About the Artist Jon Noffsinger maintains an active performing schedule as a concert saxophonist and in diverse jazz and commercial idioms. Exploring and promoting these rich and diverse musical opportunities is central to his creative, teaching, and service activities. Numerous works have been written for Mr. Noffsinger and his students—often receiving their premieres at national and international conferences. Some of his recorded performances may be found in his collaborations with Demondrae Thurman (Snapshots, 2013), The Birmingham Seven (Just Passing Through: The Birmingham Seven, 2022, Summit 799; Yeah, About That, 2016; Second Set, 2014; and The Birmingham Seven, 2012), and as one of the Tuscaloosa Horns, on the Temptations’ 2001 Motown release of “A Love I Can See” on the Awesome CD (440016 330-2). Jon Noffsinger is proud to be a contributing member of the Alabama Jazz Collective, comprised of jazz educators from throughout the state of Alabama at leading universities, colleges, and high schools. Additionally, he has appeared as featured soloist with the Tuscaloosa and Huntsville Symphony Orchestras in Alabama and with the Anderson Symphony Orchestra in South Carolina and has had multiple collaborations with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and the orchestras of Mobile, Meridian, and the Alabama Gulf Coast. His achievements have been honored by the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, the Arts & Humanities Council of Tuscaloosa County, Concert Artists Guild, the Fischoff Chamber Music Competition, and the Conservatoire National de Region—Bordeaux. Mr. Noffsinger’s principal teachers have included James Forger, Griffin Campbell, Jean-Marie Londeix, and Gerald Welker. Jon Noffsinger has served on The University of Alabama music faculty since 1993. Internationally sought after as a professional pianist, JUN OKADA enjoys an active career as a soloist, in duo ensembles, and as a chamber music specialist. A native of Hiroshima, Japan, she began her music studies at YAMAHA Music School and received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Michigan State University under the tutelage of Deborah Moriarty. Ms. Okada has previously served as a faculty member of Hope College in Holland, Michigan.