Department of Music
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Siskiyou Saxophone Orchestra
Next performance Friday May 22nd, 2009 7:30PM SOU Music Recital Hall
| The Siskiyou Saxophone Orchestra (SSO) led by Artistic Director 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. In June they'll perform on the Oregon Shakespeare Festival bricks as part of the Greenshow. Recently they've been invited to perform at the 2009 XVth World Saxophone Congress in Bangkok, Thailand. | |
| Rhett Bender D.Mus.A., is a 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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| 2008 MEMBERS | INSTRUMENT | ||
| Nicklas Waroff | sopranino |
See video performances of the SSO at youtube.com/bendersaxophone Click below to listen to mp3 audio Gesangla threnody for Sichuan Earthquake |
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| Tang Di | soprano | ||
| Jamie Krull | soprano | ||
| Steve Davidson | alto | ||
| Holly Kruggel |
alto | ||
| Kylee Rohrbacker | alto | ||
| David Whipp |
alto | ||
| Andrew Krug | alto | ||
| Vicki Purslow |
tenor |
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| Keith Smelcer |
tenor |
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| Heather Tomiyama | tenor |
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| Kirsten Campbell |
tenor | ||
| Laura Sadler | tenor | ||
| Erin Luce | baritone | ||
| Doug MacDonell |
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. –The Siskiyou I play the saxophone and they were impressive. |
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Openings are available on baritone, tenor and alto saxophones. Saxophone playing SOU students may contact Rhett Bender for audition information.
The Siskiyou Saxophone Orchestra and the Saxophone Orchestra of the Sichuan Conservatory of Music in Chengdu on a recent trip to China. |
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To see more video of the Siskiyou Saxophone Orchestra go to youtube.com/bendersaxophone
