Nathan Bogert is Assistant Professor of Music Performance (Saxophone) at Ball State University. As a standout saxophonist of his generation, Nathan is in demand as a performer and clinician. His performances have taken him to venues on five continents as both a soloist and member of various ensembles. His debut solo recording with pianist Alan Huckleberry « A Mon Père » was reviewed by Fanfare magazine as « playing of the highest order from both saxophonist and pianist. » Bogert has been described as « unbelievably stunning » by Sequenza 21 of the Contemporary Classical Music Community, Nathan’s musical endeavors as both a classical and jazz saxophonist have distinguished him as one of the more unique saxophonists of the younger generation.
As as soloist, he has appeared with many orchestras and bands including the top concert ensembles at both Ball State University and the University of Iowa. Nathan’s commitment to commissioning new compositions has enabled him to premiere compositions by composers Aaron Perrine, Jody Nagel, Benjamin Fuhrman, and Israel Neumann among others.
In 2007, Bogert was selected as the first ever overall winner of the Yamaha Young Performing Artists competition. In 2012 Bogert won first prizes in both the 2012 North American Saxophone Alliance classical solo competition and the 2012 Music Teachers National Association young artist competition held in New York City. In 2010, he was awarded 2nd prize in the North American Saxophone Alliance quartet competition as the baritone saxophonist of the Axius Saxophone Quartet as well as 2nd prize in the classical solo competition. As a member of Axius, he was also awarded 1st prize in the Music Teachers National Association national chamber music competition and a silver medal at the Fischoff Chamber Music Competition.
Bogert’s primary saxophone teachers are Eugene Rousseau, Kenneth Tse, George Wolfe and Ron Jones. In addition to his studies with these teachers, Bogert has worked with esteemed saxophonists such as Claude Delangle, Timothy McAllister, and Jean-Marie Londeix. His passion for jazz has led him to share the stage with jazz artists Wayne Bergeron, Ted Nash, Jimmy Greene, Marcus Printup, Andy Martin, Buddy DeFranco, Denis DiBlasio and with the Carmen Bradford Big Band. With his band Groove Theory, Nathan has garnered praise from legendary jazz critic Scott Yanow who describes him as a « passionate » saxophonist who « mixes together elements of John Coltrane and Grover Washington Jr. »
Nathan is a Yamaha Performing Artist and performs on Yamaha saxophones exclusively.