CASE
PLAY FUN SAXOPHONE ENSEMBLE MUSIC
CONNECT WITH SAXOPHONISTS FROM OTHER SCHOOLS
LEARN FROM WTAMU MUSIC FACULTY AND STUDENTS
The Canyon-Amarillo Saxophone Ensemble is a unique opportunity to step beyond the high school band and join a community of saxophonists who are just as passionate about music as you are. As a CASE member, you’ll perform in a dynamic saxophone ensemble, learn new techniques, and meet music majors from the WTAMU Saxophone Studio. Build your skills, connect with other talented saxophonists, and have a blast doing it!
WHY CHOOSE CASE?
Top-Notch Instruction: Work alongside saxophone majors and under the direction of Dr. James Barger, Associate Professor of Saxophone at WTAMU.
Musical Growth: Immerse yourself in a community of like-minded musicians, where you'll develop your skills and further your passion for the saxophone.
Friendships for a Lifetime: Build lasting friendships with fellow saxophonists and create beautiful music together.
Performance Opportunities: Showcase your talents in exciting concerts and events throughout the year.
Spring 2025 Calendar
Rehearsal Schedule
February 23 - Rehearsal #1
March 2 - Rehearsal #2
March 9 - NO REHEARSAL (Spring Break)
March 16 - Rehearsal #3
March 23 - Rehearsal #4
March 30 - Rehearsal #5
April 6 - Rehearsal #6 / Concert at 5:00
Rehearsals will take place on the campus of WTAMU in the band hall (room 1010) in Mary Moody Northen Hall.
Weekly Rehearsal Schedule
3:00 - 3:15: Ensemble warmup led by Dr. Barger
3:15 - 4:00: Split into sectionals led by WT Saxophone Students
4:00 - 5:00: Full ensemble rehearsal with Dr. Barger
Performance Dates
CASE Spring Concert
Sunday, April 6
5:00 pm
Mary Moody Northen Recital Hall
When joining the ensemble, students are asked to maintain consistent attendance at all rehearsals. In the event of a rare school or family conflict, we kindly request that you communicate with Dr. Barger in advance.
TUITION RATES
Our goal is simple: we want to make it accessible for all budding saxophonists to join our musical family! Tuition fees include a t-shirt and sticker for new students and help offset the cost of purchasing new music for the ensemble.
Annual Tuition Pricing That Hits All the Right Notes:
Returning Students: $50
New Students: $75
MEET THE DIRECTOR
James Barger is the saxophone professor at West Texas A&M University where he teaches courses in applied saxophone and jazz improvisation, directs the university's Jazz Ensemble II, oversees the Athletic Pep Band, and directs the WTAMU Saxophone Ensemble. Comfortable both on the concert stage as well as in a jazz setting, Dr. Barger is in demand as a clinician, soloist, and chamber musician with Mirasol Quartet, Mirasol Duo, and Triptych Trio.
Dr. Barger performs frequently with jazz groups in the Amarillo area and as a woodwind doubler with the Amarillo Little Theatre. When he is not performing music, he enjoys running and early mornings at the CrossFit gym, relaxing outdoors, reading a good book, drinking way too much coffee, and spending time with his wife Brianne and their dog Nala.
Dr. Barger is a proud performing artist for Conn-Selmer Saxophones and D’Addario Woodwinds and performs on their products exclusively.
MEET THE DIRECTOR
Aaron Erickson is currently serving as the Saxophone/Jazz Graduate Assistant and Pep Band Director at West Texas A&M University, where he is in his first year of his master's degree in saxophone performance. Having gone to WT for his undergrad degree, Aaron performed in many ensembles including the Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, WT Sax Choir, sax quartets, a Symphony Orchestra small ensemble, and was a former Sound of West Texas Drum Major.
Aaron is from Georgetown, Texas, and previously earned his bachelor's degree in Music Education EC-12. When he is not performing music, he enjoys watching movies, listening to music, and rooting for his favorite hockey teams - the Colorado Avalanche and the Detroit Red Wings. Aaron is incredibly excited for the opportunity to be a part of CASE this year and can't wait to get started!
WTAMU Saxophone Ensemble
Members of the WTAMU Saxophone Ensemble perform alongside students in CASE and serve as sectional teachers during rehearsals.
The WTAMU Saxophone Ensemble consists of undergraduate and graduate students at West Texas A&M University both within the School of Music as well as those studying other disciplines.
The ensemble enjoys exploring and performing standards of the genre as well as collaborating with resident composers and arrangers. Recent highlights include performances at the Texas Music Educators Association Conference, the 2020 North American Saxophone Alliance Conference in Tempe, Arizona, the 2021 and 2023 NASA Region 4 Conferences, and the 2024 NASA Bienniel Conference in Stillwater, Oklahoma.