Described by Eugene Rousseau as, “a talented saxophonist,” Jason T. Laczkoski is an experienced educator, saxophonist, and conductor. He has presented numerous solo and chamber recitals throughout the United States as well as solo appearances with collegiate, high school, and community orchestras and bands. Jason is a sought-after clinician and educator. In addition to masterclasses at universities and colleges, Jason frequently presents clinics for both high school and middle school bands and maintains a busy festival adjudicator schedule each year. He is active within the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and has presented at numerous all state music educator conferences. Jason studied saxophone with Dr. Joseph Murphy at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania. While completing a bachelor’s degree in music with a minor in education, Jason won both the annual Mansfield University concerto competition and the Pennsylvania MTNA young artist competition. Upon completion of his undergraduate studies, Jason earned a master’s degree in saxophone performance from the University of Iowa where he studied with world renowned saxophonist Dr. Kenneth Tse. Jason was awarded the saxophone teaching assistantship during this time and also went on to win the Iowa MTNA young artist competition. Jason remained at the University of Iowa for his doctoral studies. In addition to his saxophone studies at Iowa, Jason completed a secondary area in conducting, studying with Myron Welch and Richard Mark Heidel. In January 2011 Jason was the winner of a national competition in which he won a grant to record his debut CD, Come Down Heavy! This recording was released on the Emeritus Recordings label and is available directly from the artist, iTunes, and Amazon. The peer reviewed Saxophone Journal described Jason’s performance on this CD as having, “a supple technique, rich sound, and ample musicianship, exhibits an impressive command of his instrument…one wants to hear him again.” An advocate of new music, Jason is constantly seeking out composers who write both intellectual and beautiful music. He has commissioned music by such composers as Ian Stewart, Sy Brandon, David DeBoor Canfield, Baljinder Sekhon, John Griffin, and Josh Gottry. Beyond saxophone, Jason has studied Body Mapping and Alexander Technique with Kay S. Hooper. He frequently incorporates these concepts into his teaching and clinics. Currently, Jason is the director of bands and an assistant professor of music at Dakota Wesleyan University. In addition to directing the bands, Jason teaches applied lessons, music education courses, directs the LyricWood Orchestra, and teaches the music history sequence. Jason is a Yamaha Performing Artist and performs exclusively on Yamaha saxophones. Jason is an E. Rousseau Mouthpiece Artist and performs exclusively on E. Rousseau mouthpieces.
