The origins of the North American Saxophone Alliance date from the First World Saxophone Congress, held in Chicago in December of 1969. Following the lead of our colleagues in France, who created the Association of French Saxophonists in 1971, the North American Saxophone Alliance was established in 1976 under the leadership of Frederick Hemke. Since then, NASA has offered state, regional, and international conferences attracting many important saxophonists to present performances, lectures and master classes. NASA is the largest organization in the western hemisphere dedicated to the establishment of the saxophone as a medium of serious musical expression.
NASA’s Mission
The mission of the Alliance is to provide resources for saxophonists at all levels of skill, of all ages and backgrounds, and of varied musical styles by disseminating information about saxophone performance and pedagogy, by providing opportunities for music making, by fostering and facilitating the creation of new repertoire, by providing a communication network, and by promoting the musical activities of its members.
Committees
The North American Saxophone Alliance is proud to support two vital standing committees dedicated to fostering a more inclusive and equitable community: the Committee on Gender Equity and the Committee on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Accessibility. Established in 2018 and 2022 respectively, these committees work to advance gender equity and champion diversity across all areas of the saxophone world. Through advocacy, education, and community-building, they strive to create a welcoming environment for all members, reflecting the rich variety of backgrounds and experiences that make up our Alliance.
Committee for Gender Equity
Committee Co-Chair: Kyle Jones — Lecturer and Director of Music Business, Western Illinois University
Committee Co-Chair: Cecily Terhune — Freelance Musician
Director of Mentorship Program: Alexia McLean — Houston Independent School District | New Works Project | RAMPD
Committee Members:
- Carly Hood
- Elizabeth King-Bennett
- Heidi Radtke
- Lee Ross
- Matthew Storie
Committee on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Accessibility
Committee Co-Chair: Kendra Wheeler, Assistant Professor of Saxophone, Louisiana State University
Committee Co-Chair: Kyle Hutchins, Assistant Professor of Practice (Saxophone), Virginia Tech
Committee Members:
- Matthew James
- Ryan Johnson
- Jordan VanHemert
- Nick Grimone
- Mia Gazely
- David Nabb
Professional Development & Engagement Committee
Committee Chair: Myles Boothroyd, Assistant Professor of Saxophone, The University of Oklahoma
Committee Members:
- Logan Banister
- Jessica Dodge-Overstreet
- Davis Hale
- Drew Hosler
- Matthew James (Committee on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Accessibility representative)
- Jason Oates
- Nick Ortiz
- Sam Pollock
- Joe Proud
- Heidi Radtke (Committee on Gender Equity representative)
- Bobbi Thompson
The Saxophone Symposium – Editorial Board
Interim Editor: Bobbi Thompson, Don Wright Faculty of Music, Western University of Canada
Assistant Editor: Andrew J. Allen, Georgia College & State University
Members:
- Andrew Allen, Georgia College
- Kurt Bertels, Utrecht University (Netherlands) + Lemmensinstituut (Belgium)
- Noa Even, Rowan University
- Jeffrey Heisler, Oakland University
- Adrianne Honnold, Lewis University
- J. Michael Weiss-Holmes, Chicago College of Performing Arts
- Stacy Maugans, Valparaiso University
- Eric M. Nestler, The University of North Texas
- Uday Singh, ZHdK Zürcher Hochschule der Künste (Switzerland)
- Thomas Smialek, Penn State University, Hazleton
- Rick VanMatre, University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music