November 9, 2012 Rick VanMatre, Saxophone

Rick VanMatre is one of the most exploratory saxophonists on the current jazz and avant-garde scenes. He is widely recognized for bringing a unique, identifiable voice to a variety of genres.  Mr. VanMatre is Adjunct Professor of Saxophone and Professor Emeritus of Jazz Studies at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Formerly as the conservatory’s Director of Jazz Studies, he was responsible for expanding the BM in Jazz, creating the MM in Jazz Studies and the DMA in Saxophone, and establishing the Jazz Recording Studio. He also headed the CCM Visiting Artist Series, one of the most extensive in the nation, including over 150 important jazz performers and composers such as Wynton Marsalis, Christian McBride, Maria Schneider, George Duke, and Eddie Daniels.  He has performed with such diverse ensembles as the Duke Ellington Orchestra led by Mercer Ellington and the Woody Herman Orchestra led by Frank Tiberi.  Mr. VanMatre is an endorsing artist for Selmer Saxophones.  This Master Class is being sponsored by Selmer and Heid Music will be here with instruments and many musical accessories.

We hope you can attend and hear this illustrious Saxophonist work with selected area saxophone students.  Rick will also be performing as guest soloist with the Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, November 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Weill Center for the Performing Arts.  For tickets to that performance, please call the SSO office at 452-1985.  Student ticket prices are available.