Jon - Saxophone, Clarinet
Originally from central Pennsylvania, Jon relocated to Bowling Green, Ohio in 2024. He holds a Bachelors from Susquehanna University and a Masters, as well as a Graduate Certificate, from the University of Central Arkansas. His studies have taken him to all corners of the United States and even to New Zealand. Jon’s primary teachers have been Dr. Matthew Taylor and Dr. Gail Levinsky with additional studies in jazz from Brandon Dorris. He has also been a participant of the Frederick L. Hemke Saxophone Institute getting to work with saxophonists such as Dr. Fred Hemke and Dr. John Sampen.
As a performer, Jon is an avid chamber musician collaborating in small and large ensembles. He’s organized and participated in rare performances of works by composers such as Philip Glass, David Maslanka, and Michael Colgrass. He has performed as a soloist, as well as a member of chamber and large ensembles, at conferences such as the North American Saxophone Alliance, Navy Band International Saxophone Symposium, and College Band Directors National Association.
While at Susquehanna University, Jon was a member of the Koru saxophone quartet who were selected to represent the Department of Music at conferences, on campus events, and in the community. A strong new music advocate, Jon has had the opportunity to premiere and commission many works involving the saxophone, including works by notable composers such as Jules Pegram and Viet Cuong. He has also enjoyed performing in orchestras, jazz ensembles, and in pit bands for local high school productions of musicals such as Guys and Dolls and Grease.
Jon’s teaching ranges from private one-on-one to group instruction, where he’s taught groups of up to thirty high school saxophonists. His students have placed in all-state competitions and received merit scholarships to college. While at the University of Central Arkansas, Jon also organized events for the saxophone studio including guest lectures and technique workshops as well as giving lectures himself. He strives to foster individuality in his students, helping them find what they like to play and how they connect to music while giving them the musical and technical foundations they need.
As a performer, Jon is an avid chamber musician collaborating in small and large ensembles. He’s organized and participated in rare performances of works by composers such as Philip Glass, David Maslanka, and Michael Colgrass. He has performed as a soloist, as well as a member of chamber and large ensembles, at conferences such as the North American Saxophone Alliance, Navy Band International Saxophone Symposium, and College Band Directors National Association.
While at Susquehanna University, Jon was a member of the Koru saxophone quartet who were selected to represent the Department of Music at conferences, on campus events, and in the community. A strong new music advocate, Jon has had the opportunity to premiere and commission many works involving the saxophone, including works by notable composers such as Jules Pegram and Viet Cuong. He has also enjoyed performing in orchestras, jazz ensembles, and in pit bands for local high school productions of musicals such as Guys and Dolls and Grease.
Jon’s teaching ranges from private one-on-one to group instruction, where he’s taught groups of up to thirty high school saxophonists. His students have placed in all-state competitions and received merit scholarships to college. While at the University of Central Arkansas, Jon also organized events for the saxophone studio including guest lectures and technique workshops as well as giving lectures himself. He strives to foster individuality in his students, helping them find what they like to play and how they connect to music while giving them the musical and technical foundations they need.
