Ouachita’s Saxophone Quartet performs at Region 4 NASA Conference
April 23, 2019
- Phoebe HuffOuachita Baptist University’s Saxophone Quartet recently was invited to perform at
the Region 4 North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) Conference held at the University
of Arkansas March 14-17. Additionally, senior Sierra Westberg was selected for a solo
performance.
“I have been so very proud of this group of students and the way they have worked
and performed together all year long,” said Dr. Caroline Taylor, professor of music
at Ouachita. “This opportunity to perform at a professional saxophone conference was
the ideal venue for them to showcase their hard work, network with other saxophonists
and gain invaluable performing experience.”
NASA is an organization of individuals who share a common interest in the saxophone,
including professional performers, university professors, public school teachers and
students of all levels. The Alliance sponsors regional and national conferences each
year to promote new music, shared ideas and performances of saxophone music.
Westberg, a senior instrumental music education major from Arkadelphia, Ark., was
chosen by a juried program committee to perform Creston’s “Concerto for Alto Saxophone
Movement 1” with pianist Michael Womack.
“I rehearsed with an accompanist I had never met for my ‘Concerto’ performance only
30 minutes the day before the performance,” Westberg said. “This was a great experience
getting to prepare under pressure, in a more professional atmosphere. The quartet
practiced for four hours a week starting in January.”
Ouachita’s quartet performed all four movements from Pierre Max Dubois’ “Quatuor Pour
Saxophones” and Heiner Wiberny’s “Ulla in Africa: Afro-Funk.” Additional members of
Ouachita’s Saxophone Quartet include: C.J. Slatton, a senior instrumental music education
major from Paragould, Ark.; Katelyn Still, a freshman instrumental music education
major from Benton, Ark.; and Morgan Taylor, a senior music industry major from Hot
Springs, Ark.
“Three of the members have played together in this group since freshman year,” Westberg added.
“It was very satisfying to play with them a last time at such an important event.”
Additionally, the conference allowed students to perform and gain exposure in a professional
setting.
“If I have a conference such as NASA on my resume, it could help in the job process,”
Still said. “The important and impressive saxophonists watching the performance may
remember the fact I performed, as well.”
Still added that she was appreciative of Ouachita and the opportunities it has allowed
her to have, saying, “Ouachita has allowed me to flourish in my saxophone playing.”
For more information, contact Dr. Caroline Taylor at taylorc@obu.edu or (870) 245-5139.
By Phoebe Huff // Pictured are Ouachita's Saxophone Quartet members (front row, from
left) Sierra Westberg, Morgan Taylor, (back row) Katelyn Still and C.J. Slatton. Download full size image.
April 23, 2019
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