Saxophone - Special Program
Timezone: Indianola, IA (GMT-6)
Language: English
Highlights:
- Featured soloist with the University of Northern Colorado Wind Ensemble on their acclaimed 2011 tour of China, including performances at the Beijing Concert Hall.
- Performing alongside legendary jazz saxophonist Phil Woods.
- Performing artist for Conn-Selmer Paris saxophones.
A dynamic performer and educator, Dr. Brian Rodesch is an emerging voice in concert and jazz saxophone performance and pedagogy. Comfortable in an array of genres and educational settings, Rodesch has presented performances and clinics at institutions throughout the United States. As an advocate for new music and a founding member of the Nexus Duo (saxophone & clarinet), Rodesch has emphasized commissioning and presenting works that focus on creating engaging musical experiences for young audiences. As a jazz musician, Rodesch has appeared at the Montreux and North Sea Jazz Festivals, regularly performs with the Des Moines Big Band, and has been recognized as an outstanding soloist at the University of Northern Colorado Jazz Festival presented by Jamey Aebersold.
Rodesch currently serves as Assistant Professor of Music at Simpson College (Indianola, IA), where he teaches saxophone and directs the jazz ensemble; as well as serving as the director for the annual Simpson College Jazz Camp, an event focused on teaching creative improvisation to middle and high school aged students. He also serves on faculty at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp and has previously taught at: the University of Minnesota-Morris, MacPhail Center for Music, and served as a director with the Minnesota Youth Jazz Bands (MYJB). He holds a Doctor of Arts degree in Saxophone Performance and Jazz Pedagogy from the University of Northern Colorado, and additional degrees from East Carolina University (M.M.), and the University of Minnesota (B.M.E). Rodesch is a Conn-Selmer and Dahlke Mouthpiece performing artist.