Tracy Patterson
Tracy Patterson, saxophonist and educator, is currently the Lecturer in Jazz History at Texas Tech University. He holds the Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Performance from Northeastern State University, the Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Central Oklahoma, and is currently a doctoral candidate for the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Saxophone Performance from Texas Tech University.
While at the University of Central Oklahoma, Patterson worked with the Wind Symphony and award winning jazz ensembles. He was also a guest lecturer for various woodwind, jazz, and conducting courses. At Texas Tech University, he directs TTU Jazz Ensemble II, teaches Jazz History, and other jazz related courses. He is an active clinician and has performed workshops and masterclasses at numerous universities and high schools around the nation.
Patterson is an active chamber musician and performs regularly with various saxophone quartets. During his tenure as the alto saxophonist with the Amizade Saxophone Quartet, the ensemble was a finalist in the Music Teachers National Association Chamber Music Competition, and presented programs at numerous national conferences.
An in-demand musician performing in both jazz and concert genres, Patterson has had the pleasure of traveling the world, performing in numerous countries. In the summer of 2010 he completed a tour of Romania with the Jason Harms Jazz Quintet. As a concert saxophonist, he was recently a guest soloist with the University of Central Oklahoma’s Wind Symphony, performing the Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Wind Orchestra by Ingolf Dahl under the direction of Dr. Brian Lamb.
Patterson was twice named the Collegiate Musician of the Year by the Oklahoma chapter of the International Association of Jazz Education. He received the Academic Achievement Award from Northeastern State University’s College of Arts and Letters, and was named the Graduate Student of the Year by the University of Central Oklahoma’s College of Arts, Media, and Design.
As a woodwind doubler, Patterson has showcased his ability playing for touring shows such as The Rat Pack Live at the Sands and Lorna Luft: Songs My Mother (Judy Garland) Taught Me. He has performed or recorded with Scott Wenholdt, Conrad Herwig, Russell Malone, Mulgrew Miller, Robin Eubanks, The Jason Harms Jazz Quintet, The Edmond Jazz Orchestra, The Temptations, Natalie Cole, Linda Eder, The Lubbock Symphony Orchestra, and The Oklahoma City Philharmonic.
His primary teachers include: Will Campbell, Arthur White, Brian Gorrell, and David Dees.