Department of Music
Siskiyou Saxophone Orchestra
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The Siskiyou Saxophone Orchestra (SSO), under the direction of Dr.
Rhett Bender, exploits the unique voices of the entire saxophone
family: bass, baritone, tenor, alto, soprano and sopranino. SSO
performances showcase styles from classical music favorites, American
big band hits, world-music, as well as original pieces written for the
SSO. In October 2007 the SSO traveled to China where they performed to mobs
of admiring music fans. As the guests of Mercury Saxophones, the SSO
performed at the China Music Trade Show in Shanghai and at the northern
seaside resort city of Yantai. Each March they celebrate the SSO with an anniversary concert. Look for the SSO at the Oregon Shakespeare Greenshow this summer. |
| Director of SSO, Dr. Rhett Bender, is an Associate Professor of Music at Southern Oregon University.
Additionally, he is the Region 1 Director of the Saxophone Alliance and
has performed and at World Saxophone Congresses, presented
master-classes throughout the United States, Europe, Mexico, and
performed and taught many times at the Sichuan Conservatory of
Classical Music in Chengdu, China. He is one of the featured
saxophonists on AUR’s landmark seven volume CD set, America’s
Millennium Tribute to Adolphe Sax – nominated for a Grammy in 2000.
Rhett Bender is a Yamaha performing artist and clinician. |
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| MEMBERS | INSTRUMENT | ||
| Jenifer Jaseau |
sopranino |
See video performances of the SSO at youtube.com/bendersaxophone Click below to listen to mp3 audio |
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| Nicklas Waroff | soprano | ||
| Tang Di | soprano | ||
| Steve Davidson | alto | ||
| Holly Kruggel |
alto | ||
| Kylee Rohrbacker | alto | ||
| Andrew Krug | alto | ||
| Vicki Purslow |
tenor |
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| Erin Luce | tenor |
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| Heather Tomiyama | tenor |
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| Doug MacDonell | baritone | ||
| Travis Moddison | baritone | ||
| Keith Smelcer | baritone | ||
| Tovi Olivolo | bass | ||
| Rhett Bender | Director | ||
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Audiences leaving a recent concert proclaimed “I cannot believe how beautiful saxophones sound–what a sonority!” "It was wonderful. I really enjoyed myself"
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"They were great. It's amazing that saxophones can have such power. I didn't want it to end." "It was another great event offered by the music department." "I play the saxophone and they were impressive." |
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Saxophone playing SOU students may contact Rhett Bender for audition information
The Siskiyou Saxophone Orchestra on a recent trip to China |
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To see more video of the Siskiyou Saxophone Orchestra go to youtube.com/bendersaxophone
