Evan harris
Evan Harris is in his second year of study as Doctorate of Music Arts student at Michigan State University where he received a University Distinguish Fellowship. Previously, Evan completed a Bachelor of Music degree at Central Michigan University (2016), and a Master of Music degree from the University of Oklahoma (2018). Throughout his career, Evan has competed and placed in many competitions: most notable are, the Music Teacher's National Association (MTNA) National Young Artist Solo Competition 2nd place winner (2017), MTNA National Chamber Music Competition 3rd place winner (2017), Coltman National Chamber Music Competition 2nd place winner (2017), University of Oklahoma Concerto Competition winner (2017), MTNA National Chamber Music Competition 1st place winner (2018), and the North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) Quartet Competition 1st place winner (2018). In addition to performing, Evan hopes to expand the repertoire for saxophone through musical arrangements, some of which have been successful in competitions: Trio Sonata Op. 1, No. 12 “La Follia” by Antonio Vivaldi arranged for saxophone quartet. Evan has also given performances, and presentations of his arrangements, across the United States, and Europe
Eric Zheng
Eric Zheng hails from Tucson, Arizona and received a BA in Economics and a BM in Saxophone Performance from Northwestern University studying under Professor Taimur Sullivan. He is currently pursuing his Master of Music degree in Saxophone Performance at Michigan State University under Joseph Lulloff and serves as the Applied Saxophone Instructor at Albion College
He made his solo debut with the Tucson Youth Philharmonic Orchestra at age 16 and has received numerous awards since. He was named a 2019 Yamaha Young Performing Artist Competition Winner and has won top prizes from Evanston/North Shore Music Club, Vandoren Emerging Artist Competition, Northwestern University Aria/Concerto Competition, and other national competitions. Regarding chamber music, he is the alto chair of the Group 2, a professional saxophone quartet committed to presenting diverse repertoire and deep musical experiences to their audiences. Eric has had the privilege of performing with a variety of ensembles, having been under the batons of Dr. Kevin Sedatole, Dr. Mallory Thompson, and Dr. Shawn Vondran. He has also performed in masterclasses for renowned artists such as Stephen Page, Frederick Hemke, Clifford Leaman, Lars Mlekusch, Jérôme Laran, and Zach Shemon.
Adam Epler
Praised by the Lansing State Journal for his “beautiful tone color and musical precision,” Adam Epler is an in-demand fledgling saxophonist, pianist, organist, and educator from Dallas, Texas. Mr. Epler has appeared with notable ensembles across the nation as a soloist and performer, including the Dallas Winds, Crosswinds Jazz Orchestra, Lansing Symphony Orchestra, and Michigan State University Wind Symphony. Most notably, he is a founding member of the Group 2 saxophone quartet, who has gone on to advance and place in numerous international competitions, such as the MTNA Chamber Music Competition, NOLA Chamberfest, and NASA Quartet Competition, and maintains a busy performing, competing, and touring schedule throughout the year.
Comfortable in both jazz and classical styles, Mr. Epler has performed with some of the world’s leading jazz musicians, including Jimmy Heath, Benny Golson, Phil Woods, Randy Brecker, Rufus Reid, Lynn Seaton, Wayne Bergeron, and Dallas big band Rebel Alliance Jazz Ensemble. In addition to being a performer, Mr. Epler is an active teacher and clinician in the Michigan and Dallas/Ft. Worth areas, and currently holds the title of Minister of Music at The Livingston Circuit of the United Methodist Church in Fowlerville, Michigan, where he serves as the music director, choir director, and organist.
He is completing a B.M in Music Education/Saxophone Performance from Michigan State University, and studied saxophone with Roy Allen, Jr., Matt Sawyer, and Joe Lulloff.
Tyler Young
Hailing from Aberdeen, North Carolina, Tyler Young began serious saxophone study as a sophomore in high school. With musical tastes that spanned from J.S. Bach to John Mayer, Tyler found strong interests in melody, harmony, and rhythm from many different sources and influences. While studying under a prominent clarinetist during his high school years, Tyler found that his love for the saxophone repertoire was heavily paralleled by his love for jazz—specifically the improvisation of melody and harmony in different musical styles. This hunger for different musical perspectives led him to study at several different institutions and music festivals such as the Brevard Music Center and National Music Festival, and with many personalities such as Mr. David Newton, Dr. Xin Gao, Dr. Steven Stusek, Mr. Patrick Meighan, Dr. Katherine Weintraub, and currently, the great Joseph Lulloff. Tyler is currently residing in Lansing, Michigan, pursuing his DMA at Michigan State University.