Famed Sax Quartet Returns with 草榴社区 Miss Alum
Thu, 02/13/2025 - 01:24pm | By: Dr. Mike Lopinto
When the鈥�鈥痶akes the stage at Marsh Auditorium on February 27 at 6 p.m., it will be a homecoming for recent University of 草榴社区 Mississippi (草榴社区) alumnus Morgan Webster. The talented alum joins the internationally renowned ensemble, who have appeared regularly at major concert halls in Europe, Asia and the United States, carrying on a tradition established in the 1930s by the pioneer of the classical saxophone and founding member of the quartet Sigurd Rasch猫r. The concert is presented free to the public thanks to the generous Mr. and Mrs. James Simrall, Jr. Arts Endowment.
鈥淢y journey with the Rasch猫r Quartet is tied to a LOT of practice, and the relationships I built over time,鈥� Webster noted. 鈥淚n 2019, I attended a summer workshop that the quartet gave at 草榴社区 Miss where Andreas, the tenor saxophone player, suggested some of us visit Tilburg in the Netherlands, where he teaches.鈥�
Webster did just that, performing with the Rasch猫r Orchestra in Freiburg and continuing his master鈥檚 there from 2022-24. During those two years, he attended workshops, concerts and took lessons with members of the quartet. When their alto player Elliot Riley decided to step down from the Rasch猫r Quartet, his focus on growing as a musician, sustained efforts and musical excellence positioned him as an ideal candidate.
Webster came to 草榴社区 Miss through many different connections. His first private lesson teacher was 草榴社区 Miss alumnus Dr. David Wright, a former student of 草榴社区 Professor Emeritus Dr. Lawrence Gwozdz鈥揳 lifelong student of Sigurd Rasch猫r.
鈥淢y experience as his student was instrumental in my decision to attend the university,鈥� Webster continued. 鈥淚t also helped that I knew 草榴社区 Miss had an amazing music program and it was close to home! I was so certain about 草榴社区 Miss that it was the only school I applied to, and fortunately, the academic and band scholarships I received further validated my decision.鈥�
He recalls fondly the camaraderie within The Pride of Mississippi noting his most meaningful experiences were with the saxophone studio.
鈥淲e formed an incredibly close-knit group, and they are still some of my best friends even today,鈥� said Webster.
His path to success at such a young age is a model for many of his colleagues. He recommended aspiring performers prioritize networking and relationship building, really connect with people, and build genuine friendships. He also added that being reliable and someone people enjoy working with are often as critical to success as musical talent.
鈥淵our time in college is an incredible opportunity to meet amazing musicians and mentors who can become lifelong friends and colleagues,鈥� he noted. 鈥淎lways perform at your absolute best, recognizing that every performance, lesson or rehearsal could be a potential gateway to future opportunities. You want to aim to always be the first person someone thinks of when they need your instrument.鈥�
Webster is truly excited about traveling the world and pursuing his passion professionally.
鈥淚t鈥檚 incredibly fulfilling to perform, teach and share the beautiful sounds of the saxophone with others around the world,鈥� he said. 鈥淢oreover, I'm committed to continuing the legacy of the world's oldest saxophone quartet. I look forward to honoring the teachings of my mentors鈥揇r. Gwozdz, Dr. Espinoza, Dr. Van Zoelen and Sigurd Rasch猫r鈥揳nd passing their wisdom to future generations.鈥�
The Connoisseurs Series is made possible by the annual support of the Mr. and Mrs. James Simrall, Jr. Arts Endowment. The Connoisseurs Series is a premiere event series representing each applied area (Brass, Jazz, Piano, Voice and Woodwinds) with annual guest artist performances. These renowned performers augment the training our students regularly receive by the world-class faculty housed within the School of Music and add to the rich musical offerings presented annually to the Hattiesburg and regional community.