On April 10 at 8 p.m., Scott Meier, Ph.D., will present a saxophone recital in the Walker Recital Hall. This concert is free and open to the public.
Meier is an associate professor of Music at Mercyhurst, and he teaches saxophone lessons, Music Education classes and Music Technology classes and directs the Wind and Jazz Ensembles.
His upcoming recital, however, does not feature either of those ensembles, though it will feature some guests he has chosen to perform with him.
Meier is trained in classical as well as jazz saxophone.
He has been playing saxophone since he was 10 years old.
According to Meier, his biggest influence during his study of classical saxophone came from his first college professor, Eddie Smith. He spent six years studying under Smith at the University of Wyoming.
After this time, Smith moved to Redlands, California, to teach, while Meier taught at a high school for seven years and went to Redlands to help with summer camps.
It was during his time helping at the summer camps that Smith convinced Meier that it was time to go back to school and get his master’s degree. Meier went to the University of Redlands in California so he could continue studying with Smith.
He did his doctoral work at Florida State University.
When discussing his jazz influences, Meier listed musicians Michael Brecker, Phil Woods, Cannonball Adderley and David Sanborn.
When asked about what made him want to play the instrument in the first place, Meier said he was enticed to do it by his best friend in sixth grade.
This friend asked if he would be joining the school band, and he said he was unsure.
His friend then played him a recording of Richie Cole and Boots Randolph.
“In the solo section, Richie Cole makes this sound that sounds like a chicken, and I was captivated by the fact that this saxophone could make a sound like a chicken,” Meier said.
Hearing this is what made him decide to join the band.
This faculty recital is not just for people who are interested in saxophone.
Even if you do not think you would be interested, this is an opportunity to try something new that you might enjoy.
If you miss this show, you can also see Meier perform with the Presque Isle Saxophone quartet, as well as many other miscellaneous projects throughout the year.
You can also watch him direct the Mercyhurst Wind and Jazz Ensembles on campus.