Three Rivers Saxophone Quartet

The Three Rivers Saxophone Quartet was formed in May 1973 to explore the wealth of literature written for saxophone quartet. The members were students at Duquesne University who had worked together in student quartets throughout their college experience. Who knew then that they would keep the sound of the saxophone quartet going strong more than forty five years later?

Through the years the quartet has expanded its repertoire to include music from the Renaissance through Ragtime and Classical through Jazz. The Quartet also has had many special arrangements and original compositions written for it. Their diversified programs have delighted audiences of all ages from school children to the college campus, in park concerts as well as recital halls in both the United States and Canada.

The Quartet is very active locally, performing at various festivals as well as school concerts and evening recitals in addition to being heard regularly on the local radio stations. Also they are very busy hosting some of the most recognizable talents in the saxophone world at their successful summer saxophone workshop each year at California University of Pennsylvania.  The Quartet has been a part of the Pittsburgh Concert Society, the Three Rivers Arts Festival, Bach, Beethoven and Brunch and the Pittsburgh Summer Arts in the Park. The quartet is equally at home on the concert stage or playing for a reception or party. In addition to their many local performances, the Quartet has performed at regional meetings of the World Saxophone Congress and has been invited to play at the World Saxophone Congress meetings in the U.S., Canada, England, France, Germany, and Japan.

The Three Rivers Saxophone Quartet also provides educational clinics and workshops. Clinic topics include: proper breathing habits, good embouchure formation, disciplined practice techniques, vibrato, the selection of reeds, mouthpieces and instruments, and instrument maintenance. The TRSQ will also discuss doubling on the other woodwind instruments and working as a woodwind musician.

The Quartet has released two CD’s. The first CD “Celebrating 25 Years”, explores the variety a saxophone quartet can present and the second CD entitled "MistleToons", brings to you a CD of popular and familiar Christmas songs in both the jazz and concert style.