The Shepherd University Saxophone Quartet and Jeremy Koch, Shepherd saxophone professor, have been invited to play at the 35th International Saxophone Symposium on Jan, 20-21, 2012 at George Mason University Center for the Arts in Fairfax, Va. The quartet, comprised of Shepherd music majors Jordan English, Lucas Hogan, Courtney Bullock and Ross Semler, will perform Sat., Jan. 21 at 4:30 p.m. with a program to include a world premiere composition by Shepherd music major Kaziah White. Koch will perform a recital prior at 2:30 p.m.

Koch is an active saxophonist, chamber musician and teacher,who has been a member of the USAF Band since 1998 where he has been a featured concert soloist on national tours with artists such as Tony Bennett, Wynonna Judd and Kool and the Gang. As a freelance saxophonist, he performs with the United States Air Force Saxophone Quartet, Reed5, Fairfax Symphony Orchestra, Prince William Symphony Orchestra, Serapis Ensemble, D.C. Syndicate and Great Noise Ensemble. Koch has also premiered solo and saxophone quartet works at numerous conferences. He can be heard with AUR on America’s Millennium Tribute to Adolphe Sax, Volume III performing John Howell Morrison’s “Light Possessing Darkness.”

Koch formed a music duo, Six Impossible Things, commissioning and encouraging young composers by introducing these works to the general public. Committed to teaching, he regularly presents clinics and recitals throughout Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Koch maintains a private studio in Northern Virginia and teaches at Northern Virginia Community College.

For more information, call 304-876-5555 or visit www.shepherd.edu/musicweb.