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Saxophone
BFA 210, 931-372-3775
pbarham@tntech.edu

Michigan native Phil Barham’s phenomenal playing has literally taken him around the globe. ‘An American master saxophonist…’ declared a London critic after Phil Barham’s debut there in 1990. That recital in the Purcell Room, London, was part of his first European tour of debut recitals that also took him to Oslo, Norway, where he played in the Universitetets Aula, and to Geneva, Switzerland, with two recitals, one at the Musee International de la Croix-Rouge and the other in the Palais de I’Athenee. Audiences and critics agreed with the opinion already offered by the New York Times: ‘…ability to swing at a dancing rhythm or to blister through a swift rippling melody…’ published after his New York debut at Carnegie Recital Hall in 1987.

Mr. Barham has received critical acclaim across the country. At a recent concert in the Midwest, one critic was moved to write:‘…world-class saxophonist…technical virtuosity…a dazzling performance that brought the audience to its feet in a standing ovation.’

On March 2, 1991, Mr. Barham completed his 1990-1991 season with a solo recital at Merkin Concert Hall, New York City. Mr. Barham presented his Tokyo debut under the auspices of “Music 2000” on October 30, 1993. This concert was held in Sogetsu Hall and featured music by American composers. On September 28, 1994, Mr. Barham performed for the Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert Series held at the Chicago Public Library Cultural Center. Recently, he was awarded a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to record the works for U.S. contemporary composer Rodney Waschka II. Mr. Barham has performed at the University of North Texas, Denton as guest artist.

Phil Barham received the Bachelor of Music degree in woodwinds (1982) from the University of North Texas and the Master of Music degree in wind instruments/saxophone (1983) from the University of Michigan. A former saxophone instructor at California State University, Northridge, Mr. Barham was also a clinician under the Yamaha Musical Instruments Performing Artist program. Mr. Barham is presently a clinician for the Selmer Company and Assistant Professor of Saxophone at Tennessee Technological University. He has also been the Saxophone Instructor for Western Michigan University’s Summer Seminar. In 1989, he received the honor of being among the ‘Outstanding Young Men of America.’ In constant demand as a clinician and performer, Mr. Barham has appeared regularly with the Southwest Michigan Symphony, the South Bend Symphony and the Kalamazoo Symphony. Mr. Barham has also appeared on Public Television’s WNIT “Open Studio”. His recent appearances include solo performances with the Bryan Symphony Orchestra and the Holland, MI Symphony Orchestra. This year he will premiere three new works under the auspices of Worldwide Concurrent Premieres Commissioning Fund.

'...A most impressive London debut...brilliant young American saxophonist...'-Winds, UK

'Superb'-Le Nouvel Humaniste, Geneva

'...bewitching range of tone and flawless passage-work...lulled the senses...engaging rubati...'-Musical Opinion, London

'...Playing both alto and soprano saxophones, Mr. Barham illustrated the artist's sure, facile technique and his suave way with slow, gentle melodies...dashing fleetly through Pascal's Sonatine and the final section of Creston's Sonata and making his instrument sing sweetly during the Elegy from Poulenc's Sonata and during Debussy's familiar "La fille aux cheveux de lin".'
-The New York Times