news
March 24, 2021
- Anna Weyenberg
Ouachita’s student Saxophone Quartet was selected to perform at the Region IV Conference
of the North American Saxophone Alliance that was held virtually on Friday, March
12, through Sunday, March 14. Members of the Saxophone Quartet include Cross Brandon
on baritone, Craig Crawford on soprano saxophone, Graham Scarborough on tenor and
Katelyn Still on alto.
Ouachita’s Saxophone Quartet performed “Andante et Scherzo” by Eugene Bozza, and “Tapas”
by Marc Mellits and arranged by Dannel Espinoza. In addition to performing as a quartet,
Brandon, Crawford and Still also were selected to play solo pieces at the conference.
Ouachita Saxophone Quartet performs at North American Saxophone Alliance Conference
March 24, 2021
- Anna Weyenberg
Cross Brandon (left) and Craig Crawford (right)
“I am so proud of these students and their dedication to pursuing the highest possible
standards of excellence,” said Dr. Caroline Taylor, professor of music at Ouachita,
“especially with all of the COVID restrictions in place limiting rehearsals and performance
opportunities.”
The Region IV conference, which is held every two years, includes participants from
Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas. Performers were selected through proposals
submitted to a programming committee.
“It was a huge privilege to get to listen to so many talented saxophone players,”
said Scarborough, a junior instrumental music education major from West Monroe, La.
“Craig, Katelyn, Cross and I have been in this quartet since last year in the fall.
Playing with them is so wonderful as they are fantastic musicians who push me to be
a better musician myself.”
Graham Scarborough (left) and Katelyn Still (right)
Brandon, a senior music industry major from Little Rock, Ark., performed “Rhapsody
for Baritone Saxophone” by Mark Watters, and Ouachita’s Kristen La Madrid was his
collaborative pianist. Crawford, a junior instrumental music performance major from
Texarkana, Texas, performed “Dialogue” by Phillip Parker, and Ouachita’s Elsen Portugal
was his collaborative pianist. Still, a senior instrumental music education major
from Benton, Ark., performed “Concerto for Saxophones” by Lucas Garner, with La Madrid
as her collaborative pianist.
While the conference was virtual this year, Still said it “was a valuable experience.”
“I learned a lot of interesting information from great people, and I listened to talented
saxophonists,” she said. “I hope everyone enjoyed our performances!”
For more information, contact Dr. Caroline Taylor, professor of music at [email protected] or (870) 245-5139.
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