Another great year in music! 2019 brought many great surprises for Megan and I with new jobs, a baby girl, and moving to Kirksville. We are continually blessed with all of the opportunities and experiences we’ve had. I took a six month break of playing in public to welcome our daughter Elizabeth to the world on September 12th. Looking to get back on the horn more here in 2020 as we get down our routine. Thanks for all of your continued support of my music, family, and ministry! Here are some highlights from 2019:
Got to play at some new venues including 424 Lounge, The Brick, The Rino, and VooDoo Lounge. Always fun to check out new places in the KC scene!
Traveled to Columbia, MO and Minneapolis, MN with {trés} in the spring. José lead a group to Puerto Rico this November to spread music and a vision of partnership. We just finished some edits to a trio in December in Iowa City, IA in hopes to launch in 2020.
Enjoyed getting to work with Kansas City Area Youth Jazz — this group was able to put together a public performance and professional recording in just three months!
Had students attend the Interlochen Saxophone Institute and NYU’s Broadway Winds Summer Program. As well, also had multiple students accepted to the Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall for 2020.
Got to help the Kirksville High School Marching Band with their show this year. They took first place at the Missouri Days Festival! The “Kings and Queens” show was a hit!
Six private saxophone students all get “Gold” ratings at state contest — since when do high school kids play Maurice, Tcherepnine, and Creston!?! Also, having a former private student make the all-state jazz band — very competitive group to make!
Enjoyed getting to perform with some of my students at Westport Coffeehouse including a 15 saxophone arrangement of “My Little Suede Shoes.” Had a lot of fun as well at Northland Student Jam Sessions!
Getting to see Logan Richardson live at the Blue Room — man, so much soul! What an awesome guy to represent Kansas City.
Finishing three years of teaching for PCR3 — so many great relationships with teachers, students, and families that will be missed!
Joel Gordon 