Dive deep into the world of saxophone tone and design with experts from Theo Wanne, one of the industry's premier makers of world-class mouthpieces and saxophones. This interactive clinic offers a fantastic opportunity to learn how different premium gear and designs can unlock your unique sound. Whether you're looking to elevate your current performance or just curious about the gear, it's the perfect way to kick off Saxophone Day.

Pete Whitman is a saxophonist, flutist, clarinetist, composer, arranger and educator based in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. As a freelance musician, Whitman performs in a wide range of musical styles and contexts that include Jazz, Classical, Pop, dance bands, etc. He has performed with such distinguished groups as the Minnesota Orchestra, Jack McDuff, Curtis Fuller, the Woody Herman Orchestra, the JazzMN Big Band,Bruce Henry, Kavyesh Kaviraj-Fables, Mississippi and Abinnet Berhanu’s Ahndenet. 

Whitman has recorded extensively as a sideman and has three CD’s under his name: Departure Point (Igmod Records), The Sound of Water (Artegra), and Where’s When (Artegra). Where’s When features the Pete Whitman X-tet, a ten-piece ensemble, which received a four-star rating by DownBeat Magazine (Feb.04). Two of his most recent recording projects include Mississippi (Shifting Paradigm Records) and Changes We Can Believe In by the Pete Whitman/Chris Olson Quintet (Bandcamp).

Don't miss this stellar afternoon performance featuring renowned Twin Cities jazz saxophonist, composer, and educator Pete Whitman alongside his acclaimed jazz-fusion group, Mississippi. Experience a captivating hour of top-tier local artistry that showcases the versatility, rich textures, and expressive power of the saxophone in a live ensemble setting. It's bound to be a true highlight of the day for any music lover!

• Theo Wanne
• JJ Babbitt
• Legere

The Twin Cities Saxophone Quartet was founded in 2025 by Dr. Preston Duncan, Professor of Saxophone at the University of Minnesota.  Duncan plays soprano, and is joined by Justin Sales on alto, Russell Sweet on tenor, and Sean Miller on baritone.  The group programs a wide variety of music, including some of the earliest works written for the instrument, to cutting-edge contemporary pieces, as well as world premieres.  Their 2026 schedule includes local performances in the Twin Cities and a future performance in Mexico.  Beyond performing, the group is passionate about music education and endeavors to share their love of music with the next generation of saxophone players.

Wrap up Saxophone Day by celebrating the incredible talent of the next generation of players with a dynamic performance from the Twin Cities Saxophone Camp. This energetic showcase spotlights the hard work, collaboration, and passion of local student musicians as they take the stage. It's the perfect, inspiring finale to a full day dedicated to the saxophone community!