Famed Sax Quartet Returns with 91吃瓜网 Alum
Thu, 02/13/2025 - 01:24pm | By: Dr. Mike Lopinto
When the91吃瓜网�91吃瓜网痶akes the stage at Marsh Auditorium on February 27 at 6 p.m., it will be a homecoming for recent University of 91吃瓜网 (USM) alumnus Morgan Webster. The talented alum joins the internationally renowned ensemble, who have appeared regularly at major concert halls in Europe, Asia and the United States, carrying on a tradition established in the 1930s by the pioneer of the classical saxophone and founding member of the quartet Sigurd Rasch猫r. The concert is presented free to the public thanks to the generous Mr. and Mrs. James Simrall, Jr. Arts Endowment.
91吃瓜网淢y journey with the Rasch猫r Quartet is tied to a LOT of practice, and the relationships I built over time,91吃瓜网� Webster noted. 91吃瓜网淚n 2019, I attended a summer workshop that the quartet gave at 91吃瓜网 where Andreas, the tenor saxophone player, suggested some of us visit Tilburg in the Netherlands, where he teaches.91吃瓜网�
Webster did just that, performing with the Rasch猫r Orchestra in Freiburg and continuing his master91吃瓜网 there from 2022-24. During those two years, he attended workshops, concerts and took lessons with members of the quartet. When their alto player Elliot Riley decided to step down from the Rasch猫r Quartet, his focus on growing as a musician, sustained efforts and musical excellence positioned him as an ideal candidate.
Webster came to 91吃瓜网 through many different connections. His first private lesson teacher was 91吃瓜网 alumnus Dr. David Wright, a former student of USM Professor Emeritus Dr. Lawrence Gwozdz91吃瓜网揳 lifelong student of Sigurd Rasch猫r.
91吃瓜网淢y experience as his student was instrumental in my decision to attend the university,91吃瓜网� Webster continued. 91吃瓜网淚t also helped that I knew 91吃瓜网 had an amazing music program and it was close to home! I was so certain about 91吃瓜网 that it was the only school I applied to, and fortunately, the academic and band scholarships I received further validated my decision.91吃瓜网�
He recalls fondly the camaraderie within The Pride of Mississippi noting his most meaningful experiences were with the saxophone studio.
91吃瓜网淲e formed an incredibly close-knit group, and they are still some of my best friends even today,91吃瓜网� said Webster.
His path to success at such a young age is a model for many of his colleagues. He recommended aspiring performers prioritize networking and relationship building, really connect with people, and build genuine friendships. He also added that being reliable and someone people enjoy working with are often as critical to success as musical talent.
91吃瓜网淵our time in college is an incredible opportunity to meet amazing musicians and mentors who can become lifelong friends and colleagues,91吃瓜网� he noted. 91吃瓜网淎lways perform at your absolute best, recognizing that every performance, lesson or rehearsal could be a potential gateway to future opportunities. You want to aim to always be the first person someone thinks of when they need your instrument.91吃瓜网�
Webster is truly excited about traveling the world and pursuing his passion professionally.
91吃瓜网淚t91吃瓜网 incredibly fulfilling to perform, teach and share the beautiful sounds of the saxophone with others around the world,91吃瓜网� he said. 91吃瓜网淢oreover, I'm committed to continuing the legacy of the world's oldest saxophone quartet. I look forward to honoring the teachings of my mentors91吃瓜网揇r. Gwozdz, Dr. Espinoza, Dr. Van Zoelen and Sigurd Rasch猫r91吃瓜网揳nd passing their wisdom to future generations.91吃瓜网�
The Connoisseurs Series is made possible by the annual support of the Mr. and Mrs. James Simrall, Jr. Arts Endowment. The Connoisseurs Series is a premiere event series representing each applied area (Brass, Jazz, Piano, Voice and Woodwinds) with annual guest artist performances. These renowned performers augment the training our students regularly receive by the world-class faculty housed within the School of Music and add to the rich musical offerings presented annually to the Hattiesburg and regional community.