APSU saxophone ensemble selected to perform at national conference
By: Dr. Korre Foster March 2, 2026
Austin Peay State University’s saxophone ensemble outside the George and Sharon Mabry Concert Hall. | Contributed photo
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - The Austin Peay State University Department of Music has announced that the APSU saxophone ensemble was accepted to perform at this year’s North American Saxophone Alliance conference, which will be held at The Ohio State University from March 12-15.
“The saxophone ensemble will showcase all of their hard work and progress the saxophone studio has made over the years,” said Dr. Lucas Hopkins, adjunct professor of saxophone. “Not only will our students be able to perform for other students and educators from across the country and bring visibility to our program here at APSU, but it will also be a very valuable experience for our students as attendees at the conference.”
With support from the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts, the larger ensemble will perform at the conference, and the saxophone quartet (Spark Quartet) was also selected through a recorded audition process to compete in the semifinal round for the saxophone quartet competition.
In addition to the performances, Hopkins said students will gain lasting benefits from the conference experience.
“[Our students] will be able to interact with other saxophonists, hear new music, and attend lectures on various topics,” he said. “After attending these types of conferences, students typically come away with an increased passion for all things related to the saxophone, which leads to an enhanced educational experience.”
About the Department of Music
The Austin Peay Department of Music hosts more than 100 performances each semester. Events take place in the 600-seat George & Sharon Mabry Concert Hall, the Recital Hall in MMC 147, the Heydel Hall in the Art + Design Building, and other venues across campus and in the local community. Performances feature APSU student and faculty soloists, chamber, and large ensembles. Performances also feature guest artists sponsored by the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts.
About the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts
Since 1985, the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts (CECA, or "seek-ah") has been providing students, the Clarksville community, and the Middle Tennessee region with engaging experiences through the Art + Design, Creative Writing, Music, and Theatre & Dance programs at APSU. CECA brings as many as 85 guest artists to Clarksville each year and presents up to 100 public arts and culture events annually, including concerts, exhibitions, artist lectures, master classes, artist residencies, and more. In addition, CECA provides the arts faculty at APSU with research opportunities to enhance their professional growth as well as numerous student scholarships each year to support APSU's own emerging artists. To learn more about CECA, contact Dr. Andrea Spofford at spofforda@apsu.edu.