, Leo Potts, Jay Mason, James Barrera, Rusty Higgins, and Christopher Charbonneau.
Dr. Chen is a D’Addario Woodwinds Artist and Yamaha Performing Artist. He performs exclusively on D’Addario reeds and Yamaha saxophones.
Dr. William Chien is a soloist, chamber musician, author and educator. He has performed throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. He holds the degree of Doctor of Music from the University of North Texas. Currently Dr. Chien is the director of the saxophone ensemble at Southwestern Adventist University. Dr. Chien has premiered several new compositions at World Saxophone Congresses, NASA Biennial Conferences, Navy International Saxophone Symposium and Asian Saxophone Congress.
Dr. Devon Howard was born in Colorado and began piano studies at the age of eight. He studied in The Netherlands at Codarts Conservatorium in Rotterdam. At the time, he served as organist in Reform and Scottish International churches and traveled throughout Europe performing on historic instruments. He completed a Doctor of Music Arts degree with Dr. Kimberly Marshall at Arizona State University. Dr. Howard is the assistant professor and department chair in music of Southwestern Adventist Univeristy.
Nicholas Childs is an active saxophonist and educator currently residing in Buffalo, New York. As a chamber musician, Childs has performed at the NYSSMA Conference opening concert as well as in various chamber music series across New York, including Caffe Lena on the Battehnkill and the De Blasiis Chamber Music Series. In addition to traditional concert venues, Childs has performed as part of mixed media performances with local artists and children’s outreach series. As an advocate of new music Childs has premiered works by Zdenek Lukas and Kevin Austin and been an active participant in the ETHOS New Music Society and Florida State University’s Festival of New Music.
Childs holds degrees from Florida State University (DM), SUNY Fredonia (MM) and Northern Arizona University (BM) and has performed in various masterclasses for artists such as Arno Bornkamp, Hans de Jong and Raaf Hekkema.
Dr. Evan Clark is currently the saxophone instructor at the University of Illinois, Springfield. His performances and research projects have taken him throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia where he has garnered recognition from the 5th Jean Marie Londeix Competition, The International Saxophone Symposium and Competition, the Vandoren Emerging Artist Competition, the MTNA National Senior Woodwind Competition, and the National YoungArts Foundation. He has formerly taught at the University of Illinois as the teaching assistant as well as Illinois Summer Youth Music. He has been a part of numerous premieres and commissions including works by Michael Nyman and Dorothy Chang. He holds an undergraduate performance degree from the University of South Carolina and graduate degrees from the University of Illinois where he pursued a musicology minor. He is currently a Kate Neal Kinley Memorial Fellowship recipient for research and performance studies in Berlin, Germany.
Dr. Evan Clark is currently the saxophone instructor at the University of Illinois, Springfield. His performances and research projects have taken him throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia where he has garnered recognition from the 5th Jean Marie Londeix Competition, The International Saxophone Symposium and Competition, the Vandoren Emerging Artist Competition, the MTNA National Senior Woodwind Competition, and the National YoungArts Foundation. He has formerly taught at the University of Illinois as the teaching assistant as well as Illinois Summer Youth Music (ISYM). He has been a part of numerous premieres and commissions including works by Michael Nyman and Dorothy Chang. He holds an undergraduate performance degree from the University of South Carolina and graduate degrees from the University of Illinois where he pursued a musicology minor. He is currently a Kate Neal Kinley Memorial Fellowship recipient for research and performance studies in Berlin, Germany.
Cynthia Cripps has taught at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV, formerly UTPA) since 2006. She teaches saxophone and saxophone ensembles, serves as graduate advisor and on many other department and university committees. She organizes and directs UTRGV’s Summer Saxophone Ensemble which in 2019 registered 70 young saxophonists from across deep South Texas.
Dr. Cripps has presented solos, chamber music, and lectures in numerous North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) Biennial and Regional Conferences and World Saxophone Congresses in Croatia, Slovenia, and the US. She has performed and presented workshops in Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala, and locally.
Dr. Cripps received degrees from Central Michigan University (BME), Ball State University (MM), and the University of Miami (DMA).
Cynthia Cripps has taught at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV, formerly UTPA) since 2006. She teaches saxophone and saxophone ensembles, serves as graduate advisor and many other department and university committees. She organizes and directs UTRGV’s Summer Saxophone Ensemble which in 2019 registered 70 young saxophonists from across deep South Texas.
Dr. Cripps has presented solos, chamber music, and lectures in numerous North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) Biennial and Regional Conferences and World Saxophone Congresses in Croatia, Slovenia, and the US. She has performed and presented workshops in Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala, and locally. She continues to perform on saxophone, bassoon, flute, and clarinet in local chamber and large ensembles.
Dr. Cripps received degrees from Central Michigan University (BME), Ball State University (MM), and the University of Miami (DMA).
Cynthia Cripps has taught at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV, formerly UTPA) since 2006. She teaches saxophone and saxophone ensembles, serves as graduate advisor and many other department and university committees. She organizes and directs UTRGV’s Summer Saxophone Ensemble which in 2019 registered 70 young saxophonists from across deep South Texas.
Dr. Cripps has presented solos, chamber music, and lectures in numerous North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) Biennial and Regional Conferences and World Saxophone Congresses in Croatia, Slovenia, and the US. She has performed and presented workshops in Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala, and locally. She continues to perform on saxophone, bassoon, flute, and clarinet in local chamber and large ensembles.
Dr. Cripps received degrees from Central Michigan University (BME), Ball State University (MM), and the University of Miami (DMA).
Andrew Dahlke is recognized across the U.S. and abroad for the artistry he brings to diverse musical settings,
Andrew has performed regularly with the Philadelphia Orchestra, including on the recent Deutsche Grammophon CD release of Leonard Bernstein's Mass.
As a member of the Capitol Quartet, Andrew was featured with orchestras and in recital across the nation. The quartet's commission and recording of Carter Pann's Mechanics: Six from the Shop Floor, was selected as a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 2016. .
Andrew’s CD Anime' consists of works by Bach, Poulenc, Ravel, Villa-Lobos and Rodney Rogers. He recorded J. S. Bach’s Solo Cello Suites on soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones, while publishing his own edition of the printed music.
Andrew received a U.S. State Department Cultural Arts Grant to tour China with his own quartet.
Andrew is Professor of Saxophone at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.
www.andrewdahlke.com.
Tenor saxophonist David Detweiler was born in Houston, TX and attended the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts under the direction of Dr. Robert Morgan.
Currently Assistant Professor of Jazz Saxophone, David joined the faculty at Florida State University in 2016 after serving as Director of Jazz Studies at Nazareth College (Rochester, NY).
David received the DMA degree from the Eastman School of Music in 2015 and the MM degree from Florida State University in 2010. He also studied at both the University of North Texas and William Paterson University, receiving the BM degree from William Paterson. His teachers include: Ramon Ricker, Charles Pillow, Bill Kennedy, Gary Smulyan, and Steve Wilson.
David has performed and presented research at numerous conferences including the Jazz Education Network (JEN), the College Music Society (CMS), and the North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA). He is also a Vandoren artist.
Dr. Gregory Dewhirst serves as Professor of Music with Tarrant County College, and Adjunct Professor of Saxophone and Associate Director of the wind ensemble at Texas Wesleyan University. An active performer, Dr. Dewhirst performs as a soloist and guest artist, with the Northeast Orchestra in Hurst, the Meridian Chamber Players, Tarrant County College, Texas Wesleyan Wind Ensemble, the Greg Dewhirst Jazz Quartet, Wright Dewhirst Saxophone Duo, the GD Duo (flute and saxophone), and the SAGA Saxophone Quartet. His primary instructors have included Dr. Eric Nestler, Eugene Rousseau, James Riggs, Wayne Dorothy, Matthew Patnode and Mark Watkins. He received his Bachelor of Science in Music Education from North Dakota State University and his Master and Doctorate of Music from the University of North Texas respectively.
Dr. Andy Wright serves as Professor of Saxophone and Woodwinds at Grayson College. He received his doctorate degree in saxophone performance and a Masters of music degree in jazz studies from the University of North Texas. He received his Bachelors in music education from the University of Central Arkansas. Dr. Wright is a Yamaha Performing Artist and plays Yamaha instruments exclusively, along with Vandoren reeds, mouthpieces, and ligatures.
Dr. Gregory Dewhirst serves as Professor of Music with Tarrant County College, and Adjunct Professor of Saxophone and Associate Director of the wind ensemble at Texas Wesleyan University. He received his Bachelor of Science in Music Education from North Dakota State University and and Masters and Doctorate of Music from the University of North Texas, respectively.
Drs. Wright and Dewhirst are memebers of the SAGA Saxophone Quartet and actively perform and teach as clinicians, and jazz and classical artists throughout the Texas region.
Originally from Miami, Florida saxophonist Chris Dickhaus has garnered a reputation as a performer and educator.
From 2006-2016, Chris built an active performance and private teaching schedule throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. As a former member of the Lone Star Wind Orchestra, and the North Texas Wind Symphony, he performed a vast amount of contemporary wind orchestra literature and, under the baton of Eugene Corporon, has been included on fifteen recordings.
Chris has held teaching positions at the University of Northern Iowa (2016-19), and has been Adjunct Instructor of Saxophone at Winona State University since 2017.
He earned performance degrees from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and the University of North Texas, having studied with Dr.’s Steven Stusek, and Eric Nestler, respectively. Residing in Minneapolis, Chris is pursuing a DMA at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, under the tutelage of Dr. Preston Duncan.
He began his studies at Butler University in 2011, where he studied saxophone with Dr. Matt Pivec and Nick Brightman. He also studied clarinet with Shawn Goodman and piano with Gary Walters. During his final year he was honored with an Indianapolis Jazz Foundation scholarship. In 2015, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. He matriculated to Queens College to further his studies.A 2017 graduate of Queens College with a Master of Music degree in Jazz Performance, Brandon studied under the tutelage of Antonio Hart and Tim Armacost. He also had the pleasure of learning from Michael Mossman, David Berkman, Jeb Patton, and Dennis Mackrel. While at QC, he collaborated with a considerable amount of his colleagues in different configurations and ensembles. Upon his graduation he was awarded the prestigious Jimmy Heath Award.
Currently, he is the Assistant Professor of Woodwinds and Music Industry at Kentucky State University.
An internationally acclaimed performer and educator based out of Minneapolis, Preston Duncan has been hailed as “displaying his saxophone mastery” (The Indianapolis Star) with “virtuosic brilliance” (the Muncie Start/Press) as a “terrific talent” (Marvin Hamlisch).
He was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship and performed internationally and given master classes at The Royal Conservatory (Brussels), , UNAM Conserrvatory (Mexico City), National University (Taipei), National Conservatory (Montevideo), National Conservatory (Zagreb), the National Conservatory (San Jose), Superior School (Lisbon), the The University of Montreal, The University of British Columbia, Conservatory of Music (Perugia), Ticino Musica (Lagano), the New England Conservatory (Boston) and the Manhattan School of Music.
Duncan currently teaches saxophone at the University of Minnesota. His students have been prizewinners in national competitions including the Yamaha Young Performing Artists Competition, The Vandoren Emerging Artists Competition and the Plowman Chamber Music Competition.
An internationally acclaimed performer and educator based out of Minneapolis, Preston Duncan has been hailed as “displaying his saxophone mastery” (The Indianapolis Star) with “virtuosic brilliance” (the Muncie Start/Press) as a “terrific talent” (Marvin Hamlisch).
He was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship and performed internationally in such prestigious venues as the Salle Verdi (Milan), the American Embassy (Paris), The Royal Conservatory (Brussels), Circle Theater (Indianapolis), UNAM Hall (Mexico City), the National University (Taipei), Salle Verdi (Montevideo), the National Conservatory (Zagreb), the National Conservatory (San Jose), and Disneyland (Los Angeles).
Duncan currently teaches saxophone at the University of Minnesota. He has premiered works by Bernard Rands, Ernesto Pellegrini, Joseph Dangerfield, Kenneth Fuchs and others. Duncan performs exclusively on the Buffet Senzo saxophone and Leger Reeds.
Erik Elmgren is a concert saxophonist, chamber musician, and educator dedicated to sharing music with audiences of all types from concert halls to community centers. Currently, Erik is pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Saxophone Performance and Literature as well as a certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership at the University of Georgia, where he also serves as a teaching assistant in the saxophone studio and UGA’s Arts Career and Entrepreneurship Space. He participated in the Graduate School’s Emerging Leaders program during the 2018-2019 school year. He maintains and active performing schedule and has won prizes at numerous competitions as both a soloist and as alto saxophonist with the award-winning Fuego Quartet. Erik’s research focus deals with creating a model for students in higher education to engage with creative placemaking as a valuable artistic and educational framework.
Adam Estes is associate professor of music at the University of Mississippi, where he teaches saxophone and bassoon, coaches woodwind chamber ensembles, and teaches woodwinds methods courses. Most recently, he was assistant professor at Minot State University. Formerly a band director in the public schools in Mason, Texas, Estes has also held posts as visiting professor of saxophone at Furman University and the University of South Carolina, as well as instructorships at Presbyterian College and the South Carolina Governors School for the Arts and Humanities. Estes is a founding member of the Assembly Quartet, and maintains an active performance schedule as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral musician. Dr. Estes is a Yamaha Performing Artist and performs exclusively on Yamaha Saxophones. He has recorded on Albany Records, AMP Recordings, and MSR Classics.
Justin Evangelist is an active performer of solo works and chamber music from Akron, OH. He has appeared throughout the Midwest in various settings performing new saxophone literature as well as classics. Justin’s playing has earned him several awards, including winner of the 2019 University of Akron (UA) Concerto Competition and first place in the 2017 MTNA Young Artist Woodwind State Competition (OH). Justin has been featured as a soloist on numerous occasions, including the Society of Composers Region V Conference, the 2019 NASA Region V Conference, and the 2019 UA Collage Concerts.
Justin is currently pursuing a Master of Music degree in saxophone performance at Central Michigan University, where he studies with Professor John Nichol and also serves as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. Before coming to CMU, Justin earned a Bachelor of Music in saxophone performance from the University of Akron, where he studied with Dr. Todd Gaffke.
Katy Faracy is a woodwind specialist who is dedicated
to performing and exploring new music. She had an active part in Milwaukee’s
diverse musical scene ranging in genres from contemporary, classical, jazz,
pop, funk and new music. She has performed with the Milwaukee Jazz Orchestra,
Sheboygan Symphony and internationally renowned Milwaukee contemporary music
ensemble, Present Music. Katy was an active pit orchestra musician throughout
southeastern Wisconsin as well.
Since relocating to Montclair New Jersey to pursue a master’s
degree in woodwind doubling with an emphasis in musical pit orchestras, Katy is
an active member and co-founder of Crimson Winds, a woodwind quartet that
specializes in woodwind doubling repertoire and standard quartet repertoire for
saxophones, clarinets, and flutes. Katy currently studies saxophone with prof.
Chad Smith and Flute with prof. Wendy Stern at Montclair State University.
Chinese Saxophonist, Wenbo Feng. Currently working on his doctor degree as saxophone performance at University of North Texas. In 2016-2019, Wenbo Feng was a teaching fellow in UNT. Assisting the Saxophone studio events and teaching weekly saxophone lessons and quartet coaching to undergraduate music major students. In 2018, Wenbo Feng joined Mountain View college as saxophone adjunct professor. Wenbo has been chose as a First Place Winner (College Students and Professional Musicians Category) of the American Protégé International Woodwinds & Brass Competition 2019.
Wenbo Feng not only as saxophonist but also composer. In 2014, Wenbo is going to North American Saxophone Alliance Biennial Conference in University of Illinois at Urbana-Champagne, and he gave two performances at the conference: one is his own composition—Windtalker. In 2015, Wenbo Feng permitted another two of his own works, Bridge and Phoenix, on 37th International Saxophone Symposium at Washington D.C.
A AF
Joel Ferst, is an advocate for music education and the advancement of music and is a member of cNAFME and has worked as a camp counselor at Interlochen Center for the Arts.
His research interests include the use of music as a social platform for change, the use of nontraditional performance standards and their effect in audience engagement, and the use of syntax and its use in the compositions of music in different languages.
Joel is currently a senior at Florida State University earning his Bachelor of Music degree in Saxophone Performance and a specialization in music entrepreneurship. Joel's teachers include Geoffrey Deibel, Katherine Weintraub, and Martin Wilkes, and he has studied jazz with Bill Kennedy. Joel has played in masterclasses or had other private training with Timothy McAllsiter, Zachary Schemon, Arno Bornkamp, Jonathan Hulting-Cohen, Phillip Pierk, Kenneth Radnofsky, Jennifer Bill, the MANA Quartet, and Patrick Meighan.
Stephen Fischer, serves as the Outreach Administrator for the University of Georgia Hugh Hodgson School of Music working with the Community Music School, String Project, and Summer Music Camps. A graduate of the University of Georgia, he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in music education and his Masters and DMA in saxophone performance.
As a performer, Dr. Fischer is an active member of the North American Saxophone Alliance, and has been invited to perform at the organization's national and regional conferences. He has also performed at meetings of the World Saxophone Congress in Minneapolis, Minnesota (2003), Ljubljana, Slovenia (2006), St. Andrews, Scotland (2012), Strasbourg, France (2015), and most recently in Zagreb, Croatia (2018).
Dr. Fischer maintains an active schedule as a soloist, chamber musician, and teacher. He has served on the music faculties of Georgia College, Clemson University, the University of Georgia, and the University of West Georgia.
Matthew Floeter is a senior saxophone performance, instrumental education double major at Oklahoma State University. He studies classically under Dr. Johnny Salinas and jazz with Dr. Tommy Poole. Floeter has performed abroad in Italy, Croatia, and London. Stateside, he has performed at each of the last 4 NASA conferences, at the 2016 Midwest Clinic, 2017 Navy Band Saxophone Symposium, and was recently invited back to the Symposium for a 2019 performance.
Abraham Nunez studies with Tommy Poole and Johnny Salinas at Oklahoma State University pursuing a Bachelor's of Music Education. At Oklahoma State, he has performed with numerous ensembles including the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Orchestra. Abraham has performed at the Cortona Saxophone Sessions in Cortona, Italy as well as the World Saxophone Congress in Zagreb, Croatia. He has received mentorship from Kaylee Christensen and Reese Burgan and additional instruction from Connie Frigo, and Dan Gelok.
Dr. James Flowers is Assistant Professor of Saxophone at Indiana University of
Pennsylvania and adjunct professor of saxophone at Westminster College. James recently
completed a Doctorate of Musical Arts in saxophone performance and literature with a
minor in Jazz at the Eastman School of Music. Dr. Flowers has toured with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and performed with The Cleveland Duo, Wayne Newton, Marie Osmond, Bobby Vinton, Ben Vereen,Mary Wilson from the Supremes, Martha and the Vandellas. Primary teachers include James Umble, John Sampen, Ramon Ricker, Chien-Kwan Lin and Charles Pillow.
Equally adept at both the classical and jazz repertoire, saxophonist Dr. Paul J. Forsyth has performed recitals and taught masterclasses at numerous concert halls, universities, and conferences around the world. Dr. Forsyth has been featured as a soloist and chamber musician at North American Saxophone Alliance Conferences, World Saxophone Congresses, John Donald Robb Composer Symposiums, and International Saxophone Symposiums. He has been instrumental in commissioning numerous new works for solo saxophone, saxophone quartet, and saxophone/oboe duo. In 2017, Paul Forsyth was named the NASA Competition Committee Chairman.
Paul Forsyth joined the faculty of Northwestern State University in the fall of 2007 and currently serves as Professor of Saxophone. He received his doctoral and master’s degrees in saxophone performance from Michigan State University and his bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Tennessee.
Connie Frigo is Associate Professor of Saxophone at the University of Georgia. In addition to her international performing and teaching credentials, she is a sought-after presenter on professional development, creativity and women in music. She is a steadfast organizer of interdisciplinary events that focus on the creative process, human connection and engaging new audiences. Connie is the inaugural Chair of the NASA's Committee on the Status of Women. She served six years with the premiere U.S. Navy Band, Washington, D.C.; seven years as the baritone saxophonist with the New Century Saxophone Quartet; and taught at the Universities of Tennessee and Maryland, and Ithaca College. She is a Fulbright Scholar and Artist/Clinician with Henri Selmer Paris and D’Addario. Recently, Connie traveled to Italy, Russia, Brazil, Panama and Croatia to perform and teach, and has taught at American Saxophone Academy (Eastman), the Great Plains Saxophone Workshop, and the Dakota Chamber Music Festival.
Keaton Garrett (b. 1995 Arlington, TX) is a collaborative composer and saxophonist based in Lansing, Michigan. His work is often influenced by his experiences performing in large and chamber ensembles as a classical and improvising saxophonist. Currently completing graduate studies in composition and saxophone performance at Michigan State University with Dr. Alexis Bacon, Dr. Lyn Goeringer, Dr. David Biedenbender and Professor Joseph Lulloff. Keaton has recently completed a degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX studying music education, composition and saxophone under Fred J. Allen, Dr. Stephen Lias and Dr. Nathan Nabb, respectively. Keaton is currently the saxophonist for the Hypotenuse Trio the Zenith reed quintet, Electronic Music Workshop at MSU, and the tenor saxophonist for the [we’re still finding a name] Quartet. His saxophone and wind ensemble music is published by MurphyMusicPress.
Gilbert Garza is pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in saxophone performance at The University of Iowa, under the tutelage of Dr. Kenneth Tse. He currently performs with of Iowa Saxophone Ensemble in is in the final stages of completing his doctoral recording project, "Music from Latin America." Garza holds a Bachelor of Music Studies degree with EC-12 Texas All-Level Certification from Texas State University and a Master of Music degree in Saxophone Performance from The University of Texas at Austin. He has earned several awards including first-prize in the 2019 Concurso Panamericano en el Encuentro Universitario Internacional De Saxofón in Mexico City, finalist in 2017 and 2018 for the Iowa Concerto Competition, Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholar in 2016 and 2017, and was named a semi-finalist for the 2016 NASA solo and quartet competition.
Hailed as a “highly skillful and an even more highly adventurous player” (Washington City Paper) with “virtuosity, sensitivity, and beauty of tone” (Fanfare), Noah Getz has performed and lectured worldwide, including appearances at the Melbourne Recital Centre, Carnegie Hall, The Royal Conservatory of Brussels, The Polish Woodwind Festival, the Degollado Theater in Guadalajara, and the Zero Point Festival in Prague. His premiere at the National Gallery of Art was acclaimed as “spectacular and wonderfully provocative” (Washington Post). In 2016, Grammy-Award winning composer Stephen Hartke wrote a concerto for saxophone which Getz premiered at Oberlin Conservatory and the Cleveland Museum of Art.
An avid chamber musician, Getz is a member of the National Gallery New Music Ensemble, Zohn Collective, and Interference/Intermedia, and has performed with The 21st Century Consort, PostClassical Ensemble, the Empyrean Ensemble, and members of the International Contemporary Ensemble. He is a Musician-In-Residence at American University in Washington, DC.
Hailed as a “highly skillful and an even more highly adventurous player” (Washington City Paper) with “virtuosity, sensitivity, and beauty of tone” (Fanfare), Noah Getz has performed and lectured worldwide, including appearances at the Melbourne Recital Centre, Carnegie Hall, The Royal Conservatory of Brussels, The Polish Woodwind Festival, the Degollado Theater in Guadalajara, and the Zero Point Festival in Prague. His premiere at the National Gallery of Art was acclaimed as “spectacular and wonderfully provocative” (Washington Post). In 2016, Grammy-Award winning composer Stephen Hartke wrote Willow Run, a new concerto which Getz premiered at Oberlin Conservatory and the Cleveland Museum of Art.
An avid chamber musician, Getz is a member of the National Gallery New Music Ensemble, Zohn Collective, and Interference/Intermedia, and has performed with The 21st Century Consort, PostClassical Ensemble, the Empyrean Ensemble, and members of the International Contemporary Ensemble. He is In-Residence at American University in Washington, DC.
Glen Gillis is a Professor of Saxophone, Conducting, and Music Education at the University of Saskatchewan. As a graduate student at Northwestern University, he studied under the mentorship of the noted Frederick L. Hemke. His performance career has spanned over three decades in the genres of classical, contemporary, and jazz, with appearances in North American, Europe, and Asia. A Conn-Selmer Artist/Clinician, Dr. Gillis has also presented at the CBDNA, WASBE, TMEA, British Forum for Ethnomusicology, and The Midwest Clinic. As a composer/recording artist he has released numerous compositions and commissioned works for saxophone on the albums SaxSpectrum ©2009 and SaxSpectrum 2 ©2014, which was nominated for a 2015 Western Canadian Music Award. His compositions for saxophone are published by Eighth Note (Alfred Music).
Glen Gillis is Professor of Saxophone, Conducting, and Music Education at the University of Saskatchewan. Matriculated as a performer, conductor (band/orchestra), educator, and composer, Dr. Gillis’ career has spanned over three decades in the realms of classical, contemporary, and jazz. Having performed at many NASA and World Saxophone Congresses in North America, Europe and Asia, he hosted the 2013 NASA Region 9 Conference and is currently the director of Region 9. As a Conn-Selmer Artist/Clinician he has also presented at equally important conferences such as CBDNA, WASBE, TMEA, British Forum for Ethnomusicology, and The Midwest Clinic. He released SaxSpectrum ©2009 (MSR Classics) and SaxSpectrum 2 ©2014 (MSR Classics - nominated in 2015 for a Western Canadian Music Award) highlighting his compositions and commissioned works for saxophone. You can visit his website at glengillis.com.
Edward Goodman is the Assistant Professor of Saxophone at the University of Arizona Fred Fox School of Music. Edward serves regularly as principal saxophonist of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, and has performed in the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Music Academy of the West Orchestra, New World Symphony, and notable ensembles such as PRISM and the Donald Sinta Quartet. Goodman serves as Soprano Chair and a founding member of The Moanin’ Frogs.
Edward has been invited as a guest artist across the country and internationally, such as Michigan State University, University of Nevada Las Vegas, New Mexico State University, University of Oklahoma, and Conservatoire à rayonnement départemental d'Aulnay sous Bois, France.
Edward has served on the faculty of Interlochen Center of the Arts. He holds degrees from Michigan State University and the University of Michigan where his primary teachers were Joseph Lulloff, Diego Rivera, Donald Sinta, Andrew Bishop, and Timothy McAllister.
Crossroads Saxophone Quartet is a rising chamber ensemble based in Kansas City, Missouri. Formed at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory, Crossroads is made up of graduate students from all over the country. Throughout their time together, Crossroads has performed at conferences such as the national North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) conference in Cincinnati, OH, and the regional NASA conference in Fayetteville, AR. Crossroads has also performed locally at various events including Kansas City’s annual Porch Fest, and at several UMKC Conservatory events including masterclasses with Vanguard Reed Quintet, Don-Paul Kahl, and Zach Stern.
Crossroads is dedicated to performing standard saxophone quartet repertoire, but is also passionate about commissioning new works for this type of ensemble. In addition to performing, Crossroads is devoted to community outreach. The quartet has performed and presented masterclasses at various high schools in the KC area.
Saxophonist and composer Alex Graham is an internationally recognized performer and educator who has performed as a leader or sideman with a variety of artists at festivals, clubs, and concert halls all over the world. He has been awarded fellowships and residencies to compose original music, and is an Associate Professor of Saxophone at Belmont University in Nashville, TN. Graham’s recordings on Origin Records have been acclaimed by international critics and radio DJs, and feature some of the top jazz instrumentalists in the world. Alex is a Vandoren Artist and Clinician.
Davis Hale is a saxophonist and educator in the Bloomington-Normal area. As a performer, Davis has won first place in the Kentucky Music Teachers Association’s Young Artist Competition and has won several concerto competitions, performing Henri Tomasi’s Ballade and Concerto with the Youth Performing Arts School and University of Louisville Symphony Orchestras as well as Frank Ticheli’s Concerto with the Illinois State University Wind Symphony. Davis has also performed with the T^3 Saxophone Quartet, who have placed first at the KMTA Chamber Competition, performed at the Navy Band Saxophone Symposium, and have performed live on WUOL as winners of the Macauley Chamber Music Competition. Davis is currently pursuing a Master’s in Music Performance from Illinois State University, where he acts as the Teaching Assistant for the saxophone studio. His primary teachers include Paul Nolen, Adam McCord, Mike Tracy, and Ron Jones.
Heard on the popular radio programs Performance Today and KING FM’s Northwest Focus Live, Soren Hamm is a versatile musician, performing repertoire spanning the Renaissance through the Avant-garde. He is the first person to win both the solo and (with the Equus Saxophone Quartet) ensemble categories of Seattle's Frances Walton Competition, and was a national finalist of the MTNA Competitions on multiple occasions. Soren is passionate about chamber music, contemporary saxophone repertoire, and music outreach. He has premiered dozens of new works for the saxophone, with a special focus on composers from the Pacific Northwest.
Soren graduated from the University of Oregon (B.M.) and Bowling Green State University (M.M.), and also completed study in music education at Western Washington University. His teachers include Idit Shner, Fred Winkler, and John Sampen.
Allen Harrington is an Associate Professor at the University of Manitoba Desautels Faculty of Music where he teaches saxophone, bassoon, chamber music, and is the woodwind area chair. He holds degrees from the University of Saskatchewan (B.Mus.) and Northwestern University (M.Mus.) He maintains a busy schedule outside his University teaching career as a soloist, recitalist, orchestral and chamber musician, and adjudicator. Allen has appeared as a concerto soloist with more than a dozen orchestras in Canada, Europe, and South America. He has given countless recitals across Canada, including recital tours for Debut Atlantic, Prairie Debut, and Home Routes Classical. In recent years he has released three CDs of music for saxophone and piano as well as saxophone and organ on the Ravello Records label. Allen plays principal bassoon with the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra and is a regular extra with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.
A native to Michigan, Evan Harris competed his BM at Central Michigan University, his MM at the University of Oklahoma, and is currently working on his DMA at Michigan State University where he received a University Distinguished Fellowship. Throughout his career, he has competed in many competitions, both solo and chamber, and has found success in many of them: NASA Quartet Competition (1st place, 2018), MTNA Chamber Music Competition (1st place, 2018, 3rd place 2017), MTNA Young Artist Solo Competition (2nd place, 2017), University of Oklahoma Concerto Competition (Winner, 2017). Due to the repertoire requirements of some of these competitions, Evan started transcribing/arranging various works for the saxophone. Some of his arrangements include Trio Sonata in D minor Op. 1, No. 12 “La Follia” by Antonio Vivaldi, Trio Sonata in B minor Op. 1, No. 11 in B minor by Antonio Vivaldi, Sonatine for Flute and Piano by Pierre Sancan, and many more.
Joshua Heaney is a saxophonist and music educator based in the greater area of Toledo, Ohio. He is regularly featured as a soloist, having recently performed with the Susquehanna University Wind Ensemble Institute, Atlanta Chamber Collective, Atlanta Wind Project, Georgia State University Wind Ensemble, and Susquehanna University Orchestra. He has also performed as principal saxophonist with the Macon Symphony. A staunch advocate for new music, Joshua has collaborated with composers John Luther Adams, Marc Mellits, Matthew Quayle, Evan Ziporyn, and many others. Additionally, he was a featured performer with Atlanta’s SoundNOW contemporary music festival, EAR|EYE series at the Toledo Museum of Art, and Bowling Green New Music Festival. Joshua holds a BM in Music Education from Susquehanna University (cum laude) as well as a MM and Artist Certificate in Saxophone Performance from Georgia State University. He is currently pursuing a DMA in Contemporary Music Performance at Bowling Green State University
Saxophonist Matthew Hess is an active performer, teacher, and repair technician. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Matthew has forged his own career as owner of Saxocentric, in addition to maintaining a large private teaching studio in the metro area. Matthew frequently presents masterclasses on saxophone pedagogy and saxophone repair topics throughout the Southeastern United States.
Matthew received a Bachelors in Music Education from The Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam and a Masters in Saxophone Performance from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Matthew’s teachers include Wildy Zumwalt, Timothy McAllister, Patrick Murphy, Christopher Creviston, and Taimur Sullivan. Matthew is a Selmer Paris endorsing artist and plays on Selmer Paris saxophones and mouthpieces exclusively.
Lois Hicks-Wozniak is an active concert saxophonist and a sponsored D’Addario Woodwinds artist. Among her many awards, she performed her New York Recital Debut at Weill Recital Hall in Carnegie Hall 1996. She served active duty as a saxophonist in the West Point Band and with her spouse has raised four terrific children (two sets of twins!). A guest soloist with numerous ensembles, she has performed and recorded with many ensembles to include the Albany Symphony. She is described as having “tremendous technique and fidelity to tone without sacrificing musical line,” and a “beautiful soprano saxophone sound...preserving the beauty and consistency of her sound regardless of the technical or musical demands of the moment.” Her teachers include Dr. Frederick L. Hemke, Patrick Meighan, Debra Richtmeyer, and Stacy Wilson. Currently on faculty at Marist College and SUNY New Paltz, her passion is World Music and commissioning new works for saxophone.
Adrianne Honnold has performed as a saxophonist all over the world including at Royal Albert Hall, the Berlin Philharmonie and the Salle Pleyel in Paris. She taught saxophone at universities in St. Louis from 2005 to 2015, and currently teaches American popular music history courses at Maryville University and St. Louis Community College. She received both her Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she was a student of Debra Richtmeyer and Chip McNeill, and she is currently a PhD candidate in Musicology/Popular Music Studies at the University of Birmingham in the UK. Ms. Honnold has performed with the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, the Kansas City Symphony Orchestra, the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, the USAF Band of Mid-America, Sessions Big Band, the St. Louis Jazz Orchestra, and the NATO Jazz Orchestra.
Lucas Hopkins is quickly becoming known as a prominent soloist, chamber musician and educator comfortable in a variety of styles including classical, contemporary, jazz, and pop.
An active performer, Lucas has appeared as a concerto soloist with the Oakland East Bay Symphony, and has presented solo recitals and master classes at various universities. Additionally, Lucas has performed multiple times with the New World Symphony under Michael Tilson Thomas, with the Cabrillo Festival Orchestra under Marin Alsop and with the Colorado Jazz Reparatory Orchestra. Lucas is also the bass saxophonist in The Moanin’ Frogs saxophone sextet.
Lucas is currently a graduate teaching assistant at the University of Colorado, where he is pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in saxophone performance and pedagogy, and has additional graduate degrees from The University of Michigan and Northwestern University. Lucas’ teachers include: Timothy McAllister, Eugene Rousseau, Tom Myer, and Andrew Bishop.
Jeremy Howell is an up and coming
composer and saxophonist with an interest in all effective music,
regardless of medium. As a performer, Jeremy has concertized in eleven
countries in classical, jazz, funk, and rock ensembles. His rich and
diversified performance background has bolstered his eclectic
compositional style allowing for his works to have been performed by
ensembles ranging from the Eastman Saxophone Project to Big Wy’s Brass
Band.
Jeremy holds a BM in Saxophone Performance from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. He has studied saxophone with Dr. Chien-Kwan Lin, Dr. Stephen Page, and Harvey Pittel. He is a current Masters student of Dr. Timothy McAllister at the University of Michigan.
Matthew Floeter and Matthew Howell, Soprano Saxophone
AJ Nguyen and Bishop McGee, Alto Saxophone
Abraham Nunez and Quinn Moore, Tenor Saxophone
Brian Chapa and Nick Chavez, Baritone Saxophone
Brianna Buck, Ensemble Coach
Known for her "sophisticated sound spectrum" and "enthralling perfromance" Diane performs frequently as soloist and chamber musician, and is on faculty at Syracuse University and Musikhochschule Detmold. Recently she could be heard as soloist with the Hamburger Symphoniker, Filarmonica Banatul Romania, Kieler Kammerorchester, Lubbock Symphony, Society for New Music, CCM Chamber Players, ECHO Chamber Orchestra, as well as Fredonia and Syracuse Wind Ensembles. Highlights in the past have included a solo performance in Carnegie Hall, residencies at several festivals, and tours throughout Europe and America, as well as masterclasses at several universities. Diane has recorded for Carl Fisher, Mark Records, and the Bavarian Braodcast Company.
Her arrangements are published with Oxford University Press and ESURIO Media. Diane is Chair of the 2020 NASA Composition Competition, and frequently serves as judge for competitions, such as MTNA and New Music USA.
Diane is a D'Addario Performing Artist and member of the Mana Quartet.
Saxophonist, Andrew Hutchens currently resides in Columbia, South Carolina where he is persuing his Doctorate at the University of South Carolina. He currently serves as saxophone studio teaching assistant and Adjunct Instructor of Clarinet and Saxophone at Allen University, where he teaches applied lessons. He has performed extensively across the United States in both professional and casual venues such as NASA Biennial Conferences, American Single Reed Summit, Asheville Symphony Orchestra, Navy Band Saxophone Symposium, NASA Regional Conferences, and the National Conference for Undergraduate Research. Andrew is constantly involved in the commissioning and premiering of new music, including works by Stacy Garrop, Alan Theisen, Jeff Weston, Ruby Fulton, Jeff Herriott, and Benjamin Dean Taylor. His principal teachers have included Ian Jeffress, Clifford Leaman, with additional jazz studies with Bryson Borgstedt and bassoon studies from Will Peebles.
This presentation is in full memory of David Maslanka, who gave countless amounts of hours to the University of Montana and brought the university to the international stage, with numerous world premieres and commissions.
The Idyllic Quartet is brand new to this academic year, and was formed in the pursuit of presenting Maslanka's works directly from the source of where they were written. The quartet has a deep knowledge of Maslanka and continues to work with individuals who had a deepened focus on his works, including the individuals and groups who premiered them. In the end, the quartet was named after the idea and sense of peace that the music of David Maslanka gives, as an homage to his final wishes - to be at peace, with his music and wife.
An active saxophonist and music educator, Elissa Kana has performed in festivals and conferences worldwide. In 2014, Elissa was named second-prize winner of the International Saxophone Symposium and Competition. A passionate chamber musician, Elissa holds the alto chair of the Colere Quartet, which was recently awarded First Prize in Winds, Brass, and Percussion at the 2019 Plowman Chamber Music Competition.
Elissa is a doctoral student at the University of Iowa where she serves as a teaching assistant for the musicology department; previously, she was the teaching assistant to Dr. Kenneth Tse and was a recipient of the Iowa Performance Fellowship. Elissa has worked as a coordinator and teaching assistant at the American Saxophone Academy, teaches at the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in the summers, and maintains an active private studio in the Iowa-City area. Her principal teachers include Frederick L. Hemke, John Sampen, Kenneth Tse, and Karen Wylie.
An active saxophonist and music educator, Elissa Kana has performed in festivals and conferences worldwide. In 2014, Elissa was named second-prize winner of the International Saxophone Symposium and Competition. A passionate chamber musician, Elissa holds the alto chair of the Colere Quartet, which was recently awarded First Prize in Winds, Brass, and Percussion at the 2019 Plowman Chamber Music Competition. Elissa is a doctoral student at the University of Iowa, where she serves as a teaching assistant for the musicology department; previously, she was the teaching assistant to Dr. Kenneth Tse and was a recipient of the Iowa Performance Fellowship. Elissa has worked as a coordinator and teaching assistant at the American Saxophone Academy, teaches at the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in the summers, and maintains an active private studio in the Iowa-City area. Her principal teachers include Frederick L. Hemke, John Sampen, Kenneth Tse, and Karen Wylie.
Jonathan Kierspe is an avid performer and saxophone pedagogue. Throughout his career in music, he hopes to not only expand the saxophone repertoire, solo and chamber, but also to create a challenging and invigorating environment for his students. He has had the opportunity to solo with the University of South Carolina Wind Ensemble, Bowling Green State University Orchestra, has had the opportunity to perform all over America, China, France, Italy, and Croatia.
Kierspe is currently pursuing his D.M. in saxophone performance from Florida State University, where he is one of the graduate assistants under Dr. Geoffrey Deibel. He received his master’s degree at Bowling Green State University, where he studied under Dr. John Sampen and served as the woodwind methods teaching assistant. For his undergraduate degree, he studied at the University of South Carolina, under Dr. Clifford Leaman.
A native of Moscow (Russia), Nikolai Klotchkov believes that only an excellent musician is able to create a valid scientific description of music phenomenon. Through his research of musicians’ physiology and cognitive processes associated with music, he hopes to create better methods to teach beginning instrumentalists and to improve the performance of mature musicians. Nikolai started playing classical saxophone at the age of twelve. Before moving to the U.S., he studied saxophone with Aleksey Volkov at Ippolitov-Ivanov Institute. In May 2018 Nikolai graduated from Auburn University with the BM - classical saxophone under Dr. Michael Pendowski, and BS in Interdisciplinary Studies. Also in 2018, Nikolai won the GCSS Concerto Competition and the first prize in the Rising Talents of Americas International Competition. Now a first-year graduate student at Peabody Conservatory he studies saxophone under Gary Louie and conducts scientific research. Nikolai performs regularly both in the United States and Russia.
Matthew Koester is a Michigan based saxophonist praised for his "commitment to stellar sound and control" by La Tribune in Quebec. Recent engagements have included appearances with the New World Symphony and the premiere of an opera by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer William Bolcom. Additionally, he is featured on the Naxos label recording of Gershwin’s American in Paris critical edition.
Koester has collaborated with the Detroit Chamber Winds and Strings alongside members of the Detroit Symphony, and the Michigan Chamber Players with University of Michigan faculty members. As an active competitor, he has been awarded prizes at the Prix Orford Musique and the MTNA National Competition. In 2018, Koester was the first resident saxophonist at historically acclaimed Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara, CA.
Koester holds degrees from the University of New Mexico and the University of Michigan, and serves on faculty at Siena Heights University in Adrian, MI.
Matthew Koester is a Michigan based saxophonist praised for his "commitment to stellar sound and control" by La Tribune in Quebec. Recent engagements have included appearances with the New World Symphony and the premiere of an opera by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer William Bolcom. Additionally, he is featured on the Naxos label recording of Gershwin’s American in Paris critical edition.
Koester has collaborated with the Detroit Chamber Winds and Strings alongside members of the Detroit Symphony, and the Michigan Chamber Players with University of Michigan faculty members. As an active competitor, he has been awarded prizes at the Prix Orford Musique and the MTNA National Competition. In 2018, Koester was the first resident saxophonist at historically acclaimed Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara, CA.
Koester holds degrees from the University of New Mexico and the University of Michigan, and serves on faculty at Siena Heights University in Adrian, MI.
Cameron Domingues is a freelance performer and teacher specializing in saxophone and bassoon. She performs and teaches in Los Angeles, Orange County and the Inland Empire. Cameron has performed with local orchestras, in musical productions and in chamber recitals. She has competed in the Coleman and Plowman Chamber competitions. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree, in Performance, from California State University, Fullerton, and a Masters in Music degree, in Saxophone Performance, from the University of Southern California. Cameron earned her Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Southern California, in Bassoon Performance. Dr. Domingues is adjunct faculty at Mount San Antonio College, Cal State Fullerton, Riverside Community College as well as maintaining a large private studio. She is also affiliated with the Idyllwild Arts Summer Program, where she teaches saxophone for the symphonic band and wind ensemble.
Laura M. Kramer (bio is in composer info)
Ashley Krogstad (Rutland, SD) is currently a second year D.M.A. candidate in saxophone performance at the University of Arizona. Krogstad is a graduate teaching assistant for the saxophone studio, and she currently performs with UA’s Wind Ensemble and Studio Jazz Ensemble. Krogstad received two Bachelor of Arts degrees in music and in French Studies from South Dakota State University. She studied in France, where she conducted interdisciplinary research incorporating French studies and the saxophone. She obtained her M.M. from Oklahoma State University, where she partook in the well-received big band album Solid Gold. Krogstad has performed at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago and the U.S. Navy Band Symposium in Washington DC. Krogstad has experienced competition success as winner of the SDSU Concerto Competition. She has lectured at several conferences and continually cultivates her private studio. Krogstad has studied with Drs. Nathan Jorgensen, Jeff Loeffert, Eddie Goodman, and Tommy Poole.
Dennis Kwok Tsz Kiu is passionate about drawing audiences deeply into the art of music and has imprinted his passion in music all over the world. In recent years, Dennis has made remarkable accomplishments as a soloist, quartet and ensemble musician. In 2013, he was awarded the Saxophone Winner of the Yamaha Young Performing Artist Competition. In 2014, he advanced to the first round of the prestigious Adolphe Sax International Competition in Belgium. As a baritone saxophonist of the Colere Quartet from the University of Iowa, he advanced to the semi-final of the prestigious Fischoff Chamber Music Competition in 2018 and was awarded the First Prize of the Plowman Chamber Music Competition in 2019.
Dennis holds BM, with the addition of the Meredith Wilson scholarship, and MA from the University of Iowa. Currently, he is pursuing DMA at the University of Iowa, under the tutelage of Dr. Kenneth Tse.
Geoffrey Landman is a performer, teacher, and advocate of the saxophone and new music. He is a founding member and soprano saxophonist of the New Thread Saxophone Quartet, and one half of the Landman/Stadler Saxophone Duo. Geoffrey is the saxophonist of the Either/Or Ensemble and Wavefield Ensemble, and has performed with groups including the Talea Ensemble and Argento New Music Project.
Landman has worked with composers including Philippe Leroux, Ann Cleare, Mark-Anthony Turnage, and Elliott Sharp, and has collaborated with many acclaimed artists, including vocalists Donatienne Michel-Dansac, Tony Arnold, Lena Willemark, and Ulrika Bodén; JACK String Quartet, TILT Brass, Prism Quartet, and poet J.D. McClatchy. He has recorded for labels including New World, Sterling Modern, New Focus, Navona, and BMOP/sound.
Geoffrey holds degrees from the University of Michigan, University of Cincinnati CCM , Musik-Akademie der Stadt Basel in Switzerland, and DMA from New England Conservatory.
David has performed with a variety of artists including Ken Peplowski, Francisco Torres, Dave Glenn, Ron Vincent, Bill Mays, Dean Johnson, and the internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist Halie Loren. He is featured on his solo recordings “Borrowed Time” and “One of a Kind” as well as Greg Yasinitsky’s upcoming little big band CD. He is also featured on the award winning Halie Loren album “Butterfly Blue” (2015) which ranked on the Billboard jazz charts for 8 weeks in Japan.
David’s compositions have won many awards. In 2018 and 2019 his compositions “Applied Physics” and “Bright Days” won Editor’s Choice from JW Pepper Inc. His music has been performed by a wide variety of groups around the U.S. and abroad.
David has performed with a variety of artists including Ken Peplowski, Francisco Torres, Dave Glenn, Ron Vincent, Bill Mays, Dean Johnson, and the internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist Halie Loren. He is featured on his solo recordings “Borrowed Time” and “One of a Kind” as well as Greg Yasinitsky’s upcoming little big band CD. He is also featured on the award winning Halie Loren album “Butterfly Blue” (2015) which ranked on the Billboard jazz charts for 8 weeks in Japan.
David’s compositions have won many awards. In 2018 and 2019 his compositions “Applied Physics” and “Bright Days” won Editor’s Choice from JW Pepper Inc. His music has been performed by a wide variety of groups around the U.S. and abroad.
Saxophonist Eric Lau serves as Professor of Saxophone and Chair of the Department of Music at the University of New Mexico. He has given concerts throughout the United States as well as in Europe, Puerto Rico, and Brazil. His commitment to new music has led to the commissioning of more than a dozen new works for saxophone by composers including David Maslanka, Roshanne Etezady, Gunther Schuller, Michael Colgrass, and Ida Gotkovsky. In addition to his solo performances, Dr. Lau is a regular performer with the Albuquerque Jazz Orchestra, the New Mexico Philharmonic, the Santa Fe Symphony, and the Santa Fe Opera. Eric Lau is a Yamaha Performing Artist and a D’Addario Woodwind Performing Artist.
Critics have hailed Clifford Leaman as “an artist of the first order…intuitive, exciting, and enthralling." (Paul Wagner, The Saxophone Journal) Leaman reveals himself to be {an} artist of technical brilliance and emotional commitment." "The range of colors is impressive..." (Jack Sullivan, American Record Guide) Professor of saxophone at the University of South Carolina, Dr. Leaman is in great demand as a soloist and clinician and has performed and taught throughout the United States, Canada, Italy, Spain, France, Slovenia, Sweden, Thailand, Taiwan, and China. He has performed as a concerto soloist with orchestras and wind ensembles across the globe, including the ShenZhen Symphony Orchestra, and the Dunshan Symphonic Wind Orchestra. He has given master classes at schools of music and conservatories world-wide, including Northwestern, Eastman, Michigan, Aragón, Catalunya, Strasbourg, Stockholm Royal Academy of Music, Beijing Central, Paris and Boulogne-Billancourt, Shanghai and Sichuan. Leaman performs on Selmer saxophones and D’Addario reeds.
Described by New York Concert Review as “A knockout performance”, saxophonist Wonki Lee, feeling equally at home in traditional and contemporary repertoire, has distinguished himself as one of leading saxophonists of his generation. His recent appearances include recitals at La Plantation in Beijing, Yamaha Seoul, Yamaha Osaka, and the Lincoln Center in New York. Mr. Lee is also an avid orchestral saxophonist. He has collaborated numerous conductors such as Leonard Slatkin, Robert Spano, and Philippe Entremont. He has appeared with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra lead by Eiji Oue as they launched their 100th Anniversary World Tour at Alice Tully Hall. Mr. Lee has received Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music in saxophone performance from Manhattan School of Music. Mr. Lee currently serves as a principal alto saxophonist in New York Wind Orchestra. Mr. Lee is a Si-Yo Artist™ and an endorsing artist of Yamaha Japan.
American-Canadian saxophonist Paul Lessard is at home in a wide range of styles, from classical and jazz to funk and punk. As a soloist, he has performed with the Hagerstown (MD) Municipal Band, the University of Florida Concert Choir, and both the Gettysburg College Symphony Orchestra and Wind Symphony. Dedicated to the promotion of new music, Mr. Lessard has worked with a growing number of composers to bring their works to international audiences, most recently giving the European and Canadian premieres of Avner Dorman’s “Suite for Solo Saxophone.”
Mr. Lessard has performed across North America and Europe, including recitals at North American Saxophone Alliance conferences and the 2019 World Saxophone Congress in Zagreb. He holds degrees from the University of Florida and Gettysburg College. Mr. Lessard currently lives in Toronto, Ontario, where he is a doctoral student in composition at the University of Toronto and maintains a studio of private students.
Jacky Leung is one of the most active young classical and pop Hong
Kong-born saxophonists.
He had given various performances and masterclass in many institutes and
events. In 2017, he was one of the jury members of the Elbe Valley
International Music Festival. He also conducted talk, masterclass & recital
in Qingdao Grand Theatre, Mahidol University, Shantou University, Kuala Lumpur
Performing Art Centre & the North American Saxophone Alliance Region 3
Conference. In 2019, Jacky won the 1st Runner up of Concerto
competition & 2nd Runner up of Open Session, Solo Wind Instrument in the 20th
Osaka International Music Competition.
Jacky has also written and composed many different varieties of pieces for organisation
or commercial parties.
Jacky is currently the Vice Chairman of the Hong Kong International Single Reed Association, Music Director of the Music Children Foundation and saxophonist of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and the Hong Kong Sinfonietta.
Hailed as a “powerhouse in classical saxophone” (University of Toronto), JEFFREY LEUNG is an active performer, improviser, and aspiring educator. In addition to his work with collaborative artists, Jeffrey serves as the Vice President of Novus New Music, Inc. Recent premieres and commissioning projects include new works by Annika Socolofsky, Timothy Peterson, Roydon Tse, Baldwin Giang, Matthew Browne, Joe Krycia, and Gregory Wanamaker.
Hailed as a “powerhouse in classical saxophone” (University of Toronto), JEFFREY LEUNG is an active performer, improviser, and aspiring educator. In addition to his work with collaborative artists, Jeffrey serves as the Vice President of Novus New Music, Inc. Recent premieres and commissioning projects include new works by Annika Socolofsky, Timothy Peterson, Roydon Tse, Baldwin Giang, Matthew Browne, Joe Krycia, and Gregory Wanamaker.
A native of Western Massachusetts, Dr. Gail B. Levinsky serves on the faculty of Susquehanna University. Her performance credits include presentations both nationally and internationally such as the Navy Band International Saxophone Symposium, North American Saxophone Alliance, World Saxophone Congress, and Festival of Women Composers. She is active in supporting new works for saxophone and has presented educational clinics at state and national symposiums. Dr. Levinsky’s publications are varied and include the saxophone chapters in “Teaching Woodwinds” (MountainPeak Music), a revised edition of Rosemary Lang’s “Beginning Studies in the Altissimo Range”, and a saxophone ensemble arrangement of Victoria’s “O Vos Omnes”. Levinsky earned her masters and doctorate degrees from Northwestern University under the tutelage of Fred Hemke. During the summer months she serves as program director for the Snow Pond Music Festival, and on faculty of the Frederick L. Hemke Saxophone Institute and New England Music Camp respectively.
She also is active on the professional jazz
scene in North Carolina and is a member of the Winston Salem's Camel City Jazz
Orchestra.
Emily is the saxophone instructor at East
Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee and Mitchell Community
College in Statesville, North Carolina, and lecturer at University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She recently received her Doctorate in
Musical Arts in performance, with minor areas in jazz and music education
studies from UNCG. She holds degrees from UNCG, CMU, and Tennessee
Technological University. Her teachers include Phil Barham, John Nichol,
Steve Stusek, and Chad Eby.
Courtney Long is currently pursuing her Doctor of Arts degree from the University of Northern Colorado in Saxophone Performance with a secondary emphasis in Music Theory (ABD). Prior to her studies at UNC, Long earned her Master of Music degree in Music Theory and Composition from Wichita State University and her Bachelor of Music degree in Saxophone Performance from Friends University in Wichita, Kansas. She has studied saxophone under Lisa Hittle, Jean Lansing, Robert Young, and Andrew Dahlke. Long has performed at the Biennial Conference of the North American Saxophone Alliance in 2018 and North American Saxophone Alliance Region 2 Conference in 2017 as a member of the Front Range Saxophone Quartet and of the Ursa Duo. Long has served on the faculties of Bethany College and Friends University. She currently teaches saxophone at Colorado Christian University in Lakewood, Colorado.
Composer Robert Lopez-Hanshaw is the Music Director at Temple Emanu-El in Tucson, Arizona, and Guest Composer in Residence with the Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra. His piece "vokas animo," for choir and full orchestra in 72-tone equal temperament, will be premiered in January 2020 by the Tucson Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. He is also the editor of "Practical Microtones," a compendium of fingerings and playing techniques in 72tet for all standard orchestral instruments
Tom Luer is the Professor of Saxophone at California Polytechnic University in Pomona, CA and is a D’Addario Woodwinds Performing Artist. His album "Project Popular" was released in 2011 to critical acclaim. Recent recording credits include John Beasley’s Grammy nominated albums “MONK’estra:Volume 1” and ““MONK’estra:Volume 2”, Dave Slonaker’s Grammy nominated “Intrada” and Grammy winning jazz vocalist Kurt Elling's "The Brill Building Project". Music from Tom’s CD was featured in nationally broadcast promos by National Public Radio, and he can also be heard on the soundtrack of the film “Daddy’s Home”, a Paramount Pictures Production.
Tom’s television appearances include the NBC’s “The Voice”, “Sports Illustrated 50 Years of Beautiful” and the “X-Factor” on Fox, the American Music Awards, the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and the Ellen Degeneres Show. Additional performance credits and tours include John Beasley’s “Monk’estra”, Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, Poncho Sanchez, Queen Latifah, Tom Wopat, and Engelbert Humperdinck.
Jordan Lulloff is a Chicago-based saxophonist that specializes in performing the work of living composers. He has been the featured soloist with the United States Air Force Band, University of Memphis Wind Ensemble, and the Lansing and Ann Arbor Community Concert Bands. An advocate of new music, Jordan has given over 50 world premieres.
As a founding member and Tenor Saxophonist of ~Nois, Jordan performs extensively in the Chicago area and across the United States, with appearances at festivals such as Big Ears, the Continuum Music Festival, the Re:Sound Festival, the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival, and Omaha Under the Radar.
Jordan completed his Bachelor’s degree at Michigan State University, where he studied with Joseph Lulloff, and his Masters degree at Northwestern University, where he studied with Taimur Sullivan. He currently serves as the Applied Studio Instructor of Classical Saxophone at The University of Illinois Chicago.
Michigan State University Saxophone Ensmeble ~ Joseph Lulloff, Conductor
Guest Artist, John Nichol, Alto Saxophone, Professor of Saxophone, Central Michigan University
Members of the 2019-2020 Michigan State University Saxophone Ensmeble:
Maggie Camp, sophomore music education and performance major
Charlie Chadwell, DMA in saxophone performance
Zoe Dittman, senior music performance and engineering major
Adam Epler, senior music education and performance major
Jacob Feldman, sophomore music education and performance major
Keaton Garrett, MM in saxophone performance and composition
Kody Grube, freshman music education major
Luke Haight, Bachelor of Arts music major
Evan Harris, DMA in saxophone performance
Charlotte Jansky, freshman music education and performance major
Ben Kuszak, sophomore music education major
Jeffrey Leung, DMA in saxophone performance
Ella Marchetti, senior music education and performance major
Noah Miller, junior music education and performance major
Aaron Plegue, junior music performance major
Kendra Wheeler, DMA in saxophone performance
Natalia Warthen, freshman music performance major
Tyler Young, DMA in saxophone performance
Eric Zheng, MM saxophone performance major
Yamaha and Vandoren Performing Artist Joseph Lulloff enjoys a prolific career as a saxophone artist and teacher. A recipient of the Concert Artist Guild and Pro Musicis Awards in solo performance, and the Michigan State University Beal Distinguished Faculty Award and Withrow Excellence in Teaching Awards, he is Professor of Saxophone at Michigan State University and alto saxophonist with the Capitol Quartet. Lulloff has been featured as guest soloist with the Cleveland, Minnesota, and Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestras, the US Air Force and Navy Bands and the Dallas Winds. He has also performed with Detroit, St. Louis, Minnesota, and Cleveland Orchestras in various concerts.
Equally at home in the realms of classical and jazz performance, Lulloff specializes in commissioning new works that span both idioms. During the summertime, he teaches at the Great Plains Saxophone Workshop in Oklahoma and at the Brevard (NC) Music Center Summer Music Institute.
website: www.joelulloff.com
William Malone Bio 2019
Professor William Malone, is Chair of the PPCC Music Department where he teaches woodwinds, theory, and jazz studies. At UCCS he is an instructor of saxophone, jazz studies and music theory. Mr. Malone is a woodwind specialist with more than 30 premiers has focused on 20/21st Century woodwind performance techniques throughout his career. He has recorded chamber music on the Nuema and Opus One Labels. Currently a candidate for the DMA at The Ohio State, he has earned a MM from the NEW England Conservatory of Music in Boston, MA and a BM at Wichita State University. William studied saxophone and clarinet with John Sampen, Joe Allard, Fumiyoshi Maezawa, and Jim Hill. He participated in masterclasses with Fred Hemke and Jean- Marie Londex. In addition to classical study, William had jazz composition and performance studies with Joe Viola, Jimmy Guiffrey and George Russell.
Jay Mason has become one of the Los Angeles area’s busiest saxophonists and woodwind doublers since launching his career in 1983, after graduating from CSU, Long Beach. His performance credits include Johnny Mathis, Eddie Daniels, Michael Finestein, Michael McDonald, and many others. He has appeared on recordings for the motion pictures La La Land, Secret Life of Pets, Crazy Rich Asians, and Ralph Wrecks the Internet, television productions America’s Funniest Home Videos, The Tonight Show, American Dad and Family Guy, and video games like World of Warcraft, Diablo, and hundreds more. Additionally, he is a member of Gordon Goodwin’s Grammy winning Big Phat Band, and rounds out his activities by serving on the faculty where he started out at the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at CSULB, and at Concordia University in Irvine. Jay is a Vandoren Reed Artist.
As a critically acclaimed artist, Los Angeles-based concert saxophonist Jessica Maxfield enjoys an active career as an accomplished performer, educator, clinician and adjudicator. She has concertized and presented clinics throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. Hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio, she has performed frequently with prestigious ensembles such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Ravinia Festival, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Santa Barbara Symphony, Chicago Philharmonic and Joffrey Ballet. Jessica Maxfield holds degrees with distinction from Bowling Green State University and Northwestern University, where she completed a Doctor of Music degree and served as a Lecturer of Saxophone under the guidance of the legendary Dr. Frederick Hemke. Currently she is on the faculty at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music as Artist-Teacher of Classical Saxophone. In addition, she is a Conn-Selmer artist-clinician and hosted the North American Saxophone Alliance's Region 5 Conference in 2015.
Saxophonist Timothy McAllister is one of today’s premier wind soloists and a member of the 2018 GRAMMY® Award-winning PRISM Quartet, credited with 45 recordings and 200 premieres of compositions by eminent and emerging composers worldwide.
He has appeared with over forty of the world's top orchestras and ensembles in over twenty countries, with recordings on major labels including Nonesuch, ECM, Deutsche Grammophon, Berlin Philharmonic Recordings, Naxos, New Focus and more. McAllister won a 2015 GRAMMY® Award with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra as soloist on the album "John Adams: City Noir" featuring the Saxophone Concerto. His recording of Kenneth Fuchs’s RUSH, with the London Symphony Orchestra appears on the 2019 GRAMMY® winning album, “Spiritualist.”
A revered teacher of his instrument, he is regularly invited to appear at the world's leading institutions. He was appointed Professor of Saxophone at the University of Michigan in September 2014, succeeding his legendary mentor, Donald Sinta.
Dr. Adam McCord is Assistant Professor at the University of Louisville School of Music. He has been guest professor at Indiana University Jacob's School of Music and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and has also served on the faculties of Miami University, Ohio Northern University, Wittenberg University, and Wake Forest University.
Dr. McCord holds DM and MM degrees in Saxophone Performance as well as the Performer’s Certificate from IU. He received the BM degree in Saxophone Performance and Music Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Recent performances include the XVIII World Saxophone Congress and the 16th WASBE International Conference. He has performed with the National Symphony Orchestra, the Louisville Orchestra, the Lexington Philharmonic, the Winston-Salem Symphony, and the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra and has recordings on the Arizona University Recording, Navona Records, and Mark Custom labels. He is a Yamaha and D’Addario Performing Artist.
Dr. Barry McGinnis is currently Professor of Woodwinds at
Newberry College where he teaches woodwinds, music history, and directs the
woodwind ensembles and jazz combo. He received the Bachelor of Science degree -
Saxophone Performance from Towson University, the Master of Music-Woodwind
Specialist degree from East Carolina University, and the Doctor of Musical Arts
degree - Saxophone Performance from the University of Georgia. His teachers
include Dr. Joseph Briscuso, Dr. Brad Foley, and Dr. Kenneth Fischer. He has
appeared with the East Carolina Symphony Orchestra, the Gainesville Symphony
Orchestra, and the Augusta Symphony Orchestra. Dr. McGinnis has performed
extensively in both classical and jazz settings. Performances include regional
and national meetings of the North American Saxophone Alliance and
international meetings of the World Saxophone Congress. Dr. McGinnis is
currently a member of the North American Saxophone Alliance, the International
Clarinet Association, and the National Association of College Wind and
Percussion Instructors.
Currently residing in NYC, saxophonist, Kristen McKeon, serves as Brand Manager for D’Addario & Company’s woodwind division. In this role, Kristen helped lead the development of Reserve products, Select Jazz mouthpieces, and multiple innovative woodwind accessories from D’Addario Woodwinds.
Kristen is also a founding member of New Thread Quartet (NYC). New Thread Quartet is committed to the creation and performance of new music. Alongside New Thread Quartet, Kristen has worked with composers Scott Wollschleger, Amy Beth Kirsten, Benjamin Hjertmann, Richard Carrick, Anthony Gatto, Luke Schwartz, Roberto Kalb, Marcelo Lazcano, Kathryn Salfelder, Michael Djupstrom, Pat Muchmore, and others. She has been featured on recordings of works by Craig Sheppard, David Claman, Elliott Sharp, and alongside the Brooklyn Wind Symphony.
An experienced speaker and consultant, Kristen travels globally to lead discussions on instrument accessories manufacturing for D’Addario Woodwinds, careers in music, entrepreneurial thinking, and effective methods for collaboration with the music industry.
Since surviving a catastrophic stroke 2000, Dr. David Nabb worked with Jeff Stelling to develop a professional saxophone that can be played with the right hand only. In 2013, David Nabb and Jeff Stelling received the first-ever OHMI/Ars Electronica prize for their work on the toggle-key saxophone at Bruckner Hall in Linz, Austria. In 2011, they received awards from VSA, NAMM and NAPBIRT at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. More recently, Dr. Nabb was selected via a worldwide casting call to be featured in the cast and the musical soundtrack for BBC's 2016 Paralympics television commercial "We're the Superhumans." This video had more than 50 million views online, and won dozens of international awards, including Grand Prix at the 2017 Cannes Lions Festival.
David Nabb is a Yamaha Performing Artist, and plays exclusively on Eugene Rousseau saxophone mouthpieces.
Eric Nestler has been on the faculty of the University of North Texas College of Music since 1992. He is currently a University Distinguished Teaching Professor of Music. Dr. Nestler presented his New York debut recital at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in May 2003. Internationally, Nestler has performed solo recitals in South Africa and has traveled to Europe where he performed several solo recitals including performances at the Franz Liszt Academy in Budapest, Hungary, the Prague Conservatory, the Janacek Academy in the Czech Republic, and Italy. He has also performed extensively in Asia including Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Tianjin, China. In November 2004, Nestler was a featured artist at the Asian Saxophone Conference in Bangkok, Thailand. In 2009, Nestler was diagnosed with embouchure dystonia and was unable to perform for many years. After receiving rehabilitation, Nestler relearned to play the saxophone.
John Nichol is Professor of Saxophone at Central Michigan University and has performed at the Montreaux Jazz Festival in Montreaux, Switzerland (1997), the North Sea Jazz Festival (1997) and the Ford Detroit International Jazz Festival (2000, 2001, 2002). Professor Nichol has also performed by invitation at eight World Saxophone Congresses: Chicago, Illinois (1979), Nuremberg, Germany (1982), Kawasaki, Japan (1988), Valencia, Spain (1997) and Montreal, Canada (2000), Minneapolis, Minnesota (2003), St. Andrews, Scotland (2012), Strasbourg, France (2015), and Zagreb, Croatia (2018). Professor Nichol has performed with the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, the Harry James Orchestra, the Nelson Riddle Orchestra. Nichol can be heard on Flights of Fancy (Centaur Recording, 2003), Caught in the Act (White Pine Music, 2007), Woodwind Echoes (White Pine Recording, 2008), and Conspiracy Theory (White Pine Music, 2010). Professor Nichol is a Yamaha Performing Artist, a Vandoren Artist, and is a Past President of the North American Saxophone Alliance.
Jonathan Nichol is an active performing saxophonist who has presented concerts throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. Jonathan was a solo-artist semi-finalist in the 2009 Concert Artist Guild Competition and a finalist with the h2 quartet in the 2012 Concert Artist Guild Competition. He is a founding member of the h2 quartet, recipients of the prestigious Gold Medal at the 2007 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition and First Prize Award recipients at the inaugural North American Saxophone Alliance Chamber Music Competition (2008). Jonathan Nichol is Associate Professor of Saxophone at the University of Oklahoma and he holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree (2010) and a Master of Music degree (2007) from Michigan State University and a Bachelor of Music Education degree (2005) from Central Michigan University. Jonathan’s primary teachers include John Nichol, Joseph Lulloff, and Robbie Smith. He is proud to be a Yamaha and Vandoren Performing Artist.
Benjamin Nichols has been featured on dozens of recordings and hundreds of performances around the world. He wrote and performed horn lines as part of the Ryan Innes Band (American Idol, The Voice), which won by popular vote the $10,000 grand prize at the Stadium of Fire in 2012 and opened for the Beach Boys. Ben received a master’s degree from the New England Conservatory of Music (NEC), where he studied with jazz legends Jerry Bergonzi, Miguel Zenon, Donny McCaslin, and Jason Moran. While at NEC, Ben served as a teaching assistant to Jerry Bergonzi and Ken Schaphorst. Ben was a featured soloist at the Edinburgh, Burmingham, Marlborough, Wigan, and Durham Jazz Festivals (England); the Glasgow Jazz Festival (Scotland); the Rio Das Ostras Jazz e Blues Festival (Brazil); the opening gala of the IAJE International Conference (New York)
Lindsey O’Connor is the Adjunct Instructor of Saxophone of the College of Southern Nevada, the Artistic Director of the Las Vegas Youth Saxophone Ensembles, Woodwinds Coach for the Las Vegas Youth Orchestras, and the Woodwinds Paraprofessional for Clark County School District and Faith Conservatory of the Fine Arts. She is the 2018-20 Woodwind Chair of the Nevada Music Teachers Association. As an educator, O'Connor frequently serves as an adjudicator and clinician for the Nevada Music Educators Association and Southern Nevada Band Association. She is an active solo artist, as well as soprano saxophonist of the Red Rock Saxophone Quartet and principal clarinetist of the Nevada Chamber Orchestra. O’Connor is a D.M.A. Saxophone Performance candidate at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (ABD, expected graduation May 2020). She received a M.M. from UNL and a B.M. from Michigan State University. O’Connor is a Vandoren Artist-Clinician and performs exclusively on Vandoren and Yamaha products.
Since 2004, Shawn O'Kelley has been teaching at Owasso Public Schools in Owasso, Oklahoma. He teaches sixth grade flute and saxophone classes, eighth grade band, Owasso High School Symphonic Band I, Owasso Saxophone Ensemble, and assists with the Pride of Owasso marching band. In 2018, he was recognized with an Exemplary Teacher Award from the Oklahoma Music Educators Association. Under his direction, Owasso Saxophone Ensemble members have performed at North American Saxophone Alliance conventions from 2016-2019. Mr. O’Kelley also enjoys teaching an active schedule of private saxophone lessons, and his students frequently earn positions in all region and all state bands. His professional affiliations include Oklahoma Music Educators Association, where he has served as All State Chair, Phi Beta Mu, North American Saxophone Alliance, and faculty membership at the Great Plains Saxophone Workshop. Mr. O'Kelley is a 2001 graduate of the University of Arkansas and a native of Farmington, Arkansas.
Described by noted American composer Libby Larsen as “fearless on stage,” saxophonist Stephen Page has garnered international prominence as one of the leading saxophonists of today’s younger generation. Page has appeared across four continents, including United
Kingdom, France, Belgium, Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan, Canada, Australia, and
the United States.
Stephen has earned prizes in no fewer than ten International and national
competitions, including the MTNA Solo and Chamber Competition, the NASA Solo and
Quartet Competitions, the Fischoff Chamber Music Competition, the YYPA, and the
AUREC Saxophone Competition.
Dr. Page has released fourteen recordings as a soloist and chamber musician which can be heard on the Enharmonic, Teal Creek, Crystal Music, and AUR Labels. Stephen’s premier recording of John Mackey’s Soprano Saxophone Concerto and John Adams’ Saxophone Concerto will be released in 2019, on the NAXOS label.
Stephen Page is Associate Professor at The University of Texas Butler School of Music.
British saxophonist Ellie Parker is an active advocate of new music and creative collaboration. She is the recipient of the inaugural Laura Buss Sayavedra Award for Citizen Artistry in the city of Houston, as well as being a second-year Da Camera Young Artist. She is Adjunct Professor of Saxophone at Sam Houston State University where she teaches undergraduate music performance and music education majors. Ellie is Assistant Director and saxophonist for AURA contemporary music.
Ms. Parker is in the final year of a Doctor of Musical Arts in Saxophone Performance with a minor in Musicology at the University of Houston where she studies with Dan Gelok. She also studied at Birmingham Conservatoire with Naomi Sullivan, and completed a Masters of Music at Sam Houston State University studying with Dr. Masahito Sugihara with additional study at the Koninklijk Conservatorium Brussel through the Eurasmus Exchange.
Dr. Tracy Patterson is Associate Professor of Music and Woodwind Chair at Winthrop University where he teaches applied saxophone, jazz improvisation, and coaches chamber ensembles. Patterson received the Bachelor of Arts in Jazz Studies from Northeastern State University, the Master of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of Central Oklahoma, and the Doctor of Musical Arts in Saxophone Performance from Texas Tech University. He has performed with noted artists Natalie Cole, The Temptations, Robin Eubanks, Bob Mintzer, Wayne Bergeron, Steve Lippia, Linda Eder, Lorna Luft, Brett Eldridge, and Darius Rucker. An active orchestral musician, he has appeared multiple times with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, and the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra. Patterson is a Performing Artist for Yamaha and D’Addario and exclusively performs on Yamaha Saxophones and D’Addario reeds. He resides in Tega Cay, South Carolina, with his wife, Joy, and daughter, Evelyn.
Dr. Tracy Patterson is Associate Professor of Saxophone/Jazz and Woodwind Chair at Winthrop University where he teaches applied saxophone, jazz improvisation, and coaches chamber ensembles. Patterson received the Bachelor of Arts in Music from Northeastern State University, the Master of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of Central Oklahoma, and the Doctor of Musical Arts in Saxophone Performance from Texas Tech University. He has performed with noted artists Natalie Cole, The Temptations, Robin Eubanks, Bob Mintzer, Wayne Bergeron, Steve Lippia, Linda Eder, Lorna Luft, Brett Eldridge, and Darius Rucker. An active orchestral musician, he has appeared multiple times with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, and the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra. Patterson is a Performing Artist for Yamaha and D’Addario and exclusively performs on Yamaha Saxophones and D’Addario reeds. He resides in Tega Cay, South Carolina, with his wife, Joy, and daughter, Evelyn.
Bio for composer Gemma Peacocke is included in the composition information.
Kacie Brown is the 1st Prize winner of the inaugural Elise Hall Competition for Emerging Saxophonists. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree in saxophone performance at Indiana University under the guidance of Dr. Otis Murphy, a certificate in journalism through IU’s Media School, and is a member of the Hutton Honors College. She attended Interlochen Arts Camp as a Fennell Scholar. She also regularly performs with her quartet, the Kanaderu Saxophone Quartet, most recently at the United States Navy Band’s International Saxophone Symposium.
Alexia Perez: An active performer, a dedicated educator in the Baton Rouge area, and online as a highly praised instructor on the TakeLessons website. She was the Lessons Manager at Guitar Center, having the highest student enrollment in the nation in January 2019. Alexia is currently the School of Music Recruiter at LSU, where she oversees recruitment, outreach efforts, and music admissions. As an active NASA member, Alexia serves as Social Media Coordinator in the CSW.
Alexia has performed at the 2017 NASA Region 6 Conference, and with the BRSO. She placed first in the graduate division of the 2018 NOLA Chamberfest with the Magnolia Saxophone Quartet. Alexia currently performs as a soloist and has recently performed in Duo Vim. The saxophone duet provided a masterclass and performed a Guest Artist Recital at the University of North Florida.
Gabriel Piqué is the current Assistant Professor of Saxophone & Jazz Studies at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, OH.
Gabriel Piqué holds degrees from the Eastman School of Music and the University of Georgia and is currently a DMA candidate at the University of Illinois.
He is the recipient of Eastmans prestigious performer's certificate and in 2016 he was named first prize winner of the NASA Solo Competition. He is the baritone saxophonist of the award-winning Fuego Quartet, which was the gold medal winner of the 2017 Fischoff Chamber Music Competition and the 2017 Plowman Chamber Music Competition. Piqué also plays alto in the touring saxophone sextet, The Moanin’ Frogs. Piqué has studied jazz saxophone with Dave D’Angelo of the Buddy Rich Orchestra and Ron Bridgewater of the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra. His primary teachers have included Debra Richtmeyer, Chien-Kwan Lin and Connie Frigo. Piqué is a Vandoren Artist.
Tommy Poole is Director of Jazz Studies at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater OK. He is an active saxophonist in a variety of genres.
Poole's arrangements/compositions have been featured on at least eight CDs. His first three CDs as producer received critical acclaim from All About Jazz, JazzEd Magazine, Outside in Music, and ITA Journal. Poole's most recently produced CD, Solid Gold (2017) featured trombonist Michael Dease with the OSU Jazz Orchestra. The recording was awarded four stars by All About Jazz. Of Poole's arranging on the CD, Dan Bilawsky of JazzEd Magazine writes, "Poole's 'Out Front' uses infectious lines in fifteen and four to serve as foundational material, his sweeping arrangment of Antonio Carlos Jobim's 'Discussao' is pure Brazlian beauty..."
Poole has served as guest artist, all-state clinician and/or adjudicator for countless conferences and jazz festivals. His research on metric modulations has been published in Jazz Inside Magazine.
Dr. Neal
Postma is a saxophonist based in South Carolina where he enjoys a multi-faceted
music career. In addition to being an active performer and pedagogue, he works
in both arts administration as the president of a national single reed
conference and in the music business with D'Addario Woodwinds.
As an educator, Neal currently serves on the
faculties of Winthrop University and
Claflin University where he teaches saxophone, clarinet, and music appreciation
and directs chamber ensembles and the jazz ensemble. In addition to a
busy performance schedule, Neal can be heard on the recently released CD by
Adam Silverman, The Things That Go.
Neal holds degrees from the University of South
Carolina (DMA), University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (MM) and
the University of Colorado (BM). His primary teachers are Clifford Leaman, James Bunte, and Tom Myer.
Rafael Powell is a candidate for the Doctor of Musical Arts, Saxophone Performance, at Texas Tech University where he studies with Professor David Dees.
Rafael’s accomplishments include performances at the NASA Region IV Conference, CMS South Central Conference, SCI Conference, and Mana Saxophone Institute. Along with these conference performances, Rafael has performed with the Sherman Symphony, Little Rock Wind Symphony, CBDNA Intercollegiate Band, AIB Intercollegiate Band, and Stardust Big Band. Powell also won the 2015 State MTNA Young Artist Competition.
Mr. Powell is a graduate of Henderson State University, and Texas A&M University-Commerce, where he received his BM, and MM respectively. Powell’s primary teachers are Dr. Steve Becraft, Dr. Jennifer Amox, Dr. Chris Beaty, Dr. Mary Druhan, and Dr. Julee Walker.
Upon completion of his Bachelor of Music Education at Eastern Michigan University, he began studies towards a Master of Music at the University of Arizona. AJ has had many great performance opportunities including Carnegie Hall as well as being a featured soloist with local high schools. In 2015 and 2016, he was selected as Honorable Mention for the William Stewart Competition and was selected to perform as a featured soloist with the EMU Symphonic Band in the latter year.
Dr. Joey Resendez has earned high regard as a saxophone educator and performer. In addition to the small private studio he maintains, he serves as the soprano/alto saxophonist for the Lone Star Wind Orchestra and is the saxophonist for many regional orchestras in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Dr. Resendez holds degrees from the University of North Texas, the University of Michigan, and Baylor University.
Alexander Richards is an active pedagogue and performing artist, having appeared in concert in Canada, the United States and Europe. Alexander has been a featured soloist with ensembles at the University of Victoria Wind Symphony (2011), the University of Minnesota Wind Ensemble (2013), and at the University of North Texas. In addition, Alexander has been the recipient of the prestigious Berneking Memorial Fellowship and the Patsy C. and Fred W. Patterson College of Music Fellowship. Alexander has had the opportunity to study with many luminaries, including Dr. Eugene Rousseau, Dr. Eric Nestler and Wendell Clanton. Alexander holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Victoria, a Master of Music from the University of Minnesota, and a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of North Texas.
Greg Rife is a saxophonist and music educator currently pursuing a DMA at the University of Iowa where he is the teaching assistant to Dr. Kenneth Tse.
Greg is an active solo performer and as a member of the Colere Quartet. Recent appearances include performances at NASA conferences, a concerto performance with the Illinois Wind Symphony, and at competitions including the Fischoff and Plowman chamber music competitions. Greg serves on the faculty of Monmouth College in Monmouth, IL where he directs the Concert Band and the Fighting Scots Marching Band. Greg also serves as the saxophone instructor in the Lincoln-Way School District in New Lenox, IL.
Greg holds both a BME and MM in saxophone performance degrees from the University of Illinois where he was a student of Debra Richtmeyer.
Amy Robinson is active as a saxophone performer, educator, and conductor. She holds Master of Music degrees in Saxophone Performance and Conducting from Illinois State University and a Bachelor in Music Education from Slippery Rock University.
As a soloist Amy has performed at international conferences, including the 2015 World Saxophone Congress in Strasbourg, France and the 2016 and 2018 NASA conferences. Robinson has also performed with her saxophone quartet at the Navy Band International Saxophone Symposium and was a semi-finalist in the 2014 NASA Saxophone Quartet Competition. As a member of both SRU’s and ISU’s premiere Wind Ensembles, Amy has recorded many CDs, most notably the NAXOS recording with the ISU Wind Symphony.
Amy is a member of professional organizations, including NASA, TMEA, TBA, and NAfME. Her primary saxophone professors include Paul Nolen and Jason Kush and she currently teaches Iowa Park ISD in Wichita Falls, Texas.
Laurette is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Saxophone Performance and a Graduate Certificate in Arts Management and Entrepreneurship at the University of Oklahoma, studying with Dr. Jonathan Nichol.
She has won and participated in chamber music competitions held by the North American Saxophone Alliance, Coltman Chamber Music, and the Music Teachers National Association.
Laurette has administrative experience in the music industry, working and interning for D’Addario & Co., the NAMM Show, and Opera America.
She holds a Master of Music degree from Stephen F. Austin State University (2018), studying with Dr. Nathan Nabb, and a Bachelor of Music Degree from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam (2016) in Music Education and Music Business, studying with Dr. Robert Young.
A versatile performer and educator, Dr. Brian Rodesch is an emerging voice in saxophone and pedagogy. Comfortable in an array of genres and educational settings, Rodesch has presented performances and clinics at institutions throughout the United States. As an advocate for new music and a founding member of the Nexus Duo (saxophone & clarinet), Rodesch has emphasized commissioning and presenting works that focus on creating engaging musical experiences for young audiences. Rodesch currently serves as Assistant Professor of Music at Simpson College and on summer faculty at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp; and has previously taught at University of Minnesota-Morris, MacPhail Center for Music, and served as a director with the Minnesota Youth Jazz Bands (MYJB). As a performer, Rodesch holds the tenor chair in the Minneapolis based Atlas Saxophone Quartet and frequently appears with the Des Moines Big Band. Rodesch is a Conn-Selmer and Dahlke Mouthpiece performing artist.
A versatile performer and educator, Dr. Brian Rodesch is an emerging voice in saxophone and pedagogy. Comfortable in an array of genres and educational settings, Rodesch has presented performances and clinics at institutions throughout the United States. As an advocate for new music and a founding member of the Nexus Duo (saxophone & clarinet), Rodesch has emphasized commissioning and presenting works that focus on creating engaging musical experiences for young audiences. Rodesch currently serves as Assistant Professor of Music at Simpson College and on summer faculty at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp; and has previously taught at University of Minnesota-Morris, MacPhail Center for Music, and served as a director with the Minnesota Youth Jazz Bands (MYJB). As a performer, Rodesch holds the tenor chair in the Minneapolis based Atlas Saxophone Quartet and frequently performs with the Des Moines Big Band. Rodesch is a Conn-Selmer and Dahlke Mouthpiece performing artist.
Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate (Chickasaw) is a dedicated American Indian classical composer and pianist who expresses his native culture in symphonic music, ballet and opera. All of his compositions have been commissioned by major North American orchestras, ensembles and organizations and his works are performed throughout the world.
Tate has been Composer-in-Residence for League of American Orchestras, Joyce Foundation/American Composers Forum, Oklahoma’s NewView Summer Academy, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation and Grand Canyon Music Festival Native American Composer Apprentice Project. He is the founding composition instructor for the Chickasaw Summer Arts Academy and has taught composition to American Indian high school students in Minneapolis, the Hopi, Navajo and Lummi reservations and Canada.
Tate is a three-time commissioned recipient from American Composers Forum, a Chamber Music America commissionrecipient, a Cleveland Institute of Music Alumni Achievement Award recipient, a governor-appointed Creativity Ambassador for the State of Oklahoma and a 2011 Emmy Award winner.
Dr. Justin Rollefson showcases the diversity and flexibility of the saxophone through exploring unconventional chamber ensembles and actively commissioning new works for these ensembles. In 2014, he founded the Rogue Trio (violin, saxophone, and piano). In 2016, Rollefson founded the Eos saxophone sextet. In 2017, he co-founded Lotus (saxophone trio). Finally, in 2018, he founded Zinnia (saxophone, cello and piano). Rollefson has not only been active in chamber music, but has also appeared as a soloist with numerous orchestras and wind groups as well as has performed on saxophone and clarinet in the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra. Dr. Rollefson completed his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in saxophone performance at Arizona State University, where he also completed his Master of Music degree in saxophone performance in 2014. Dr. Rollefson’s past instructors and chamber coaches include Kenneth Tse, Joseph Lulloff, Robert Spring, the Shanghai String Quartet, and the Fifth House Ensemble.
Dr. Nicki Roman is the most recent first prize winner of the North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) Solo Competition. She has been a prize winner at the Music Teacher’s National Association Young Artist Solo Competition, William C. Byrd International Competition, and is the first saxophonist to be the recipient of the International Kate Neal Kinley Memorial Fellowship. She has been a featured concerto soloist with the Eastman Symphony Orchestra, Eastman Wind Ensemble, UW-Milwaukee Wind Ensemble, Illinois Wind Symphony, University of North Florida Orchestra, and the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra. Nicki joined the faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Peck School of the Arts in the fall of 2018. She recently earned her Doctor of Musical Arts Degree at the Eastman School of Music where she was the first female Assistant Director of the Eastman Saxophone Project. Nicki is a Conn-Selmer and Vandoren Performing Artist.
Nicki Roman is the most recent first prize winner of the North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) Solo Competition. She has been a featured concerto soloist with the Eastman Symphony Orchestra, Eastman Wind Ensemble, UW-Milwaukee Wind Ensemble, Illinois Wind Symphony, University of North Florida Orchestra, and the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra. Dr. Roman is the Assistant Professor of Saxophone at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Peck School of the Arts. At UWM, she teaches applied saxophone, coaches chamber music, and is the director of the UWM Saxophone Ensemble. She earned her Doctor of Musical Arts Degree at the Eastman School of Music where she was the first female Assistant Director of the Eastman Saxophone Project. She is a member of the Fuego Quartet, prize winners of the Fischoff, Plowman, and MTNA National Chamber Music Competitions. Nicki is a Conn-Selmer and Vandoren Performing Artist.
Elizabeth Rosinbum maintains a multi-dimensional career as an educator, performer, clinician, and speaker. She is Adjunct Faculty in Fine Arts at Concordia University and maintains a select private studio in one of the most competitive districts in central Texas. The first ever saxophonist to be hired as a D'Addario Woodwinds Method clinician, Elizabeth has given hundreds of educational masterclasses and supervises other clinicians.
Elizabeth has commissioned and premiered works for saxophone throughout the United States and Europe as a soloist and chamber musician, and currently serves on the board of the Austin Saxophone Ensemble. A gifted speaker, she has lectured at several universities throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Oregon, and abroad on woodwind pedagogy, entrepreneurship, performance psychology, and career strategies and business skills.
Elizabeth Rosinbum maintains a multi-dimensional career as an educator, performer, clinician, and speaker. She is Adjunct Faculty in Fine Arts at Concordia University and maintains a select private studio in one of the most competitive districts in central Texas. The first ever saxophonist to be hired as a D'Addario Woodwinds Method clinician, Elizabeth has given hundreds of educational masterclasses and supervises other clinicians.
Elizabeth has commissioned and premiered works for saxophone throughout the United States and Europe as a soloist and chamber musician, and currently serves on the board of the Austin Saxophone Ensemble. A gifted speaker, she has lectured at several universities throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Oregon, and abroad on woodwind pedagogy, entrepreneurship, performance psychology, and career strategies and business skills.
Dr. Johnny Salinas is currently the saxophone professor at Oklahoma State University's Greenwood School of Music in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Prior to working at OSU, Dr. Salinas served as the Assistant Professor of Saxophone at Soochow University School of Music in China. While in China, Dr. Salinas performed many solo and chamber music recitals and had the opportunity to play with the Suzhou Symphony Orchestra and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. As a native of Houston, Texas, he has performed with the Houston Symphony Orchestra, Houston Ballet, and Musiqa, an award-winning American contemporary music ensemble. He has performed as a soloist live on National Public Radio's "The Front Row" and at notable venues such as the Shanghai Symphony Hall, Jinan Grand Theatre, the Kennedy Center's Terrace Theatre in Washington, DC, and the Lila Cockrell Theatre in San Antonio, Texas. He has given many performances throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.
Claire Salli is an Artist Certificate student studying with Dr. Jan Berry-Baker at Georgia State University. She is an advocate for new music and has commissioned and premiered many new works for the saxophone. She has an avid performing and teaching career both in and outside of academia. She has had the opportunity to perform in the United States, Croatia, and Italy and has worked as a clinician and private lesson teacher at numerous high schools and camps across the country. She placed in several competitions such as MTNA Ohio, the Marquette Symphony Orchestra concerto competition, the Stephen F Austin Stare University concerto competition and the Douglas Wayland Chamber music competition. She has a masters in saxophone performance from Bowling Green State University where she served as Dr. John Sampen’s teaching assistant and taught undergraduate applied lessons and ensemble. Claire also earned her bachelor’s in music education from Stephen F Austin State University where she studied with Dr. Nathan Nabb.
null
Claire Salli is currently an Artist Certificate student at Georgia State University. She has an active performing and teaching career both in and outside of academia. So far, she has had the opportunity to perform in the United States, Croatia, and Italy and has worked as a clinician, sectional and private lesson teacher at numerous schools around the country. She is an advocate for new music and has commissioned and premiered several new works for the saxophone. Her primary teachers include Dr. Jan Berry Baker, Dr. John Sampen, Dr. Nathan Nabb, and Dr. Eric Nestler.
null
As one of America's leading concert saxophonists, John Sampen is particularly recognized as a distinguished artist in contemporary literature. He has commissioned over one hundred twenty new works and has soloed with ensembles from all over the world. Sampen has recorded with Belgian and Swiss National Radio and is represented on the Orion, CRI, Albany and Capstone record labels. A clinician for the Conn-Selmer Company and the Légère Company, he has presented masterclasses at important universities and conservatories throughout Europe, Asia and North America. In addition to contemporary literature, Sampen performs traditional saxophone repertoire in recital with pianist/composer Marilyn Shrude. Dr. Sampen is currently a Distinguished Artist Professor at Bowling Green State University and is Past President of the North American Saxophone Alliance.
Costa Rican saxophonist Gabriel Sanchez Porras is currently a candidate for a D.M.A. in Saxophone Performance, and a Graduate Assistant of the jazz department at the University of Iowa.
In his home country Gabriel is an active teacher and performer. Appearances include concerts with the National Symphonic Orchestra of Costa Rica, and the San Jose Concert Band. He has participated in several saxophone and music festivals mainly in Latin America. In the last ten years he has performed in Argentina, Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Colombia, Guatemala, France, Switzerland, and United States as part of different ensembles.
In 2019 he obtained the 2nd prize at the Concurso Panamericano de Saxofon Clásico Yucatán, 2017 he was awarded the third prize of the ALASAX (Latin American Saxophone Association) classical saxophone competition
Melissa Scanlan-Duncan MSW, LICSW is a licensed psychotherapist with a specialized practice in anxiety management and performance for athletes and artists. Melissa is based in St. Paul, Minnesota and obtained her undergraduate degree (B.A. in Psychology) from the College of St Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota. She went on to earn her Master's Degree in Clinical Social Work from Augsburg College in Minneapolis. She has received specialized training in Clinical Hypnosis through the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety Management. Melissa currently practices at Regions Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic. Her past clinical experience includes community based mental health programs, day treatment settings, as well as Pediatric Hospice and Palliative Care. She has worked extensively in leadership roles, developing teams, and managing employee performance.
Melissa was a competitive dancer in high school and college, and continues to compete in the fitness industry. She has earned the title of Fitness Professional and competes in competitions locally as well as nationally. She has been featured in numerous publications in the US and abroad. Melissa uses the same mental training techniques from her practice to achieve her own goals as an athlete.
Melissa aims to create insight, focus, and mental/emotional stamina with performers so they can fully engage in their work and help them achieve optimal performance consistently.
Saxophonist and composer Phil Scarff (www.philscarff.com) performs Indian classical music and contemporary jazz, and leads the world-jazz groups Natraj and the Lewis Porter-Phil Scarff Group. Phil pioneers the performance of North Indian classical music on soprano saxophone, exquisitely capturing the subtlety and depth of this music. His performance at India's legendary Tansen Samaroh, Gwalior, India, with Saskia Rao de Haas was "The highlight of the festival." [Dainik Bhaskar]. Indian classical appearances also include India's Nehru Center (Mumbai); Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture (Kolkata); and ICCR Theater (Delhi). Phil has presented workshops on jazz, Indian classical music, and world music at institutions such as New England Conservatory, Indian Musicological Society (Mumbai), Berklee College, Tufts Univ., Kalakshetra Foundation (Chennai, India), Univ. of North TX, Univ. of OK, Lawrence Univ., Bowdoin College, Dartmouth College, Guelph Jazz Festival, Univ. of RI, MIT, LearnQuest Festival, Boston Univ., and Berks Jazz Fest.
Saxophonist and composer Phil Scarff (www.philscarff.com) performs Indian classical music and contemporary jazz, and leads the world-jazz groups Natraj and the Lewis Porter-Phil Scarff Group. Phil pioneers the performance of North Indian classical music on soprano saxophone, exquisitely capturing the subtlety and depth of this music. His performance at India's legendary Tansen Samaroh, Gwalior, India, with Saskia Rao de Haas was "The highlight of the festival." [Dainik Bhaskar]. Indian classical appearances also include India's Nehru Center (Mumbai); Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture (Kolkata); and ICCR Theater (Delhi). Phil has performed with Indian classical icons including Ronu Majumdar, Shashank, Kadri Gopalnath, Umayalpuram K. Sivaraman, Trichy Sankaran, and Chitravina Ravikiran. Phil performs jazz with Aardvark, Jazz Composers Alliance, OddSong, and Filmprov, and is featured on 40 CDs/DVDs.
“Weaving magic through his saxophone with Raga Puriya… soul-stirring… sonorous… refreshing and delightful.” - Deccan Herald, Bengaluru.
"Delirious tenor sax solo." - All About Jazz.
Tyler Schaefers, from Aurora, IL, is currently pursuing a master’s degree in saxophone performance at Illinois State University under Dr. Paul Nolen.
For his undergraduate degree, Tyler completed a double major in saxophone performance and economics at DePauw University. While at DePauw, Tyler studied with Professor Scotty Stepp and served as the soprano saxophonist in the Ephemeral Quartet.
Tyler attended the Frederick L. Hemke Saxophone Institute in 2015 and 2016, where he had the opportunity to study with Frederick L. Hemke, the Kumoi Quartet, John Sampen, and Gail B. Levinsky.
Tyler has also performed in master classes with Timothy McAllister, Frederick L. Hemke, Otis Murphy, and Debra Richtmeyer.
Henning Schröder has performed throughout Europe, Asia and North America, both as a soloist and in groups as diverse as the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and Max Raabe & Palast Orchester. As baritone saxophonist of the Capitol Quartet and with his duo partner, pianist Yu-Lien The, Henning explores both the standard and contemporary repertoire of his instrument. A Yamaha Performing Artist, he has been featured in performances, lectures, clinics and as a composer at international conferences and festivals in Europe and the US. Henning holdsdegrees in saxophone performance and saxophone pedagogy from the University of Arts Berlin, Western Michigan University and the University of Illinois. He studied with Debra Richtmeyer, Johannes Ernst, Trent Kynaston and Chip McNeill. Henning is an Associate Professor of Music at Ohio Northern University. He spends his summers in North Carolina as a member of the Brevard Summer Music Festival Artist Faculty.
An award winning and Grammy® considered saxophonist, Dr. Richard A. Schwartz has commissioned and/or premiered over thirty new works for saxophone, performed for regional, national and international events in North and South America and Europe and is the grand prize winner of the 1997 International Henri Mancini Institute Concerto Competition, recipient of the 2010 Southeastern Louisiana University President's Award for Excellence in Artistic Activity and recipient of the 2018 Eastern New Mexico University President's Award for Excellence in Teaching. Schwartz has performed featured solos with such pop musical legends as Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin and has shared the stage with jazz artists backing up Dave Grusin, Roy Hargrove, Bob Mintzer and others. Immediate past president of the New Mexico Jazz Educators, Dr. Schwartz is associate professor of saxophone and jazz studies at Eastern New Mexico University, having served on the faculties of Boston University, Brandies University and Southeastern Louisiana University (2011-2013 Faculty Senate President).
“Clearly knowing the power of sonority” (Philadelphia Inquirer), the music of Baljinder Sekhon has been presented in over 500 concerts in twenty countries. From works for large ensemble to solo works to electronic music, Sekhon’s demonstrate a wide range of genres and styles. Numerous commercial recordings of Sekhon’s music have been released, including those on Albany Records, Parma, AMP, Klarthe, BCM&D, and Equilibrium Records. A portrait CD of Sekhon’s music was released on Innova Records in April 2018. His saxophone works are regularly performed around the world, with performances at the World Saxophone Congress, EurSax, several NASA National and Regional conferences, and in venues such as the Kennedy Center, Seoul Arts Center, and the National Recital Hall of Taiwan.
Sekhon serves as Assistant Professor of Composition at Penn State University. He holds the PhD, MA from the Eastman School of Music and a BM from the University of South Carolina.
My name is Johnny Selmer, and I am a chamber musician and music teacher from San Jose, CA. My passions and interests include playing classical saxophone, the new music genre, researching saxophone history, and dogs. I actively play with the Zelos Saxophone Quartet in both regular public performances and yearly outreach tours. We have won several competitions as an ensemble, including the Grand Prize for Chamber Music at the 2018 Frances Walton Competition in Seattle, WA and the 2017-2018 California State and southwest Regional MTNA Competitions.
I perform on historic instruments and mouthpieces designed to the acoustical specifications of the saxophone’s inventor, Adolphe Sax. Here are my setups:
Alto:
1940 Buescher Aristocrat (290XXX, modified by MusicMedic)
MANA Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece
Solid-Silver Ishimori Ligature
Soprano:
1950s Buescher True-Tone (no serial #, modified by Frank Diaz)
Buescher Oval-stamp Mouthpiece
Gold-Plated Ishimori Ligature
Zach Shemon enjoys a versatile career as a soloist, chamber musician, orchestral musician, and pedagogue in roles as Associate Professor of Saxophone at the University of Missouri - Kansas City Conservatory, alto saxophonist in the PRISM Quartet, and on the faculty at the Interlochen Arts Camp. His current and former students hold teaching positions throughout the US and have been finalists in national and international competitions, as well as in auditions for US Military Bands. He has released numerous critically acclaimed recordings and performed worldwide with the PRISM Quartet. Shemon won 1st prize at the inaugural ISSAC Competition and has appeared as a concerto soloist with bands and orchestras throughout the world. He holds degrees from the University of Michigan and Indiana University, where he studied with Donald Sinta and Otis Murphy, respectively. Shemon performs on Selmer (Paris) saxophones, D’Addario Reserve reeds, and is an active clinician throughout the world.
As a concert saxophonist, Shults has been praised for his “jaw-dropping” and “authoritative” performances (Bill Brownlee of the Kansas City Star) and has performed by invitation at the College Band Director's National Association conference, North American Saxophone Alliance biennial conference, the Minnesota Music Educator's Association conference, and the University of Iowa Festival for New Music. Dr. Shults has been a featured soloist with the Mid-Kansas Symphony and the Rhodes College Orchestra. He is a founding faculty member of the Kansas City Saxophone Workshop along with Zach Shemon, alto saxophonist of the PRISM Quartet. Dr. Shults has also served on the faculty of the Eugene Rousseau Saxophone Workshop at Shell Lake Arts Center. He is currently the alto saxophone chair in the Coalescent Quartet.
Michael is Assistant Professor of Saxophone at the University of Memphis. He is a Yamaha and D’Addario performing artist and performs on their instruments and reeds exclusively.
Jeff Siegfried combines a “rich, vibrant tone” (South Florida Classical Review) with “beautiful and delicate playing” (Michael Tilson Thomas) to deliver “showstopper performances” (Peninsula Reviews).
Siegfried serves as Assistant Professor of Saxophone at West Virginia University. He is a member of The Moanin’ Frogs and has collaborated with casalQuartet and the Fonema Consort.
Siegfried received first prize at the Luminarts Competition and the Frances Walton Competition and was runner up in the Carmel Music Society Competition and the NASA Quartet Competition. He is the recipient of the 2016 Hans Schaueble Award.
Siegfried has appeared as a soloist with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (WA), the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” the University of Portland Wind Ensemble, the Oregon State University Wind Ensemble, and the Northwestern University Contemporary Music Ensemble. He has also appeared with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the New World Symphony, the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival, and Spoleto Festival, USA.
Vanessa Sielert is Director and Professor at the Lionel Hampton School of Music at the University of Idaho. She has also served as professor of saxophone on the faculties of Pacific Lutheran University, Seattle Pacific University and Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. Sielert has performed with a wide range of performing groups, including the Palouse Jazz Project, the Bob Curnow Big Band, the Spokane Symphony, Tacoma Symphony Orchestra and the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. As a member of the Millennium Saxophone Quartet, she was a medal winner at the prestigious Fischoff Chamber Music Competition. She can be heard on several recent recordings including Fireflies, recorded by an ensemble she founded, the Free Range Saxophone Quartet. She will be releasing her duo album, duality, with pianist Catherine Anderson later this year. Sielert is a Selmer Performing Artist and Clinician.
Thomas Smialek is Professor of Music & Integrative Arts at The Pennsylvania State University, Hazleton. His research interests include the early history of the saxophone and the use of technology in music instruction. He has presented and performed at meetings of the North American Saxophone Alliance, The College Music Society, the Association for Technology in Music Instruction, the American Musicological Society, and the Twelfth World Saxophone Congress. Publications have appeared in The Saxophone Symposium, Saxophone Journal, Journal of Research in Music Education, and Journal of Technology in Music Learning. He and L. A. Logrande developed the educational software Active Listening Tools for publisher CengageLearning’s music appreciation textbook Listening to Music by Craig Wright. Smialek produced NASA’s compact disc of historical recordings The Saxophone Craze. He has been a member of The Saxophone Symposium’s editorial board since 1994 and was editor from 1997-2004.
null
Since establishing himself among the Denver area’s elite jazz musicians, Peter Sommer has contributed his energetic saxophone playing and creative spirit to a wide variety of musical projects ranging from mainstream bebop to avant garde and beyond at venues across the nation and around the world. Peter has performed with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Colorado Symphony Orchestra and the Colorado Music Festival Orchestra, and has been a featured jazz soloist at North American Saxophone Alliance Regional and Biennial Conferences. He has also performed at IAJE International Conferences in Anaheim and Toronto, Canada, and has performed at World Saxophone Congresses in Spain, Thailand, Scotland, and France. He has also released five albums as a leader, most recently Narrando Historias (2015) on Dazzle Recordings, and Happy-Go-Lucky Locals (2017) featuring his Septet. Peter Sommer is Associate Professor of Jazz Studies and Saxophone at Colorado State University in Ft. Collins.
Dr. Benjamin Sorrell is Lecturer in Saxophone and Chamber Music at California State University, Northridge, maintains a large private studio, and regularly coaches at schools in the US and Japan. Performances include Daegu International Contemporary Music Festival in South Korea, Monday Evening Concert Series, The Stone, University of Colorado at Boulder’s Pendulum New Music Series, and performs regularly with S-Tet Saxophone Quartet and San Diego Symphony. He holds degrees from the University of Southern California and New England Conservatory, and currently resides in Los Angeles and performs regularly as soloist, chamber, and orchestral musician, exploring repertoire ranging from the baroque to contemporary, and has commissioned or premiered more than 20 new works for the saxophone.
Saxophonist, composer, educator, Joseph David Spence has made a name as an advocate for the saxophone in the concert hall and in his own compositions. His teachers include some of the most respected saxophonists in America: Carrie Koffman, Christopher Bartz, and John Hallberg. He has also participated in several national saxophone conferences working closely with highly esteemed saxophonists: Timothy McAllister, James Umble, and Marco Albonetti. Spence’s musicianship has also earned him esteem in competitions having won first place in the MTNA Chamber Music Competition for the states of California and Connecticut, the MTNA Young Artist Competition for the state of Connecticut, and second place for the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra’s Instrumental Competition. Spence is pursuing his Dual Master's Degree in Saxophone Performance and Composition at The Hartt School, and currently holds a Bachelor of Music degree from California State University, Fullerton. For more information, go to www.josephdavidspence.com.
Originally from the Washington, D.C. area, saxophonist David Stambler is a veteran of thousands of professional performances – classical recitals, jazz, appearances as a symphonic soloist, and “on-call” engagements with many orchestras including the Baltimore Symphony, the Annapolis Symphony, the Bay Atlantic Symphony, the Richmond Symphony, the National Gallery Orchestra, the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, Harrisburg Symphony, and others. He has recorded with Baltimore Symphony, the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, the capitol quartet and has played clarinet and saxophone on dozens of nationally broadcast radio and television commercials and soundtracks in the U.S.
Stambler received his Bachelor of Music degree in saxophone from The University of Michigan, where he was a student of Donald Sinta. He holds the Master of Music degree from the Peabody Institute in Baltimore, and the Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Maryland. He is currently Professor of Saxophone at Penn State University.
Praised by the Tacoma News Tribune for his “effortless lyricism” as well as his “smooth tone and fluid virtuosity,” saxophonist Erik Steighner has performed with ensembles including the Austin Symphony Orchestra, the Federal Way Symphony, the Northwest Sinfonietta, the Pacific Northwest Ballet Orchestra, the San Antonio Symphony, and Symphony Tacoma. Steighner has served on the faculty of Texas State University and currently teaches at Pacific Lutheran University and Tacoma Community College. He is also on faculty at the University of Puget Sound Community Music Department and is founder and conductor of the South Sound Saxophone Ensemble. Steighner holds bachelor’s degrees in music and English from the University of Puget Sound and master’s and doctoral degrees in saxophone performance from The University of Texas at Austin. He is a Conn-Selmer artist and plays on Selmer Paris saxophones and mouthpieces.
Saxophonist and conductor Andrew R. Steinberg has been recognized for his “beautiful tone” as well as his “astute and refined leadership” throughout North America, Asia, and Europe. A graduate of New England Conservatory's DMA program, Dr. Steinberg has lectured and presented classes at Boston University, Memorial University, Georgia State University, Brookline Adult & Community Education, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The scope of his research has focused on topics including The Life of Adolphe Sax, The Saxophone in the Weimar Republic, Historically Informed Performance Practice of the Saxophone Repertoire, and The “Raschèrian” Approach. Dr. Steinberg serves as the Director of Wind Studies at San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts, Artist-Faculty at Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts, and is Founder and Music Director of the Megalopolis Saxophone Orchestra.
Saxophonist and conductor Andrew R. Steinberg has been recognized for his “beautiful tone” as well as his “astute and refined leadership” throughout North America, Asia, and Europe. As a concertizing soloist and the Music Director of the Megalopolis Saxophone Orchestra, Dr. Steinberg has sought to perform needlessly neglected works from the repertoire alongside music by today’s composers. An advocate of music that challenges popular conceptions of the saxophone, his performances focus on works that highlight the “Sound-of-Sax” in ways never heard before, particularly in terms of timbre and aesthetic approach.
Andrew R. Steinberg serves as the Director of Wind Studies at San Diego School of the Creative and Performing Arts, Artist-Faculty at Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts, and is Founder and Music Director of the Megalopolis Saxophone Orchestra.
Woodwind Specialist Clay Steiner is dedicated to exploring the endless possibilities of music in today’s society. Clay is an advocate for Milwaukee’s diverse musical scene extending into classical, jazz, contemporary, and pop genres, always searching for ways to push the boundaries. Clay is a frequent on-call saxophonist in the area with, notably, the Milwaukee Jazz Orchestra, and Present Music. He also enjoys working with composers and various chamber ensembles including Intrepid Quartet, Canary Reeds, and SmaX Duo. In addition to his dedication to performance, Clay is an enthusiastic music educator. He teaches lessons both privately and at the Milwaukee High School of the Arts. Clay Steiner is pursuing a degree in Multiple Woodwinds Performance at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. At UW-Milwaukee, Clay has experienced success in a variety of ensembles and was runner-up of the 2018 wind ensemble concerto competition. He currently studies applied saxophone with Dr. Nicki Roman.
During 2001-2003 Mr. Stepp was granted a Fulbright Fellowship and a Harriet Hale Wooley scholarship to study in Paris, France, under the direction of acclaimed saxophonist Jean-Yves Fourmeau. Mr. Stepp has been a visiting adjunct faculty saxophone instructor at Indiana University, Indiana State University, and Millikin University. Scotty completed his Master of Arts in Saxophone Performance at Bowling Green State University under the tutelage of Dr. John Sampen. He received his undergraduate degree from Indiana State University where he studied with Dr. Paul Bro. He is currently Adjunct Professor of Saxophone at DePauw University and University of Indianapolis.
Mr. Stepp has performed throughout the United States, Europe and China. Most notable are performances at the United States Embassy in Paris, France, selected performer at the German-American Fulbright Program's 50th anniversary conference in Berlin, Germany and performances in Greece, Cyprus, and Italy.
Originally from Raleigh, NC, Ben Still is an active solo and chamber musician throughout the United States. Currently, he serves on the faculties of UNC Charlotte and Lenoir-Rhyne University, where he teaches applied saxophone and chamber music, as well as courses in music theory and ear training. Dr. Still has been a prizewinner in the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, The American Prize Competition, and ENKOR Competition. Additionally, he has presented clinics and performances at the International Saxophone Symposium, Texas Music Educators Association and North American Saxophone Alliance annual conferences. Dr. Still earned his Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music degrees from Texas Tech University and a Bachelor of Music with honors from UNC Charlotte. His primary teachers include David Dees, Stephen Jones, Will Campbell, and Wayne Leechford. Dr. Still is a Conn-Selmer Artist/Clinician and performs on Selmer Paris saxophones exclusively.
Eric Stults is from Moore, Oklahoma and has studied, been in masterclasses, and taken lessons with many great saxophonists including Tommy Poole, David Detweiler, Jeffery Loeffert, Katherine Weintraub, Jonathon Nichol, Geoffrey Deibel, Vincent David, Zach Shemon, Stephen Page, David Dees, Chris Creviston, and Joe Luloff. As a soloist, Eric has played with the Oklahoma State Symphony Orchestra and won the 2018 Music Teacher National Association young artist competition in the state of Florida. Eric has played in several conferences and competitions throughout his time at Oklahoma State and Florida State including the Navy band saxophone symposium conference, the Oklahoma State single reed summit, the North American Saxophone Alliance Biennial quartet competition finals, American Single Reed Summit, Oklahoma Music Educators Association, The Midwest Clinic, the regional North American Saxophone Alliance conference, and The Music Teachers National Association Chamber music competition finals.
Yo-yo Su is a graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts & the University of Melbourne in Australia, the conservatories of Montpellier & Versailles in France where he completed his D.E.M and Perfectionnement degrees, and at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam & the Netherlands String Quartet Academy in The Netherlands where he earned his bachelor degree as well as his master's degree in both saxophone and chamber music.
Laureate of numerous national and international competitions for solo and chamber music, Yo-yo is a founding member of the Ardemus Quartet based in Amsterdam and can be heard on the Cobra Records label.
Since August 2019, he has joined the saxophone class at the University of Iowa to complete his DMA degree under the guidance of Dr. kenneth Tse supported by the Iowa Performance Fellowship.
Taimur Sullivan is Associate Professor of Saxophone at Northwestern University, and a member of the acclaimed PRISM Quartet for 26 years. His performances have taken him from the stages of Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Knitting Factory, to engagements in Russia, China, England, Germany, and throughout Latin America. He has garnered critical praise as "outstanding...his melodies phrased as if this were an old and cherished classic, his virtuosity supreme" (New York Times), and as a player of "dazzling proficiency" (American Record Guide). Mr. Sullivan has dedicated much of his career to commissioning new repertoire for the saxophone, and has given the world premieres of over 250 solo and chamber works. Mr. Sullivan has performed with orchestras nationwide, including the Cleveland Orchestra, Detroit Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and has conducted residencies at leading conservatories throughout the United States including at the Curtis Institute and Princeton, Rice and Brandeis Universities.
Dr. Matthew James Swallow is an Adjunct Professor/Lecture in Music at Alderson Broaddus University teaching applied lessons and coaching chamber ensembles. As a professional saxophonist, Dr. Swallow is also highly proficient on clarinet, flute, and the electronic wind instrument. He has earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Saxophone Performance (Magna Cum Laude) from Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania and Master of Music in Saxophone Performance from Miami University, Ohio. Dr. Swallow recently completed his Doctor of Musical Arts degree at West Virginia University studying with Michael Ibrahim. His previous teachers include: Jeremy Long, Terry Steele, Chris Hemmingway, Varden Armstrong, and Will Jordan. For more information, please visit his website: www.mattswallow.com.
Dr. Matthew Taylor, educational philosopher, humorist, bon vivant, conductor, arts advocate, public speaker, and hair mousse enthusiast, is Assistant Professor of Saxophone at the University of Central Arkansas. As a teacher, he enjoys working with students of all levels, and prior to his university appointments, taught public school and private saxophone studios in several major American cities. He serves on the board of ArkMEA as Innovations Chair.
His doctorate from Frost School of Music is in Saxophone Performance with a cognate in Jazz Studies; he also completed study at the Conservatoire de Bordeaux in Southwestern France, The University of Maryland, and The University of Central Arkansas Schedler Honors College. His has studied with Dale Underwood, Gary Keller, Marie-Bernadette Charrier, and Jackie Lamar.
Matthew is an artist/clinician for the Conn Selmer Corporation, and performs exclusively on Selmer Paris saxophones. For more information, please visit his website at www.matthew-taylor.co.
Saxophonist Jack Thorpe is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in saxophone performance and literature from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Thorpe holds a B.M. in saxophone performance from Georgia State University where he was the recipient of the Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award and an M.M. in saxophone performance from Stephen F. Austin State University where he was the saxophone studio teaching assistant. As a soloist and chamber musician he has performed throughout the United States and Japan and has been featured as a concerto soloist with Georgia State University's Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Stephen F. Austin State University's Symphonic Orchestra, and the Univeristy of Illinois's Wind Symphony. As the alto chair in the Akira Quartet, he has premiered and recorded music by composers Stephen Wood and Matthew Quayle. Thorpe’s main teachers include Jan Berry Baker, Nathan Nabb, and Debra Richtmeyer with additional study under Frederick L. Hemke.
Douglas Tiller is a multi-instrumentalist hailing from Athens, Georgia. Active throughout the Piedmont region, Douglas has taught various woodwinds in high schools around Atlanta and has performed in Athens area festivals. As a member of the Centennial Quartet and Augmented Triad, he and his colleagues have placed in the MTNA Georgia and Southern Divisions Chamber Competitions and the Georgia State University Honors Recital, in addition to presenting at the International Navy Band Saxophone Symposium. Eager to make new music, Douglas regularly collaborates with composers on solo and chamber projects
Douglas is currently working on his Bachelor of Music at Georgia State University under the guidance of Jan Berry Baker. He has performed in masterclasses for renowned artists such as Gerard McChrystal, Carrie Koffman, and Roomful of Teeth. Through the Snow Pond Music Festival, he has had the opportunity to study further with Gail B. Levinsky, John Sampen, and Frederick L. Hemke.
Jeremy Brown is an author, saxophonist/woodwind specialist, conductor and composer. He was the lead compiler of the Royal Conservatory of Music Saxophone Series (2011 and author of The Wind Band Music of Henry Cowell (Routledge 2018)
Saxophonist Matthew Tracy is Assistant Professor of Music at SWOSU, teaching Music Theory and Saxophone. He has performed as guest artist and clinician across the United States and has won awards in the Fischoff, Plowman, Coleman, MTNA and North American Saxophone Alliance chamber music competitions.
As a student at Michigan State University, Tracy was awarded the College of Music’s highest honor, being selected as a winner of the Honors Concerto Competition. He has also performed as a soloist with the MSU Symphony Orchestra on Mussorgsy’s Pictures at an Exhibition, and as a soloist with the Holland (MI) Symphony.
An advocate for new music, Tracy has premiered new pieces for saxophone by composers such as Reynold Simpson, Phillip Sink, Justin Rito, Curtis Smith, and Andy Francis. Tracy holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Central Michigan University, and Masters and Doctoral degrees from Michigan State University, studying with John Nichol and Joseph Lulloff.
The Viridian Saxophone Quartet, comprised of members Casey Grev, Madeline Morizio, Kyle Landry, and Eric Troiano, was formed in 2015 with the goal of presenting exciting performance of new and standard works for saxophone quartet. The quartet has been invited as the featured guest artist for the 2018 and 2019 University of Arkansas Summer Music Camp, presenting performances, lectures, and masterclasses for students all across Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, and Texas. Members of the Viridian Saxophone Quartet have received prizes in the Coleman, Fischoff, and Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Chamber Music Competitions, and in March of 2016 they won the 2016 North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) Quartet Competition. The quartet also maintains an active schedule of outreach workshops, giving recitals and masterclasses at many high schools and universities around the country.
Eric Troiano joined the faculty of the University of Arkansas in the fall of 2016. He maintains an active teaching and performing career as a soloist and chamber musician. He has been a guest artist at numerous institutions. As a member of the Viridian Saxophone Quartet, he performs regularly across the country and has won top prizes in many competitions. As an accomplished baritone saxophonist, Eric has pioneered many solo and chamber works for the instrument. He is creating a pedagogical method for the baritone saxophone that utilizes the compositions of J.S. Bach to teach techniques of playing the instrument. Eric received a BM in music education and saxophone performance from Ithaca College, and a MM and DMA in saxophone performance from Michigan State University. His primary teachers include Joseph Lulloff and Steven Mauk. Eric is a Conn-Selmer artist.
Iowa Saxophonists' Workshop is directed by Dr. Kenneth Tse and involves select students from the saxophone studio playing sopranino through bass saxophones. The ensemble performs music of a variety of styles and difficulties and at times accompanies guest soloists. A public concert is given at the end of each school year. Besides local performances, the ensemble has also been featured at various regional and national conferences such as the Iowa Bandmasters Conference, North American Saxophone Alliance National Conference and the Midwest Clinic. The members are also veterans in solo and chamber music and have garnered national recognition through competitions, performances, and recordings. In summer of 2016, the ensemble embarked on its first Asian concert tour to Hong Kong and Chengdu.
James Umble is an internationally recognized soloist, teacher, and chamber musician. He is Professor at Youngstown (Ohio) State University.
He
has appeared extensively in his trio "The Cleveland Duo and James Umble"
with Carolyn and Stephen Warner of The Cleveland Orchestra. He has appeared in
The Cleveland Orchestra under Pierre Boulez, David Zinman, Franz Welser Most,
and others.
In 2017 Umble was Guest Artist Faculty member at the American Saxophone Institute . He was Guest Artist at the ClariSax Fest (Medellin, Colombia).
The 2nd Edition of Umble's book "Jean-Marie Londeix, Master of The Modern Saxophone" is at the publisher, a standard text worldwide. Umble's DMA is from The University of Michigan (Donald Sinta), a Masters from Bowling Green (John Sampen) and First Prize from The Conservatory of Bordeaux (Jean-Marie Londeix).
The Cleveland Plain
Dealer noted "James Umble must be one of the most elegant exponents of his
instrument...he was virtuosic in every way".
Brian Utley is Senior Lecturer in Saxophone and Coordinator of Chamber Music at Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music. He is a regular recitalist at regional and conferences of the North American Saxophone Alliance, and has performed at multiple NACUSA conferences, World Saxophone Congresses, and U.S. Navy Band International Saxophone Symposia. As an advocate of new music, Utley has premiered works by noted composers including David Froom, Leonard Mark Lewis, Stephen Lias, Lidiuno Pitombeira, and William Price. His first solo recording Characters, which features 21st-century works by American composers, is available from Mark Records.
Utley holds degrees from Louisiana State University Murray State University, and his primary saxophone teachers include Griffin Campbell and Scott Erickson. Previously, he served as Associate Professor of Saxophone at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Utley is an endorsing artist for Légère Signature Series Reeds.
Dr. Jordan VanHemert is a Michigan-based saxophonist and composer. VanHemert is an active performer in both the classical and jazz realms. A champion of new music, VanHemert actively commissions and performs works by living composers from underrepresented backgrounds. An active composer himself, Dr. VanHemert's creative work includes fulfilling commissions for chamber groups and jazz ensembles all over the country.
A committed educator, VanHemert is frequently invited to serve as an adjudicator and clinician for jazz festivals around the country. VanHemert holds degrees from the Central Michigan University, the University of Michigan, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Rick VanMatre has presented exploratory solo recitals and jazz club performances in the US, Europe, Israel, Brazil, and Asia. In addition to recording his own quintet with original compositions, he has recorded with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Cincinnati Symphony, PsychoAcoustic Orchestra, and performed with such diverse artists as the Duke Ellington and Woody Herman orchestras, Roland Vazquez, John McNeil, Tim Hagans, concert:nova, and James Conlon’s Linton Series. He has commissioned five classical/jazz hybrid concerti and performed them with the New York Repertory Orchestra, Sichuan Symphony Orchestra (China), JeJu Orchestra (South Korea), Illinois Philharmonic, Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra and others. He is Adjunct Professor Emeritus of Saxophone and Jazz at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music where he was Director of Jazz Studies from 1983-2010. He has written for Saxophone Journal and served as Jazz Coordinator for NASA. VanMatre is an endorsing artist for Selmer Saxophones and D’Addario Reeds.
Emily Verschoor-Kirss is a Nashville-based saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist who has developed into a highly motivated, contemporary-minded performer. She displays an intense drive towards furthering the role of the saxophone in every genre of music.
MM: Performance (LSU) and a BA: Music Education/Hispanic Studies (Connecticut College).
As she continues pursuit in developing all aspects of saxophone performance, she maintains a deep-seated passion for personal artistic development and growth. She hopes to build a foundation upon which the saxophone becomes a regularly used instrument in the popular and commercial music industries.
Emily holds a chair in the award-winning Music City Big Band, operates as a bandleader for emerging jazz combo Marmalade, and collaborates with several Nashville recording artists.
Equally passionate about education, Emily currently serves as the Adjunct Professor of Saxophone at Middle Tennessee State University and maintains a busy schedule as a teacher and guest clinician.
Inspired by careers and lifestyles of colleagues in and outside of music, Jessica Voigt-Page has dedicated the latest part of her career to exploring ways in which young musicians can establish themselves in the world.
This exploration has led Jessica to experience a wide range of opportunities, and to pursue unique paths throughout her career. Currently, these include teaching saxophone and music entrepreneurship at Baylor University, coordinating Longhorn Summer Music Camps at UT-Austin, Directing Saxophone Academy Austin, and holding an active consulting and blog presence through the Abundant Musician Project.
Jessica is serving as President-elect of NASA, is a mentor for young women in music, and as an active performing artist, has been sharing her “sillage” project online and around Texas. Jessica is on the advisory board for the Elise Hall Compeitions for Emerging Saxophonists, is a Yamaha Performing Artist, D’Addario Woodwinds artist, Key Leaves artist and Beaumont Music Artist.
Inspired by careers and lifestyles of colleagues in and outside of music, Jessica Voigt-Page has dedicated the latest part of her career to exploring ways in which young musicians can establish themselves in the world.
This exploration has led Jessica to experience a wide range of opportunities, and to pursue unique paths throughout her career. Currently, these include teaching saxophone and music entrepreneurship at Baylor University, coordinating Longhorn Summer Music Camps at UT-Austin, Directing Saxophone Academy Austin, and holding an active consulting and blog presence through the Abundant Musician Project.
Jessica is serving as President-elect of NASA, is a mentor for young women in music, and as an active performing artist, has been sharing her “sillage” project online and around Texas. Jessica is on the advisory board for the Elise Hall Compeitions for Emerging Saxophonists, is a Yamaha Performing Artist, D’Addario Woodwinds artist, Key Leaves artist and Beaumont Music Artist.
Praised by
Classical Voice of North Carolina as “brilliant…interacting with keen enthusiasm,” Dylan
Ward is a Kansas City
based saxophonist who specializes in contemporary music and interdisciplinary
collaborations. Ward has appeared as a soloist with the North Carolina
Symphony, Georgia Philharmonic, Raleigh Symphony, and Jackson Heights
Orchestra, and as a chamber musician in venues such as Lincoln Center,
Constellation Chicago, and Mesa Arts Center.
Ward is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Missouri–Kansas City, where he serves as the graduate teaching assistant for the saxophone studio and studies with Zach Shemon. Additionally, Ward has received degrees from Michigan State University, where he served as a graduate assistant to Joseph Lulloff, and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, where he studied with Taimur Sullivan and was a recipient of the William R. Kenan, Jr. Excellence Award, the school’s most prestigious honor.
= Mark Watkins is the author of the revelutionary book, From the Inside Out. He has performed in 20+ countries as a soloist and in professional ensembles including the saxophone quartet FOUR. His compositions have received much praise and are carried by Walrus, Jazz Lines, FOURjazz, Dorn, and Roncorp/Northeastern. Watkins has produced nine albums, with his latest, FOUR: There You Go Thinking Again, a collaboration with the Miami, Zagreb, Saxitude, Richard Ingham, and Utah saxophone quartets. He holds a doctorate in five woodwinds from Indiana University and has studied saxophone with C. Raymond Smith, Eugene Rousseau, Daniel Deffayet, and Yushi Ishiwata. In 1994, Dr. Watkins was offered a position in the US Army Field Band, but visual disability prevented his enlistment. Watkins has published in journals including The Saxophone Symposium and JAZZed Magazine. He is currently Professor of Saxophone and Director of Jazz Studies at Brigham Young University–Idaho.
Saxophonist Brent Weber has enjoyed a diverse musical journey as performer and educator. After earning degrees in saxophone performance from Southern Oregon University (BA) and University of Georgia (MM) Dr. Weber joined the faculty as Assistant Professor of Saxophone at the Sichuan Conservatory of Music in the capitol of China’s Sichuan province, Chengdu. After two incredible years teaching and freelancing in Southwest China, Dr. Weber returned to the U.S. to pursue his Doctorate in Musical Arts at the University of Georgia. From 2009-2012 he had the opportunity to study with teachers Kenneth Fischer, Eugene Rousseau, Joseph Wytko, and Connie Frigo.
Dr. Weber is currently Department Chair and Assistant Professor of Saxophone in the Department of Music at Frostburg State University in Western Maryland where in addition to maintaining the saxophone and bassoon studios he also coordinates the jazz studies program.
Saxophonist Brent Weber has enjoyed a diverse musical journey as performer and educator. After earning degrees in saxophone performance from Southern Oregon University (BA) and University of Georgia (MM) Dr. Weber joined the faculty as Assistant Professor of Saxophone at the Sichuan Conservatory of Music in the capitol of China’s Sichuan province, Chengdu. After two incredible years teaching and freelancing in Southwest China, Dr. Weber returned to the U.S. to pursue his Doctorate in Musical Arts at the University of Georgia. From 2009-2012 he had the opportunity to study with teachers Kenneth Fischer, Eugene Rousseau, Joseph Wytko, and Connie Frigo.
Dr. Weber is currently Department Chair and Assistant Professor of Saxophone in the Department of Music at Frostburg State University in Western Maryland where in addition to maintaining the saxophone and bassoon studios he also coordinates the jazz studies program.
Oscar Wei (soprano sax), is a Senior at Plano West Senior High School. Mr.Wei is a two-year Texas All-State Musician and has participated/performed at the Great Plains Saxophone Workshop in the summer of 2019. He has also performed at the NASA Region 4 Conference both as a chamber and solo musician.
Sahil Mane (alto sax), is a Senior at Reedy High School. Mr.Mane is a Texas All-State Musician and performed at the NASA Region 4 Conference both as a chamber and solo musician.
Shea Nolen (tenor sax), is a Junior at Richardson High School. Mr.Nolen performed at the NASA Region 4 Conference both as a chamber musician.
Jaeden Quilca (baritone sax), is a Junior at Lake Highlands High School. Mr.Quilca has participated/performed at the Great Plains Saxophone Workshop in the summer of 2019. He has also performed at the NASA Region 4 Conference both as a chamber musician.
Tessa Rae graduated in May of 2014 from the University of New Mexico with her Master of Music degree in Saxophone Performance, under the tutelage of Dr. Eric Lau. Experienced in jazz, contemporary, and classical music, Tessa has performed at several NASA conferences, and abroad in Brazil, France, and Germany.
She is a graduate of the University of Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Performance and Music Education with Dr. Kenneth Tse. Tessa has also had the opportunity to study with teachers including Glenn Kostur, Dr. Eugene Rousseau, and Dr. Thomas Liley.
Tessa Rae is the saxophone instructor at Chemeketa Community College and Corban University in Salem, Oregon. She teaches a private saxophone studio, and is an educator in jazz and beginning band. She performs regularly with the Eugene Composer’s Big Band, the Salem Little Big Band, and BossSax duo with her husband, Sam Reid.
George Weremchuk, has been Professor of Saxophone at the University of Central Florida since 1998. He has performed and recorded with such diverse groups as the New World Symphony, under the direction of Michael Tilson Thomas, and the Sam Rivers Rivbea Orchestra. He regularly performs with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, The Florida Orchestra, and the Orlando Jazz Orchestra. He toured Europe extensively with the Broadway musical “Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies”. His degrees are from the University of Miami (DMA), Indiana University (MM) and the University of Massachusetts (BME).
Central Coast Saxophone Quartet is a new saxophone chamber ensemble based in San Luis Obispo, CA. Individually, the members are renowned classical and/or jazz performers, and collectively, have chosen to band together to premiere new works by the members of the ensemble. Dr. Laura Kramer is a lecturer at California Polytechnic State University, teaching saxophone, music theory, and composition. Ron McCarley is the director of jazz studies at Cuesta College. Dave Becker teaches applied saxophone and jazz at both Cal Poly and Cuesta College, and, at Allan Hancock College, teaches theory, recording arts, electronic music and music appreciation. Dr. Arthur White is an Eastman and Jody Jazz saxophone artist, and the director of jazz studies at Cal Poly.
Saxophonist Drew Whiting leads a multifaceted career as an educator and performer. His diverse musical interests include the standard concert saxophone repertoire, jazz, transcriptions of borrowed works, commissioning new works, and improvisation.
Drew has established himself as a champion of new and experimental music. He presented the first-ever Performer Curated Concert at the 2017 SEAMUS Conference, and was the featured performer at Electronic Music Midwest in 2019. Drew has also performed at the Toronto International Electroacoustic Symposium, Ball State University Festival of New Music, Third Practice Festival, SPLICE Festival and Institute, and the Navy Band Saxophone Symposium.
Drew received his Bachelors and Masters of Music degrees from the Michigan State University where he studied with Joseph Lulloff. He earned the Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where he studied with Debra Richtmeyer. Drew is a proud Yamaha Performing Artist and Vandoren Artist Clinician.
Saxophonist Drew Whiting leads a multifaceted career as an educator, performer, and scholar. His diverse musical interests include the standard concert saxophone repertoire, jazz, transcriptions of borrowed works, commissioning new works, and improvisation.
Drew has established himself as a champion of new and experimental music, regularly performing works from the 20th and 21st centuries in solo, chamber, and electroacoustic settings. He presented the first-ever Performer Curated Concert at the 2017 SEAMUS Conference, and was the featured performer at Electronic Music Midwest in 2019. Drew has also performed at the Toronto International Electroacoustic Symposium, Third Practice Festival, SPLICE Festival and Institute, and the Navy Band Saxophone Symposium.
Drew received his Bachelors and Masters of Music degrees from the Michigan State University. He earned the Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Drew is a proud Yamaha Performing Artist and Vandoren Artist Clinician.
Ben Whittier is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Music degree in music performance at the University of Alberta, studying with Dr. William Street. He is a teaching assistant for the University’s Concert Band and different music history and theory courses. Prior to starting at the University of Alberta, Ben earned degrees from the University of the Pacific and the University of Northern Colorado where he studied with Professor David Henderson and Dr. Andrew Dahlke.
Highlights from Mr. Whittier’s performing career include performing Ida Gotkovsky’s Saxophone Concerto with the University of Alberta Wind Ensemble and performing and recording Michael Colgrass’ Urban Requiem with the University of Northern Colorado Wind Ensemble. Ben has also premiered new compositions at the 2016 and 2018 North American Saxophone Alliance Biennial conferences.
Rachel Wolz is a pursuing a master’s in music degree in Saxophone Performance and a master’s in music degree in Music Theory at the University of Oklahoma (OU), studying saxophone with Dr. Jonathan Nichol. She graduated with honors from Illinois State University (ISU) in 2018 with a double major in Saxophone Performance and Music Composition. She studied saxophone with Dr. Paul Nolen.
While at ISU, Rachel taught general music at Mulberry School. In 2018, Rachel was a recipient of the Robert G. Bone Scholarship Award, the highest university-wide honor awarded to 14 undergraduate students at ISU every year. Rachel received honorable mention in ISU’s concerto competition in 2018 and received honorable mention in the 2018 Oklahoma MTNA Young Artist Woodwind competition.
Rachel has a strong passion for teaching and working with children. Her future goals are teaching higher education saxophone and music theory.
Rachel Wolz is a pursuing a master’s in music degree in Saxophone Performance and a master’s in music degree in Music Theory at the University of Oklahoma (OU), studying saxophone with Dr. Jonathan Nichol. She graduated with honors from Illinois State University (ISU) in 2018 with a double major in Saxophone Performance and Music Composition. She studied saxophone with Dr. Paul Nolen.
While at ISU, Rachel taught general music at Mulberry School. In 2018, Rachel was a recipient of the Robert G. Bone Scholarship Award, the highest university-wide honor awarded to 14 undergraduate students at ISU every year. Rachel received honorable mention in ISU’s concerto competition in 2018 and received honorable mention in the 2018 Oklahoma MTNA Young Artist Woodwind competition.
Rachel has a strong passion for teaching and working with children. Her future goals are teaching higher education saxophone and music theory.
Alastair Wright’s playing has been described as “tremendously technical and high flying” (KC Metropolis) and “dulcet-like…with a luminescent sheen” (Classical Voice of North Carolina). His primary teachers include Naomi Sullivan, Christopher Creviston, Taimur Sullivan and Zach Shemon. He currently teaches at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, and is an endorsing artist for both Conn-Selmer and D’Addario.
As soloist, Alastair has performed with the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra (as finalist in the 5thJean-Marie Londeix International Saxophone Competition), Mid America Freedom Band, the UK-based Thallein Contemporary Ensemble, Convivium Singers, and the Sutton Coldfield Orchestra. In 2018, Alastair performed with PRISM Quartet for two collaborative projects, including the recording of “The Anchoress” by David Ludwig, a new work for saxophone quartet, renaissance ensemble and soprano voice. Recently, Alastair has been researching and performing the music of various cultures around the world.
null
BA, University of North Carolina at Greensboro (2012-2014)
BA, Florida State University (2014-2016)
MM, Michigan State University (2017-2019)
DMA, Michigan State University (in progress)
Kristen Zelenak is an active soloist, chamber musician, and teacher from New Baltimore, Michigan. She has won multiple awards including the Central Michigan University’s 2011 Concerto Competition.
Ms. Zelenak is an enthusiastic advocate for chamber music. Her groups have won the top prizes at the Coltman Chamber Music Competition (2015, 2019). In 2019, Seyon Quartet was also awarded second place at the MTNA Chamber Music Competition. She has also competed as a quarter and semi finalist in national competitions such as NASA, Fischoff, and MPRIZE.
Ms. Zelenak is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Musical Arts in saxophone performance at Arizona State University. After completing her Masters of Music degree at Michigan State University, she was an Assistant Band Director for two years in Huntsville, TX. She received her Bachelors in Music Education at Central Michigan University. Her teachers include Christopher Creviston, Joseph Lulloff, and John Nichol.
Cehuai Zhang comes from Changsha, China. He earned a Bachelor of Saxophone Performance degree at the Shenyang Conservatory of Music in China and received Master of Music degree on Saxophone Performance from the University of Northern Iowa. Currently, he is working on D.M.A degree of saxophone performance at the University of North Texas. His teachers include Dr. Eric Nestler, Dr. Ann Bradfield, and Christopher Merz.
He performed at the North American Saxophone Alliance Reginal Conference in 2015 and 2017, and the 2nd Asia Saxophone Congress in Shanghai, 2019. He also has performed with the Wind Ensemble in the UNT, and Symphonic Band in the UNI. Moreover, he has participated in saxophone master classes by Dr. Eugene Rousseau, Prof. Debra Richtmeyer, Dr. Kenneth Tse, and Mr. Arno Bornkamp.
Originally from Louisville KY, Dr. Thomas Zinninger is an active saxophonist, composer, arranger, and music educator based in the South Texas area. Equally comfortable in a number of styles, his musical experience has ranged from combo and big band jazz to classical chamber and orchestral music. As a soloist, he has premiered new arrangements for the saxophone at the 16th World Saxophone Congress, as well as the 2012, 2014, and 2017 North American Saxophone Alliance Conferences.
Zinninger is currently the Assistant Professor of Saxophone at Texas A&M University-Kingsville where he oversees the saxophone studio and is the director of the jazz combo program. He has also served on the faculty at Wittenberg University in Springfield, OH and the College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) in Cincinnati, OH. Zinninger holds a BME from the University of Louisville, and a MM in Jazz Studies and DMA in Saxophone Performance from CCM.
Dr. Pam Youngblood, flute - Chair of the Department of Music and Theatre and Co-Coordinator for the School of Arts, teaches graduate and undergraduate flute students, flute pedagogy, flute choir, and a course on women in music.
Youngblood is an active member of the National Flute Association, which she currently serves as General Competitions Coordinator following a five-year term as Professional Flute Choir Coordinator, and the Texas Flute Society. In addition, she has served as the organist/choir director for St. David of Wales Episcopal Church, Denton, Texas since 1975.Youngblood recently received national recognition as the Phi Kappa Phi Artist for 2016-2018.
Jacob Nydegger, piano - is on staff at Texas Woman's University as a collaborative pianist. Mr. Nydegger is a prizewinning classical pianist and recording artist for the London-based record label, Toccata Classics.
Founded in 2010 by flutist Misty Theisen and saxophonist Marc Ballard, Fujin has spent the past decade performing traditional and contemporary music throughout the United States. Facing a limited repertoire for a unique instrumentation, the duo began performing existing works alongside their own transcriptions of classics by Beethoven, Telemann, Reger, and Bach. With a strong desire to expand the available repertoire for flute and saxophone, they quickly set about collaborating with contemporary composers (Stephen Dankner, Neil Anderson-Himmelspach, Michael Young, Wes Flinn, etc.), resulting in over a dozen new works. Fujin is continuing this tradition in its 10th season with the release of their debut album, which will feature the newly commissioned Fujin by Stephanie Berg.
THE ORION SAXOPHONE QUARTET came into being in 1989, established by Jeff Benedict and Charles Richard. They wanted to form a group based in Los Angeles that would play in the same bold and unapologetic manner they had studied so assiduously under Harvey Pittel. Ken Foerch, a former member of the U.S. Marine Band, and Adrian Williams, a product of Richard’s own studio, proved to be the perfect match in tone quality and musical concept. With a repertoire spanning five centuries, the Orion Saxophone Quartet demonstrates a perpetually robust sonority and superb command of the melodic line. “Mass Transit” is the quartet’s fourth CD – the first three, “The Orion Saxophone Quartet with Harvey Pittel” (Centaur Records) “Musica Latina” (Maroon Creek Music) and “Among Friends” (Tapestry Records), can be found on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, and at music retailers across the United States.
Colleagues at Bowling Green State University, Bixler and Kasler perform in an intimate duo setting which occupies an under-represented space on the sonic spectrum. Featuring original compositions and arrangements, as well as deconstructed standards, they are in pursuit of beauty in the unconventional.
A native of the Pacific Northwest, pianist Michael Seregow enjoys a multifaceted career as a performer, teacher, clinician, and recording artist. Currently a member of both the music and theatre faculties at Ball State University, he has also served on the keyboard faculties at Washington State University, University of Puget Sound, and University of Oregon.
Having been named a finalist in both solo piano and chamber music for The American Prize, a national competition in the performing arts, Dr. Seregow maintains an active performance career, performing a diverse selection of repertoire spanning from the late renaissance through works by composers of today. A musician of uncommon versatility, Seregow has received formal training in a variety of keyboard instruments other than piano including harpsichord, fortepiano, and organ, in addition to studies in jazz piano, basso continuo, historical performance practice, and composition.
The T.H.A. Saxophone Quartet is based in Bowling Green, Ohio where they study with Distinguished Artist Professor Dr. John Sampen. Having many diverse interests, T.H.A. enjoys promoting music by living composers. As an ensemble, T.H.A. has participated in composition readings for new and upcoming composers. With classical and contemporary training, T.H.A. employs modernist techniques with a culturally sensitive understanding. It is their goal to participating on conversations about social issues through their music. In addition, T.H.A. is working on recording a C.D. that will be released in the spring of 2020.
The Cynical Duo is a Fayetteville, AR based saxophone ensemble formed in 2019 to promote both standard and contemporary repertoire for two saxophones. Together, they make for an exciting, tasteful, and authentic duo that specializes in creating a musical fusion full of enthusiasm and energy. Never intrusive but always engaging, their music has found its place within variety events, recital halls, and even train cars. They are both pragmatists and dedicated professionals; but when asked about their name, “we woke up like this”, is the most perfunctory answer. Currently, the duo remains active in the Fayetteville music scene.
Dr. Carper, Dr. Haight, Dr. Pardo, and Dr. Hamrick are on jazz faculty members at Texas State University in San Marcos, TX. Wayne Salzmann II is an alumni of Texas State University's jazz program and is currently the instructor of jazz drumset at University of Texas at Austin. The group regularly performs in Austin, TX.
Duo Charbonneau was formed in 2012 with their first performance being the concurrent world premiere of Ida Gotkovsky’s Incandescence pour Saxophone Ténor et Piano. Subsequent performances of this work throughout France and Germany solidified the duo’s collaboration. The duo takes pride in working closely with upcoming and established composers on new works for saxophone and piano. These interactions have led to new works by composers such as Kevin Timothy Austin, Gil Dori, Michael Markowski, and Roger Przytulski. Most recent performances included Roger Przytulski’s 10 West: 3 Postcards for Alto Saxophone & Piano and Kevin Timothy Austin’s Ad Orientum at the Region 2 NASA conference. Currently, the duo is working on several projects including the concurrent world premiere of Mischa Zupko’s From the Skyline for tenor saxophone and piano with a performance at the 42nd International Saxophone Symposium. Duo Charbonneau has recently relocated from Phoenix to the Los Angeles area.
* ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY SAXOPHONE CHOIR *
DEREK BROWN, SOLOIST
Kristen Zelenak
Jared Waters
Patrick Feher
Chris Sacco
Bonson Lee
Gabe Robles
Jade Deatherage
Dylan Hong
Nathan Salazar
Matthew Fox
Tanner Bayles
Lewis Mckerlie
Peter Han
Efrain Parra
Logan Larue
Jarrett Ardente
Freddy Ochoa
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Saxophone Ensemble students are undergraduate music education majors and minors. The ensemble is directed by UTRGV saxophone professors, Cynthia Cripps and Josiah Boornazian, and combines saxophonists from the universities formerly known as University of Texas – Pan American (UTPA) and University of Texas Brownsville (UTB) both located in Deep South Texas. Before the universities merged the ensembles performed at several NASA regional conferences and in recent years, the UTRGV Saxophone Ensemble has performed at the World Saxophone Congress in Croatia in 2018, at the Texas Music Educators Association Conference in 2016, NASA Region 4 conferences in Norman, OK (2015), Stillwater, OK (2017) and NASA Biennial in Lubbock, TX (2016). The ensemble performs a variety of music in local schools and functions on and off campus as a large ensemble and also individual quartets.
Crimson Winds is a woodwind quartet that specializes in
woodwind doubling. They comprise of master’s students and graduated professional
musicians all hailing from Montclair State University in Montclair New Jersey. They
have performed throughout northeastern New Jersey and the greater metropolitan area
in concert settings on and off campus and in community outreach concerts at local
schools. Crimson Winds draws influence from pop, rock, classical, new music,
and commercial.
Under the moniker Duo Gillis Cunningham (DGC) Dr. Glen Gillis (saxophone) and Dr. James E. Cunningham (didgeridoo) have pushed the boundaries of contemporary composition and performance by bridging ancient and modern musical approaches through the application of cutting-edge real-time digital processing and effects. During performance the DGC weave disparate acoustic and digital elements into a cohesive fabric, creating a sonic environment that transports audiences into alternative ambient universes. The DGC has been well-received in performances and academic conference presentations throughout the United States and Canada, as well as in Iceland, England, France, and Croatia. They are currently recording a collection of original experimental compositions for didgeridoo and alto saxophone, with a projected release date in early January 2020.
Crossroads Saxophone Quartet is a rising chamber ensemble based in Kansas City, Missouri. Formed at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory, Crossroads is made up of graduate students from all over the country. Throughout their time together, Crossroads has performed at conferences such as the national North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) conference in Cincinnati, OH, and the regional NASA conference in Fayetteville, AR. Crossroads has also performed locally at various events including Kansas City’s annual Porch Fest, and at several UMKC Conservatory events including masterclasses with Vanguard Reed Quintet, Don-Paul Kahl, and Zach Stern.
Crossroads is dedicated to performing standard saxophone quartet repertoire, but is also passionate about commissioning new works for this type of ensemble. In addition to performing, Crossroads is devoted to community outreach. The quartet has performed and presented masterclasses at various high schools in the KC area.
The Resurgam Quartet formed in 2015 at the Hartt School in Hartford, CT. Its current members are Harrison Kliewe (soprano saxophone), Colette Hall (alto saxophone), Sean Tanguay (tenor saxophone), and Michael Raposo (baritone saxophone).Dedicated to expanding the saxophone quartet body of work, Resurgams's latest commission, "I Could Hold This; I Could Not", premiered in January 2020 in New York City. Resurgam has presented concerts of new works at both the Queens New Music Festival and the Hartford New Music Festival, and will continue to collaborate with visionary composers to create exciting saxophone quartet repertoire.The Quartet will appear as soloists with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra in June 2020. Education is an important part of Resurgam's mission. The Quartet has presented masterclasses, educational concerts and performances in New York City, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Indiana. The Resurgam Quartet is dedicated to engaging audiences in exciting saxophone quartet repertoire.
Onomatopoeia (all alternate spellings accepted) is Cassie Lear, flutes; Soren Hamm saxophones; and Rebecca Olason, French horn. Faced with a menagerie of seldom-paired instruments and no repertoire whatsoever, these three award-winning soloists and longtime friends came together anyways to create a new kind of chamber ensemble. The result is a versatile, 21st century sound that makes everything – from classical to folk to contemporary music – sound fresh and new.
Onomatopoeia's mission is to support and commission living composers, perform not only in concert halls but in a multitude of settings accessible to our community, and to perform at the highest caliber varied programming providing inclusivity with regards to music style, composer background, and general musical aspects.
Born in Beaverton, Oregon, Jonathan Hart received his Bachelor’s in Music Performance at the University of Oregon under Dr. Idit Shner and immediately began his Master’s in Arts from the University of Iowa with Dr. Kenneth Tse in 2017. Currently, Jonathan is continuing his studies with Dr. Tse, pursuing his Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance in Pedagogy.
Sean Miller is currently a master's student studying Saxophone Performance under Dr. Kenneth Tse. This past January, he received the Grand Prize in the Vandoren Emerging Artist's competition in the classical saxophone category. Additionally, he is a two-time state winner of the Minnesota MTNA Young Artist Competition. Sean enjoys performing in a variety of ensembles on campus, including the Univeristy of Iowa Symphony band, Iowa Saxophonists Workshop, the RAHM Saxophone Quartet, and The Mystic Cats.
Over the past eleven years, the Helton-Thomas Duo has presented concerts, master classes, workshops, and lectures to diverse audiences in the United States, Canada, Japan, Thailand, China, Australia, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, England, Greece, and France. Their concerts are always met with tremendous enthusiasm, surprise, and emotion. The unexpected combination of the saxophone and the cello creates a unique soundscape that is capable of reaching audiences of all kinds through new, moving, musical experiences.Members of the duo are Jonathan Helton, saxophone, and Steven Thomas, cello. Learn more at: http://www.heltonthomasduo.com
Innovative saxophone and bass trombone ensemble, the Wozniak Duo (ParaDwaWozniak) is comprised of husband and wife team, Lois Hicks-Wozniak, saxophones, and Matthew Wozniak, bass trombone. Formed in 2007, they have performed transcriptions, original compositions by Kevin Ames, James Stephenson and Daniel Schnyder and commissioned works by Carter Pann, Rob Deemer, Gregory Wanamaker and Zae Munn among others. Their commissioned piece, Duo for Alto Saxophone and Bass Trombone by Carter Pann, premiered in 2011 at the Eastern Trombone Workshop in Washington, D.C., the Region 8 North American Saxophone Alliance Conference and the Crane School of Music Single Reed Summit, paved the way for other works Pann has written for saxophone. The Wozniaks were featured guest artists at the International Trombone Festival and are frequent performers at NASA national and regional conferences. Their recording Playback, with Nadine Shank, piano, is available on iTunes and Amazon.
One of the most versatile saxophone duos currently playing, Binary consists of Dr. Bob Fuson and Dr. Wade Howles. Binary was conceived with the goal of exploring and promoting the use of diverse saxophone pairings. It is common to see both gentlemen bringing 3-4 instruments to their performances, switching from saxophone to saxophone, sometimes within one piece of music.
Dr. Fuson is currently the Instructor of Woodwinds at Hastings College. Dr. Howles is currently the Director of Bands at Lakeview Community Schools (Columbus, NE). Both received their MM and DMA degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and are founding members of the saxophone quartet, TCBSQ. Both gentlemen proudly represent and endorse Key Leaves. Dr. Howles also represents Eastman Winds and Rovner Ligatures as a Performing Artist and Educator.
The University of Idaho Saxophone Ensemble or Hamptonian Quorum performs a range of music from newly commissioned works to arrangements of large symphonic compositions. They recently were selected to perform at the 2019 North American Saxophone Alliance Regional Convention and 2019 Biennial Convention in Cincinnati Ohio at the Cincinnati Conservatory with saxophone soloist Chad Smith. The Hamptonian Quorum actively plays a wide variety of music from jazz to classical throughout North America.
Founded in 2017 at the University of Iowa, the Colere Quartet is an Iowa-City based ensemble comprised of saxophonists John Cummins, Elissa Kana, Greg Rife, and Dennis Kwok. Colere presents engaging programs consisting of a wide range of classical as well as contemporary repertoire. Recent performances include recitals at the University of Iowa, Augustana College, and Monmouth College, performances at North American Saxophone Alliance conferences, and appearances at a variety of community engagement concerts.
Colere has had success at recent chamber music competitions including First Prize in Winds, Brass, and Percussion at the 2019 Plowman Chamber Competition and two consecutive semifinalist performances at the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition in 2018 and 2019.
Colere is a Latin word meaning “to cultivate.” This name was inspired by Iowa’s expansive farmland and the group’s commitment to cultivating musical life in the Midwest and beyond.
They won second place in the 10th Annual Yokohama International Music Competition, Chamber Music section.All of the Members have been attracting attention as the world's first saxophone quartet using handmade instruments of sterling silver named “silver sonic”, made by Yanagisawa Japan. Their activities are featured in the Tokyo metropolitan Area News of NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) and are featured in various magazines, "The SAX", "Pipers", "Band Journal","musician", and "The Ongakugendai". They were all responsible for the accompaniment of NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) radio's "Shin Nichiyo Meisakuza" in the play. They are the official artists of Yanagisawa Japan, Legere Reeds and BREATHTAKING.
The University of New Mexico Saxophone Choir is made up of undergraduate and graduate saxophone students and performs under the musical direction of Dr. Eric Lau and Dr. Ashley Kelly. This ensemble has performed at several North American Saxophone Alliance Biennial Conferences and Regional Conferences and is a regular performer at the UNM Saxophone Day.
UNM Saxophone Choir Members
Charlotte Leung, Kristine Banh, Ashley Kelly, Marcos Montoya, Thomas Lovato, Megan Kearny, Jessa Abel, Brian Bradley, Alex Alunday, Matt Lind, Mark Alvarez, Stephen Schulz
The Silver Reed Duo consists of flutist Jennifer Lau and saxophonist Eric Lau. With over 15 years of performance experience, the duo is dedicated to promoting mixed chamber music including the flute and saxophone. This commitment has led to commisions by Ben Stonaker, John Richard, Michael Conti, Peter Gilbert, and Karola Obermueller. The Silver Reed Duo has performed at the Puerto Rico Conservatory, the Universidade Federal do Paraná in Brazil, the National Flute Association Convention, the North American Saxophone Alliance National Conference, and the World Saxophone Congress.
Formed
in 2005, the RoseWind Duo consists of Scott Herring, percussion and Clifford Leaman, saxophones. They have performed widely across the USA and abroad, including appearances at University of Southern Mississippi, NASA Conferences, and the International Navy Band Saxophone Symposium. The duo has toured world-wide, performing and teaching at the Conservatorio Superior de Música de Aragón, (SP) the
Escola Superior de Música de Catalunya, (SP) the Conservatoire de Strasbourg,
(FR), SaxOpen
(Strasbourg, France), World Saxophone
Congress (Scotland), Percussive Arts Society
International Convention (TX), Lulea Technical University (Sweden), Royal Academy of
Music (Sweden), Yantai, Shanghai, and Beijing.
The RoseWind Duo performs music in a wide variety of musical styles, and is highly sought-after for performances and masterclasses throughout the United States. The duo has released two compact discs of new works for saxophone and marimba, and is committed to furthering the repertoire for this genre through the commissioning of new works.
Dynamic Duo brings innovative programing and enlivening performances to a wide variety of audience in the United States and Asia. Formed by Wonki Lee (saxophone) and Kyung-Eun Na (piano), who are Si-Yo Artists™, Dynamic Duo has given recitals at La Plantation in Beijing, Yamaha Hall in Seoul, and Lincoln Center in New York since its inception. As an ambassador of classical music, the duo continuously strives to reach out to audiences with limited access to public performance venues as they continuously bring music to senior homes and community schools. Wonki holds both D.M.A. and M.M. from Manhattan School of Music, and Kyung-Eun received D.M.A. from Manhattan School of Music; M.M. from The Juilliard School; and Artist Diploma from Oberlin Conservatory.
Soma is a saxophone quartet formed at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music under the guidance of Otis Murphy. The members of the quartet include David Bayard (soprano), Paul Lorenz (alto), Sean Bradley (tenor), and Arthur Liang (baritone). Soma was recently awarded the Grand Prize at the 9th Plowman Chamber Music Competition in 2019. Other awards include First Runner-Up in the Classics Alive Young Artist Competition in 2018, and First Prize in the 2017 Chicago Woodwind Ensemble Competition. They were also finalists in the 2018 North American Saxophone Alliance Quartet Competition.
The members of the San Jose State University Saxophone Ensemble come from diverse backgrounds and use their experiences to collaborate on progressing their musical ideologies. Under the direction of Dr. Michael Hernandez, they work to integrate aspects of vocal, string, percussion, and brass instruments into the sound of the saxophone. The SJSU Saxophone Ensemble includes the saxophonists of the Zelos quartet as well as the Daiso quartet.
Xiao Wang has been the recipient of numerous awards and prizes at the 65th Steinway Piano Competition in China, the 7th Eastman Young Artists International Piano Competition, the McElroy Competition, Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music Concerto Competition, Jan and Beattie Wood Concerto Competition and Piano Solo Competition at the Brevard Music Center Festival, University of North Texas Concerto Competition and the 13th Concorso Internazionale di Esecuzione Musicale (13th International Music Competition) held in Padova, Italy.
As a soloist and chamber musician, Xiao Wang has performed throughout the United States, China, and Europe. She has appeared in performances in the Wuhan Conservatory of Music, Tianjin Conservatory of Music, the Capital Teachers University in China, University of Michigan, and Palazzo Albrizzi in Venice, Italy.
In 2018, she earned her doctoral degree from the University of North Texas. Her major teachers include Dr.Pamela Mia Paul, Eugene Pridonoff, Elizabeth Pridonoff, Xinning Zhang and Qifang Li.
Established in 2014, the The University of Oklahoma Saxophone Ensmble is committed to championing new music and innovative transcpritons. A primary mission of the OU Saxophone Ensemble is to promote comositions and arrangmenets by its members. The group has perfomred at every NASA Biennial and Regional conference since 2014 and was a featured ensemble at the 2017 Region 4 NASA convention held at Oklahoma State University. The ensemble is comprised of both undergraduate and graduate saxophone studnets who study at the University of Oklahoma.
The award-winning h2 quartet has been wowing audiences since 2002. h2 takes advantage of the great expressive capacity of their instrument by programming traditional, avant-garde, minimalist, and jazz-influenced works in surprising and compelling ways. h2 has performed throughout the United States, in Europe, the UK and in Asia. Along with demonstrating a mastery of traditional quartet repertoire, h2 is dedicated to the commissioning and performing of new works.
The h2 quartet has won prizes at the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition (First Prize, Gold Medals) and the North American Saxophone Alliance Saxophone Quartet Competition (first prize), among others. The group was also finalists in the Concert Artists Guild Competition, and earned Honorable Mentions at the Plowman Chamber Music Competition, the Chesapeake Bay Chamber Music Competition, and the Coleman Chamber Music Competition. The h2 quartet is a Vandoren and Yamaha Artist Ensemble.
The Illinios State University Saxophone Ensemble consists of the finest undergraduates and graduate students at Illinois State University. The ensemble's mission is to increase the visibility of large saxophone ensembles, and to expand the repertoire of the medium. ISU Saxophones appeared at both the 2016 and 2018 NASA National Conferences, premiering four new works for large ensemble. The group is active on and off campus at Illinois State and in Central Illinois.
The Lake Effect Duo is a collaboration between saxophonists Katherine Weintraub and Doug O'Connor, first meeting and performing at the 2019 Dot the Line music festival in Tampa, FL.
Katherine Weintraub currently serves as the Adjunct Professor of Saxophone at Southeastern University in Lakeland. From 2016-2018, Dr. Weintraub served as the Visiting Assistant Professor of Saxophone at Florida State University. Dr.Weintraub received her Doctorate of Musical Arts from the Eastman School of Music, and her Bachelor’s and Master’s of Music from the University of Michigan.
Doug O’Connor holds DMA and MM degrees from the Eastman School of Music, and a BM in Saxophone Performance from the University of Maryland. He recently served as Adjunct Assistant Professor of Saxophone at the Eastman School of Music, as saxophonist with the US Naval Academy Band, and is currently employed with the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own.”
Drs. Weintraub and O'Connor are Selmer performing artists.
The Las Vegas Youth Saxophone Ensemble is comprised of auditioned high school and college students from southern Nevada. Founded in August 2018 and led by Artistic Director Lindsey O’Connor, all members earn credit through the College of Southern Nevada for their participation. The LVYSE consists of two separate groups: the TWELVE (a select group that performs smaller chamber ensemble literature for saxophone), and a large ensemble (primarily performing band/orchestra works that have been arranged for large saxophone ensemble). Rehearsing twice a week, the LVYSE is committed to advancing the appreciation of saxophone ensemble music through outreach concerts featuring a diverse repertoire that educates, inspires, and entertains audiences. Since its creation, the LVYSE has performed at several events and venues including the 2019 NASA Region 2 Conference, 2019 Las Vegas Clarinet & Saxophone Extravaganza, The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, Nicholas J. Horn Theatre, and Family Music Centers Academy Theatre.
Shawna Pennock has been described as “rich and powerful, yet lightly effervescent” (Classical Voice of North Carolina). She has won top prizes in competitions including 1st Prizes at the North American Saxophone Alliance Quartet Competition, ENKÖR Chamber Music Competition, Southern Division of Music Teachers National Association Chamber Competition, North Carolina MTNA Chamber Competition, University of Georgia Concerto Competition, and the North Carolina MTNA Young Artist Competition. She has performed across three continents in Panama, France, Hong Kong, Thailand, Russia, and the United States.
Dr. Pennock teaches saxophone at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. An advocate for contemporary music she has premiered over 20 works. She is the tenor saxophonist for the award winning Dasch Quartet whose debut CD "Necessary Edges" was described as "immaculate" and "exquisitely done and played" (Clarinet and Saxophone Society of Great Britain). Her former teachers include Connie Frigo, Taimur Sullivan, and Kenneth Tse.
Dr. Tracy Patterson (Professor of Saxophone at Winthrop University) and Dr. Sesha Wallace (Professor of Saxophone at South Plains College) have been performing together in chamber ensembles since 2009. They formed Duo Amizade in the spring of 2010, and have performed on numerous recitals, the MTNA National Conference (2010), and the NASA Biennial Conference (2014 & 2016). The ensemble is dedicated to arranging and commissioning works for two saxophones. Working closely with composer, Dr. Leonard Mark Lewis (Winthrop University), they are excited to premier the second half of Lewis’ new work, Book of Duos for Alto Saxophones.
The Khroma Soma saxophone octet is a brand new ensemble combining two awarding winning saxophone quartets. With a shared vision of artistry at the highest level, Khroma Soma seeks to reach a broader audience through diverse programming and audience engagement. Each group has garnered prizes at the 2019 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, 9th Plowman Chamber Music Competition and 2017 Chicago Woodwind Ensemble Competition. Including invited performances at the 2018 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, Inaugural American Single Reed Summit and the International Navy Band Saxophone Symposium. Feeling at home in both classical and contemporary styles, Khroma Soma strives to pair newly commissioned works with standards of the repertoire to create a truly unique concert experience.
Said to display “virtuosity of the utmost distinctive order” (Splash Magazine), Barkada Quartet is the first saxophone quartet to capture the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition’s coveted Grand Prize. Formed in 2011 at the Indiana University Bloomington Jacobs School of Music (JSoM), Barkada Quartet’s individual members share a friendship and musical camaraderie of incredible strength. Barkada Quartet has achieved international recognition, having performed over 60 engagements in Italy, Japan, and 14 states in the contiguous United States. Their debut, self-produced album Aventura features original works for saxophone quartet by composers David Maslanka, David Salleras Quintana, and David Werfelmann.
Barkada Quartet's 2019-2020 season continues to highlight their blend of new and standard contemporary works. The centerpiece of their upcoming performances series will be a recently commissioned piece by composer Carlos Simon.
Barkada Quartet is Christopher Elchico (soprano saxophone), Shane Rathburn (alto saxophone), Perry Roth (tenor saxophone), and Justin Polyblank (baritone saxophone)
Amy Robinson, saxophone, and Corey Robinson, percussion, have been performing together throughout the world for seven years. Recently they premiered two works at the 2018 NASA Conference in Cincinnati. They have also performed at numerous regional NASA conferences and at the 2015 World Saxophone Congress in Strasbourg, France. Their next project is to record a CD of original works for saxophone and percussion.
Amy currently teaches as a band director at Iowa Park ISD in Wichita Falls, TX. Corey holds degrees from the University of North Texas, Indiana University, and Slippery Rock University. He is currently the Assistant Professor of Percussion and Associate Director of Bands at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, TX.
null
Romex Duo is a Milwaukee-based chamber group devoted to the performance of new music for saxophone and percussion
Comprised of saxophonist Nicki Roman and percussionist Alex Wier, both members teach in the Peck School of the Arts at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Nicki is the most recent first prize winner of the North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) Solo Competition and she has been a prize winner at the Music Teacher’s National Association Young Artist Solo Competition, William C. Byrd International Competition, and is the first saxophonist to be the recipient of the International Kate Neal Kinley Memorial Fellowship. Alex performs regularly with the contemporary ensemble Fifth House Ensemble and has performed and presented his research at conferences such as the Midwest Clinic and the College Music Society National Conference. Nicki is a Conn-Selmer and Vandoren Performing Artist while Alex endorses Marimba One marimbas and Innovative Percussion sticks and mallets.
The Westwind Duo is the faculty saxophone duo of the Lionel Hampton School of Music (LHSOM) at the University of Idaho. Northwest natives Patrick Jones and Vanessa Sielert reconnected again as colleagues at the LHSOM after graduating from the school over two decades ago. Since reuniting the pair have begun performing as a duo, playing pieces written for two saxophones in different configurations, as well as commissioning new works.
Since its formation in 1991, the Capitol Quartet has performed regularly at major concert venues throughout the United States, earning wide acclaim for the ensemble's musical versatility and innovative style.
The Capitol Quartet's eclectic repertoire features contemporary works for saxophone, transcriptions of classical and jazz favorites, jazz originals, and traditional French quartet compositions. The Capitol Quartet is also committed to expanding the repertoire of the saxophone quartet, having commissioned new works for saxophone quartet by Stacy Garrop, Evan Hause, Mark Weiser, Charles Ruggiero, John Fitz Rogers, John Anthony Lennon, Greg Wanamaker, Perry Goldstein, Whitney Ash, and others. A recent commission and premiere, Carter Pann’s The MECHANICS: Six From The Shop Floor, was named as a finalist for the 2016 PULITZER PRIZE in music. The members of the Capitol Quartet are Christopher Creviston, soprano saxophone, Joseph Lulloff, alto saxophone, David Stambler, tenor saxophone, and Henning Schroeder, baritone saxophone.
Thompson-Kasler Duo
Saxophonist Bobbi Thompson has appeared as a soloist and chamber musician in North America and Israel, and she currently serves as Assistant Professor of saxophone at Western University in London, Ontario. Ariel Kasler is a versatile performer and educator who currently serves as Assistant Teaching Professor of Jazz Guitar and Jazz Piano at Bowling Green State University. The Thompson-Kasler Duo’s work consists of performances for saxophone and electric guitar. They have performed together at venues including: NASA 2019 Region 10 Conference in London, ON; NASA 2018 Biennial Conference in Cincinnati, OH; Bowling Green State University (OH); The Music Center (Rosh Pina, Israel); Wilfrid Laurier University (Waterloo, ON); McIntosh Gallery (London, ON); Clore Center for Music and Dance (Kfar Blum, Israel); and Artscape (Toronto). Together, they are working to expand the repertoire for saxophone and electric guitar through commissioning and performance projects.
Established in 2019, Vex Duo consists of Scott Augustine and Jack Thorpe, both currently pursuing graduate degrees in saxophone performance and literature at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with Professor Debra Richtmeyer. After working together in multiple ensembles, Augustine and Thorpe decided to form a duo to explore new chamber music opportunities and repertoire. Vex Duo is dedicated to promoting the saxophone duo medium through the performance of important pieces by major composers, new works, and works by under-represented composers.
Between Augustine and Thorpe, the two have been featured in masterclasses with Masato Kumoi, Jean-Michel Goury, Claude Delangle, and Frederick L. Hemke. Their primary teachers include Aaron Martinez, Jan Berry Baker, Nathan Nabb, and Debra Richtmeyer with additional studies under Frederick L. Hemke. Accomplishments of the two include concerto performances with Georgia State University's Wind Ensemble, Stephen F. Austin's Symphony Orchestra, and the University of Illinois's Wind Symphony.
The University of Calgary Saxophone Studio and ensemble is comprised of undergraduate and graduate students from across western Canada. It is directed by Professor of Music Jeremy Brown who teaches saxophone at the University of Calgary and graduate assistant Carlos Tinoco. The UCalgary Saxophone Ensemble has performed at conferences in Saskatchewan, Alberta and Iowa (USA), the National Music Centre (Calgary) and was the featured group at the 2019 inauguration of the new President of the University of Calgary, Dr. Ed McCauley in the world premiere of “Taking the High Road” (2019) for saxophone ensemble by Allan Gordon Bell.
The UCalgary Saxophone Ensemble commissioned two Canadian composers Laurie Radford, Professor of Music at the University of Calgary and Juno-award winning composer Jordan Nobles to write new works for the saxophone ensemble to be premiered at the 2020 NASA Biennial Conference.
The University of Arkansas Saxophone Ensemble is a student ensemble made up of members of the saxophone studio studying with Dr. Eric Troiano. Our goal is to provide students with an outlet to challenge themselves musically, work in a new ensemble setting, play with a select group of musicians, and learn from members of the University of Arkansas community. The ensemble performs regularly on campus and in the Northwest Arkansas community.
| Sopranino | John Cummins |
| Soprano 1 | Gilbert Garza |
| Soprano 2 | Gabriel Sanchez |
| Soprano 2 | Jonathan Hart |
| Alto 1 | Elissa Kana |
| Alto 1 | Jichen Zhang |
| Alto 2 | Jacob Nishimura |
| Alto 2 | Miranda Henry |
| Tenor 1 | Greg Rife |
| Tenor 2 | Sean Miller |
| Tenor 2 | Katie Greiner |
| Bari 1 | Yo Yo Su |
| Bari 1 | Hantao Li |
| Bari 2 | Chengyue Wang |
| Bass | Matt Nicholson |
| Tubax | Dennis Kwok |
The New Third Stream Quartet was formed in the interest of combining the rhythmic and improvisatory language of contemporary jazz with elements of modern chamber composition. The saxophonists in the quartet are accomplished jazz and classical saxophonists, and performances focus on the creative energy of progressive jazz as well as the precision and communication found in traditional saxophone quartets. The flexibility of jazz improvisation is balanced with the rich harmonic and timbral colors of 21st century classical music. The quartet’s repertoire consists primarily of commissioned works and the ensemble is dedicated to encouraging composers to unite jazz and classical styles. The NTSQ gave its inaugural performance at the WSC in Bangkok and has performed at subsequent WSC and NASA conferences, in numerous recitals across the US, and most recently at the Jeju International Wind Festival in South Korea. The NTSQ’s CD One for Four is available on Teal Creek Records.
The UMKC Saxophone Ensemble is comprised of students of Professor Zach Shemon from all degree levels at the University of Missouri–Kansas City Conservatory. The ensemble is entirely student-led and its members have been active in commissioning new works, as well as creating new arrangements for saxophone ensemble. In addition to performing regularly at UMKC and within the wider Kansas City community, the ensemble has presented at regional and national North American Saxophone Alliance conferences, the American Single Reed Summit, and at the 2019 Missouri Music Educators Association Conference.
Ensemble is comprised of saxophone students from all five high schools in the Deer Valley Unified School District.
Boulder Creek High School / Barry Goldwater High School / Deer Valley High School/Mountain Ridge High School / Sandra Day O'Connor High School
All Deer Valley USD High School instrumental programs have a history of superior quality, excellence and diversity.
Formed in 2012, the Orlando, Florida based Hippocrene Saxophone Quartet is dedicated to performing new music for saxophone quartet as well as original transcriptions. They have performed at Central Florida music festivals and at universities throughout Florida. Members include George Weremchuk, Brian Smithers, Timothy Rosenberg and Jeremy Williamson.
Central Coast Saxophone Quartet is a new saxophone chamber ensemble based in San Luis Obispo, CA. Individually, the members are renowned classical and/or jazz performers, and collectively, have chosen to band together to premiere new works by the members of the ensemble. Dr. Laura Kramer is a lecturer at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), teaching saxophone, music theory, and composition. Ron McCarley is the director of jazz studies at Cuesta College. Dave Becker teaches applied saxophone and jazz at both Cal Poly and Cuesta College, and, at Allan Hancock College, teaches theory, recording arts, electronic music and music appreciation. Dr. Arthur White is an Eastman and Jody Jazz saxophone artist, and the director of jazz studies at Cal Poly.
Dionysus, a flexible ensemble comprised of saxophones and piano, formed in 2013 in North Carolina. As a saxophone duo, Alastair Wright and Dylan Ward have toured throughout the US and internationally. The ensemble strives to expand the repertoire for the instrumentation through the performance of original works, transcriptions, improvisation, and through collaboration with active composers of the 21st century.
Recently, they have recorded and toured Wisconsin and Missouri with their program “Hocket,” celebrating living American composers working in minimalist-inspired styles. Since their formation, the group has performed at Lincoln Center, New York, at the Oh My Ears festival in Arizona, St. Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh, and at top conservatories and educational institutions internationally, including Michigan State University, Arizona State University, Interlochen Center for the Arts, and the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (UK). In 2016, they were a resident ensemble at Avaloch Farm Music Institute.
Formed in 2016, ThreeForm is a new music trio that is committed to exploring the possibilities that arise when heavily infusing concert music with elements of jazz, improvisatory music, hip-hop, and other genres that are typically experienced outside of the concert halls. Through experimentation and challenging traditions, ThreeForm aims to incorporate these musical elements in the modern concert experience. The ensemble’s name is a cleaver play on the word freeform, which accurately describes their unique musical aesthetic.
The members of Threeform (Robert Young, M. Maxwell Howard, Tim Sullivan) can all be described as hybrid musicians as they have professional experience playing a wide array of music. The agenda of ThreeForm is to craftily pull these influences into the listening experience.
The Silver Lining Duo is made up of saxophonists Emily Loboda and Kristen Zelenak, Emily and Kristen met at Central Michigan University in 2012. They developed a friendship and decided the best way to stay in contact was to play music together. This newly formed duo plans to continue playing togehter and hopes to commission new pieces in the upcoming years. They recently performed at the NASA Region IV conference in the Spring of 2017.
Kristen is from New Baltimore, MI. She is currently a doctoral student at Arizona State University. Emily is from Tullahoma, TN and recieved her DMA from University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She also teaches saxophone at East Tennesse State University and Mitchell Community College.