Our saxophonist
Matthew James is a second-year Doctor of Music student at the Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL and Adjunct Professor of Woodwinds at Chipola College. Matthew can be seen actively performing and competing as a soloist, with yours truly, the Solstice Reed Quintet, Close Quarters, and the FSU Saxophone Choir. Matthew’s primary teachers include Geoffrey Deibel, Dannel Espinoza, Larry Panella, and Carlos Vega.
Matthew’s recent performances include recitals of saxophone orchestra, quartet, and solo repertoire. With SRQ, he has won first prize in the MMTA competition and was a finalists in the North American Saxophone Alliance Flex Competition. Additionally, his quartet was announced as semi finalists in the North American Saxophone Alliance Competition, and finalists in the Music Teachers National Association Chamber Music Competition.
Finally, Matthew can be regularly seen as a presenter and has given presentations on topics ranging from saxophone pedagogy and performance to diversity in classical music. Matthew has presented at the International Conference for Saxophone Pedagogy and Performance, the North American Saxophone Alliance, the International Navy Band Saxophone Symposium, and more. It is his aspiration to continue developing not only as a saxophonist, but as a pedagogue and researcher for his passion, the saxophone, and his community.
