The Northwestern State University Saxophone Studio will hold its annual Sax Fest on Saturday, Feb. 19 in Magale Recital Hall beginning at noon.
Guest artist Derek Brown will hold a master class and extended technique clinic and will discuss the music business. NSU Professor of Saxophone Paul J. Forsyth will hold a master class for high school students.
At 6 p.m., Brown will be featured in a concert which will include the NSU Jazz Orchestra and NSU Saxophone Choir. The concert will feature the premiere of Brown’s composition “Whatever the Case May Be.”
From his 30+ million views across social media to his appearance on international television and NPR’s Weekend Edition, Billboard-charting saxophonist/innovator Brown and his one-of-a-kind solo “BEATBoX SAX” project has been exploding across the world music scene. He is noted for being able to crossing genres from jazz to classical to funk, without looping or electronic effects,
As described by jazz journalist/historian Scott Yanow, “Brown performs unaccompanied solos that occasionally make one recall Bobby McFerrin in his early prime and the great saxophonist Eddie Harris . . . utilizing slap-tonguing, circular breathing, a wide interest in musical styles and dazzling coordination to create rather unique music.”
Brown has performed solo concerts in all 50 United States and over 25 countries around the world (over 200 total international shows). Known for his boundless energy on stage, creative audience interaction, and musical depth, His live shows always surprise and delight. His ongoing “BEATBoX SAX” music videos and tutorials on YouTube have been enormously popular among saxophonists and music lovers alike (over 150,000 Youtube subscriptions), leading to endorsements with Legere, JodyJazz, P.Mauriat, BG France, and Austrian Audio.
Brown was the director of jazz studies at Abilene Christian University for six years. He received his BM in Music Performance (Classical and Jazz) from Hope College in 2006 and his MM in Jazz Studies at the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music in 2008.
