Paul Nolen – saxophone

Saxophonist Paul Nolen has played to audiences throughout North America as a soloist, chamber musician, and jazz artist. His performances have taken him from New York's Merkin Recital Hall to Salt Lake City's Salt Palace, working with such groups as the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, Rasa Saxophone Quartet, Folias Tango Ensemble, and GLS Jazz Orchestra. Other performances include guest appearances at the nationally-recognized Brevard Music Festival, and the World Saxophone Congress XIII. Paul received 1st prize in the 2003 MTNA National Chamber Music Competition and was a semi-finalist in the 2004 Concert Artist Guild International Competition in New York.

As an educator, Paul serves as the saxophone professor at Illinois State University where he teaches applied saxophone, chamber music, and jazz improvisation. He is also sought after throughout the country as a guest clinician, presenting saxophone masterclasses at the collegiate and secondary levels. In addition, he has served on the faculties of the University of Windsor-Ontario (CAN), and the University of Central Arkansas. Paul holds the D.M.A. and M.M. degrees from Michigan State University, and his B.M. from the University of Missouri at Kansas City. His former teachers include virtuoso concert soloist Joseph Lulloff, Tim Timmons, and international jazz artists Gary Foster and Ron Blake.