NASA 2014 Biennial Conference / UIUC Percussion Ensemble

This year’s North American Saxophone Alliance 2014 Biennial Conference—held at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign—was a smashing success, thanks to the heroic efforts of saxophonists and educators Dr. Debra Richtmeyer and Dr. Michael Holmes. It attracted more performances, more saxophonists, and more diversity of styles than any saxophone event I have ever been to.

I had the distinct honor of performing Baljinder Sekhon’s Gradient 2.0 with the UIUC Percussion Ensemble at the event’s final concert, directed by Professor William Moersch, including a repeat performance of the work at their April 17 percussion ensemble concert. They are truly an exciting ensemble to work with; what a pleasure it was to discover the fantastic music program and world-class performance venues at UIUC.