Dr. Brian Hanegan is an internationally touring saxophonist, composer, and bandleader from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. As Associate Professor and Director of Jazz Studies at the Augustana University School of Music, he leads the acclaimed Northlanders Jazz Ensemble and Blues & Gold Jazz Combo; teaches applied saxophone, jazz improvisation, and the history of jazz, blues, and rock; and serves as director of the Jazz on the Upper Great Plains Festival. In 2024, Hanegan was honored with the Frederick C. Kohlmeyer Distinguished Teaching Professorship Award, one of Augustana’s highest recognitions for teaching excellence.
Hanegan’s performance career began in the Valleyfair Amusement Park Revue (2006–08) before he joined Carnival Cruise Lines as a multi-woodwind artist, performing internationally and later serving as Musical Director aboard the Carnival Elation. Since then, he has appeared with an impressive roster of artists including The Temptations, Jeff Coffin, Rex Richardson, Matthew Whitaker, Bob Mintzer, Scotty Barnhart, Byron Stripling, Mike Tomaro, John Raymond, Allen Vizzutti, Adam Larson, Adam Meckler, and the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, as well as the South Dakota and Sioux City Symphony Orchestras. He has also opened for Cheap Trick, Sister Hazel, The Wallflowers, Heart, The Beach Boys, Jon Pardi, and Mitchell Tenpenny.
A dynamic and in-demand performer, Hanegan is active throughout the Midwest with groups including the 12-time Sioux Falls “#1 Local Best” band Goodroad, the Brian Hanegan Quintet, and the Jazzed Up Big Band, in addition to numerous freelance appearances with jazz and commercial ensembles. In January 2023, he led and performed with the Northlanders Jazz Band on a 15-day international tour of Spain, presenting concerts and clinics at jazz clubs, conservatories, and performing arts schools across nine cities. As a recording artist, Hanegan released his debut album Constellation in 2021, followed by the single You & Me in 2023. His second full-length album is currently in production and slated for release in 2026. His saxophone and EWI performances are also featured on multiple collaborative projects with artists across genres.
Hanegan is proud to be a Yamaha and Theo Wanne Mouthpieces Performing Artist, and he holds degrees from North Dakota State University, the University of South Dakota, and Northern State University.