March-April Update

President’s Message

Greetings Fellow Saxophonists!

With mixed emotions, we embark upon what promises to be an exciting national conference, March 3-6 at the University of Georgia in Athens. The conference is filled with outstanding performances, lectures and master classes presented by many of the world’s leading professional saxophonists including guest artists Claude Delangle, Frederick Hemke, Eugene Rousseau, and jazz saxophonist, Brad Leali.

With the recent passing of host and past NASA President Kenneth Fischer, the conference will be a poignant reminder of the legacy that Dr. Fischer has left behind through his students, colleagues, and fellow saxophonists. Dr Fischer was a wonderful man, teacher, and saxophonist, and he will be greatly missed by many, many people. The members of the NASA Executive Board and I would like to thank Dr. Fischer's son, Stephen Fischer, for taking over the substantial hosting duties so that this conference could go forward. Stephen’s selfless and gracious efforts to bring this conference to fruition have been truly inspirational.

I would also like to thank Thomas Liley, Director of Scholarly Publications, for organizing the written tributes to Kenneth Fischer from saxophonists around the world. The tributes appear in this issue of Update, as well as in the upcoming NASA Conference Program Book. They are inspirational and a testament to Dr. Fischer’s legacy.

A record 500+ people applied to perform at the upcoming conference. We also had a record number of applicants for the Solo, Quartet and Jazz Competitions - all of which will take place during the conference; the winners will perform in a feature recital on Saturday morning. A special “Kenneth Fischer Celebration ” will take place on Saturday at noon in Hodgson Hall; a closing reception follows the concert.

I hope to see you in Athens!

Debra Richtmeyer