by Andrew J. Allen

On February 25th and 26th, nearly two hundred saxophonists assembled on the campus of Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago for the Region V conference.  Regional Director Jim Kasprzyk assembled a varied program that presented many facets of our instrument.  Solos, duets, trios, mixed chamber ensembles, and quartets were represented in abundance, while performances by groups from Northwestern University, Indiana University, and Central Michigan University and large ensemble reading sessions evidenced a growing interest for the large saxophone ensemble.

New to this year's conference were activities specifically designed to attract high school saxophonists including a solo competition which was organized by Thomas Liley and a master class with David Reminick. Fred Hemke and Debra Richtmeyer presented collegiate master classes.

According to the program, twelve new works were premiered over the course of the weekend, and none were for saxophone and piano.  Solo baritone saxophonists Matt Younglove, Jeffrey Loeffert, and Garrett Ledbetter presented, respectively, George Fetner's Black Lion, Songs for a Mute Voice by Benjamin Fuhrman, and Centripetal by Dallas Howard.

New works for chamber ensembles were also popular this year.  Saxophonist Aaron Durst and hornist Amanda Durst performed Ashley Floyd's Hitherto and Henceforth; Ensemble Nouveau (a saxophone, brass, and percussion quintet, featuring saxophonist Allen Cordingley), presented Inner Circle by Matthew Gregg; and the author of this article premiered Justin Rito's Logical Fallacy for alto and marimba with Andrew Parent.  Composer/performers were well represented by Daniel Moroz and Thomas Haines.  Moroz played alto on his trio As the World Crumbles with George Andrikokus on tenor and Donnie Sujak on baritone.  Haines, a guitarist, performed his works Terra Firma and Palmazo with James Bunte, tenor.  Perhaps the highlight of the new works was Robbie Malcolm Smith's well-received Earth Cycles that was performed by saxophonist John Nichol and bassist Jason Nichol. Finally, two electro-acoustic pieces were premiered at the conference: Farrell Vernon performed Mpingo for sopranino, and the author premiered Nathan Prillaman's Let's Get Real for alto.

Some of the other highlights of the conference include the H2 Quartet's wonderful performance of Mark Mellits's spirited Quartet No. 2, transcribed by Jonathan Nichol.  Both Jeff Heisler and Sean Patayanikorn offered inspiring interpretations of avant-garde works.  Heisler expertly played SPP by Phillipe Leroux, with the masterful collaboration of pianist I-Chen Yeh.  Patayanikorn gave a mesmerizing rendition of Geroges Aperghis's Altar Ego for tenor.  The audience received Geoffrey Diebel’s performance of Hard by Christian Lauba with great enthusiasm. Otis and Haruko Murphy shed light on a relatively unknown but very worthy work Roberto Molirelli's Four Pictures from New York for soprano, alto, and tenor saxophones and piano.

The organizers of this event are to be highly praised for their wonderful work.  Jim Kasprzyk's programming and direction ensured a positive experience from the beginning; NEIU's music department chair, Shayne Cofer, and the university's concert coordinator, Stephen Zivin, gave expert attention to all of the needs of the attendees.  Finally, the NASA members of Region V should be saluted.  Attendance at nearly all of the events was quite high, and a positive spirit of camaraderie reigned throughout the weekend.  This year's Region V conference proved to be a wonderful event that introduced new and unfamiliar literature, offered fresh performances of standard works, and served as a great chance for fellowship among saxophonists.

Photo: Ensemble Reading Session

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