Performance Opportunities

Slipstream performing

Saxophonists at Lawrence University perform in a wide variety of ensembles:  Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Band, Saxophone Ensemble, saxophone quartet, mixed chamber ensembles, and jazz combos.  Placement in ensembles is determined through auditions at the beginning of each academic year.

Funding Opportunities

Image of a saxophone

Through the commitment and generosity of Lawrence University Saxophone Studio alumni, their parents, and friends of the Saxophone Studio, the Steven Jordheim Endowed Fund for Musical Exploration was established in 2014.  The fund supports the creative efforts of current students enrolled in saxophone study at Lawrence, making possible a variety of student projects such as domestic and international travel and study, commissions for new works for the saxophone, recording projects, and performance tours.

For information on applying for project support through The Jordheim Fund, please see the following.

The Steven Jordheim Endowed Fund for Musical Exploration 2017.pdf

2016 Awardees:

Daniel Whitworth, LU'18

Project:  Saxophone Performance Study at the 2016 American Saxophone Academy, Rochester, NY

Pictured below:  Daniel Whitworth

Daniel Whitworth

Daniel's reflection on his experience

Attending the American Saxophone Academy at Eastman School of Music was what I consider a “turning point” in my education. The week-long program gave students the opportunity to play in quartets and a saxophone ensemble, attend master classes, and take lessons from some of the most distinguished performers and educators in the country. The week ended with a concert where all of the participants were able to perform with their quartets. The extensive instruction I received as well as the exposure to diverse perspectives on saxophone pedagogy was enlightening. I feel that I can now approach repertoire from many new angles that I didn’t even consider before. Studying under these amazing saxophonists, even for such a short amount of time, was absolutely incredible. Luckily, the American Saxophone Academy encouraged a lot of communication between the students and the visiting artists and even held a forum where students had the opportunity to ask anything they wanted about performing, life as a saxophonist, and the music industry in general. I felt that openly discussing some of these topics gave me a sense of direction going forward. Another hugely rewarding part of this program was the chance to meet other saxophonists of my age level from around the world. I developed a few lasting friendships and connected with some amazing people that I’m likely to encounter again in the future. I believe this program was extremely influential in my education as a saxophonist and without the Jordheim fund I would not have been able to have this unique and life-changing experience.

Jason Koth, LU'17

Project:  Studio recording of original electro-acoustic compositions for saxophone

Pictured below:  Jason Koth

Jason Koth

2015 Awardees:

Garrett Evans, LU'17; Daniel Vasey, LU 16; Colin Parsons, LU'16; Joseph Connor, LU'16

Project:  Silent Sound: improvised soundtracks for silent films, a performance by the Lawrence University Saxophone Quartet at the 17th World Saxophone Congress in Strasbourg, France; July 2015.  Visit our Studio News page for blog posts and photos of the quartet's experiences in France.

Pictured below:  Garrett Evans, Daniel Vasey, Colin Parsons, and Joseph Connor

Saxophone quartet

2014 Awardee: 

Joseph Connor, LU'16

Project:  Saxophone Performance Study at the 2014 American Saxophone Academy, Rochester, New York

Pictured below:  Joseph Connor, soprano saxophonist (far right), performing at the American Saxophone Academy

Saxophone student performing at the American Saxophone Academy

Joe's reflection on his experience at the American Saxophone Academy:

With the support of the Jordheim Fund, I was able to travel to Rochester, New York in June to participate in the 2nd American Saxophone Academy held at the Eastman School of Music. I was one of thirty-six saxophone students from a number of undergraduate and graduate programs throughout the United States and Canada who participated in the program. During the week-long course, I had the opportunity to interact with six prominent saxophonists and pedagogues in group lessons, individual lessons, coachings, and lectures. Upon arriving at Eastman, participants were placed in saxophone quartets based on brief auditions, and these quartets met daily for a student-led rehearsal followed by a faculty coaching. In addition, the students participating in the Academy were divided into two large saxophone ensembles that rehearsed every night with two of the Eastman teaching assistants. These rehearsals culminated in a chamber music concert on the final day of the Academy featuring all nine quartets, two ensembles, and a performance of Phillip Glass’ "Runaway Horses" featuring all of the participants. The week-long experience fostered a lot of conversation with the other students as well as the faculty, and this was the most beneficial part of the Academy for me. I came home with so many more ideas about musicality, technique, repertoire, rehearsal methods, and new goals for my own development as a musician and saxophonist. It was a truly unique opportunity to get to meet and work so closely with six different teachers over the course of a week and to witness their varied teaching styles and attend their performances. Ultimately, my time at the American Saxophone Academy was a wonderful and transformative week filled with music, new ideas, and inspiring interactions.