Current UNT saxophonists Gus Arnold (BM'19) and Ian Weidmann have come in first and second place respectively in the 2021 Region IV Jazz Saxophone competition of the North American Saxophone Alliance.

Gus Arnold and Ian Weidmann both also hold the lead alto saxophone chairs in the One and Two O'Clock Lab Bands respectively, as well.

Congrats!

Image: Gus Arnold and Ian Weidmann in performance

Image: John Sturino modeling a Yamaha tom drum.

From Yamaha–

BUENA PARK, Calif. (January 12, 2021) — Yamaha Drums today announced the signing of New York-based drummer, arranger, composer and educator John Sturino (BM'16, MM'19) to the roster of Yamaha Artists.
"John's versatility as a drummer makes him the perfect addition to the family of Yamaha drum artists," said Greg Crane, manager of Artist Relations, drums, Yamaha Corporation of America. "We look forward to supporting his skills as a composer and arranger, as well as his efforts as an educator and his premier musicianship on the stage."

Sturino is a dynamic and versatile performer on multiple instruments, having performed the music of Frank Zappa with Zappa alumnus Arthur Barrow and touring internationally with the One O'Clock Lab Band.

As a committed supporter of music education, Sturino maintains a regular schedule as an educator as faculty of the Stanford Jazz Worship and most recently, as a fellow at the University of North Texas. Sturino also co-founded the Kenosha Jazz All-Stars—an annual summer youth program that brings jazz education and performance experience to middle and high school students—and currently teaches virtual private lessons from his studio in Brooklyn.

In addition to teaching, Sturino is a budding jazz composer and arranger for notable professional and student-level jazz ensembles. This year, Sturino was awarded a Commission Grant for a new large ensemble work from the International Society of Jazz Arrangers and Composers, debuting at the organization's 2022 symposium.