C. A. S. E.
Central Arkansas Saxophone Ensemble
THE SAXOPHONE STUDIO AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS
(​Hover for Biographical Information)

Dereck Morrison, originally from Whitewater, Missouri, earned his Bachelors degree in saxophone performance from Southeast Missouri State University. As an undergraduate,  he won MMTA competitions in both soloist and chamber divisions. Now a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Central Arkansas, Dereck enjoys learning, performing, and teaching under the mentorship of Dr. Matt Taylor. 

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Go Here, Go Anywhere!

For the past 6 years, graduates from my studio have had 100% job placement. Many are outstanding music educators and performers in the United States and France; some have pursued work as skilled repair technicians or musical instrument vendors, and others have chosen careers outside of music. Sometimes, students decide to pursue graduate studies, and thanks to their hard work, they have been able to attend some of the most prestigious schools in the world, many with fellowships and graduate assistantships. Here are a few places my students have studied after working with me:

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Typical Lessons

A 50-MINUTE LESSON typically consists of four parts, depending on the individual needs and interests of each student. Half-hour lessons are also available for non-music majors.

Part One
Warm-ups and technical exercises, which may include overtones, long tones, scales (chromatic, major, and harmonic minor--diatonically, and in thirds and fourths), arpeggios (dominant sevenths, diminished sevenths, majors, and minors), altissimo work, and development of advanced techniques like double tonguing, slap tonguing, circular breathing, etc. Particularly important, students work with drones to develop precise intonation.

Part Two
Etudes: Voxman; Ferling; Londeix, Fishman; Niehaus, Cocker, many times in unison with the piano for intonation

Part Three
Repertoire: traditional saxophone standards, contemporary works, jazz improvisation; weekly coaching with assigned piano collaborator after midterm.

Part Four
Listening and discussion of important saxophonists and recordings

Performance Opportunities at UCA

STUDENTS AT UCA HAVE many opportunities to perform music, including the University's Bands, Orchestra, Jazz Ensembles, and chamber groups. UCA also hosts the Conway Symphony Orchestra, and saxophone students have often performed with this group when saxophone parts need to be covered. For music majors, students can expect to have at least one semester of experience on each member of the saxophone family by graduation.

Students perform an incredibly diverse array of chamber music over the course of the semester, including traditional music and transcriptions, music inspired by world music styles, contemporary "avant garde" music, jazz, ragtime, and rock. We prioritize diversity in what we perform, so that no matter the context, students will have the tools and exposure they need to perform with confidence.

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High School Students

Private Lessons
I maintain a small, select studio of private students at the high school level, by audition only. Lessons are available with a jazz or classical focus. Students or parents interested in auditioning for a spot can contact me here or through the UCA Community School of Music.

Solo & Ensemble Consultation
I occasionally coach ensembles for solo and ensemble competitions. If you have a group and are interested in setting this up, please contact me for specifics.

Summer Activities
During the summer, I teach on the faculty of Dixie Band Camp, which is hosted on the campus of UCA. I think it's a wonderful camp experience for students, and it is a highlight of my summer. There is a junior high session and a senior high session, and each boasts nearly 1,000 students. Past guest conductors have included Brian Balmages, Julie Giroux, Robert W. Smith, Richard Saucedo, Mark Camphouse, Jack Stamp, Mallory Thompson, and many others.