Matthew Tracy, Saxophone

Saxophonist Matthew Tracy is a dynamic performer and teacher, who has received acclaim for his innovative interpretations and pedagogy. He was awarded the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Saxophone Performance from Michigan State University, serving as a teaching assistant to Joseph Lulloff. Additionally, he has appeared as a guest artist and clinician in high schools and universities across the United States. An accomplished chamber musician, Tracy has won awards in the Fischoff, Plowman, Coleman, MTNA and North American Saxophone Alliance chamber music competitions. He performed as a concerto soloist with the University of Arkansas at the 2019 North American Saxophone Alliance Region IV Conference, and with the Michigan State University Symphony Orchestra.

An advocate for new music, Tracy has premiered new pieces for saxophone by composers such as Chi-Sun Lee, Reynold Simpson, Phillip Sink, Justin Rito, Curtis Smith, and Andy Francis. In addition to his DMA and Masters degree from MSU, Tracy holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Central Michigan University studying with esteemed pedagogue John Nichol.

Tracy serves as Assistant Professor of Saxophone at Missouri State University, where he leads a thriving saxophone studio, and teaches courses in chamber music, and saxophone pedagogy. Tracy previously served on the faculties of Southwestern Oklahoma State University, and Alma College.

Perry Mears, Piano

Pianist Dr. Perry Mears performs regularly across the country as a vocal accompanist, piano soloist, and chamber musician. Noted for his ability to play “with clarity and ease” (New York Concert Reviews), Mears' performances have included a program of music by living American women at Carnegie Hall, numerous college and university appearances, and collaborations with the Iowa Composers Forum, Luna Nova Music, Vocal Ensemble QC, and members of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. Mears has a particular passion for music of living composers, having premiered works of Armando Bayolo, Susan LaBarr, Robert Patterson, Evan Erickson, Dan Lazarescou, Jonah Elrod, Lisa Neher, and Emily Joy Sullivan. In demand as a teacher, clinician, and adjudicator, Mears is proud to work as an assistant professor of collaborative piano at Missouri State University.