Who We Are

 

Learn about the members of Washington Saxophone Quartet and the instruments we play

The Players

The individual members of the WSAXQ have toured in Europe and the United States as soloists with orchestras and military bands, as recitalists in concert halls, and as performers with leading jazz and show business personalities. WSAXQ records with Americus Records.  WSAXQ members, all with graduate degrees in music, are Reginald Jackson, Soprano; James Steele, Alto; Rich Kleinfeldt, Tenor; and Rick Parrell, Baritone.

Soprano Saxophone

Reginald Jackson

Reginald Jackson, former professor of saxophone at the University of Maryland and Howard University, has appeared as recitalist and soloist with orchestras, wind ensembles, and military bands throughout the United States and Europe.   Mr. Jackson received his Bachelors and Master’s degrees from The University of North Texas, and he won first prizes in both solo and chamber music competitions at the Royal Conservatory in Brussels.  He has performed over 200 concerts with the National Symphony Orchestra and Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra.  He toured the United States as a member of the Ambassadors of Jazz of the U.S. Army Field Band.

  • Saxophone: Selmer Series III Soprano
  • Mouthpiece: Vandoren “Profile”
  • Reeds: Légère Signature Reeds 3.25, Vandoren 3
  • Ligature: Silverstein

Alto Saxophone

James Steele

James Steele attended the University of Minnesota. Joining the Unites States Army Band in Washington, D.C. eventually led to playing in WSaxQ, an opportunity that has afforded a great musical education and a source of fascinating travel. He solos and lectures (World Saxophone Congress ’03) on the role saxophone can fill in the church worship setting. His new album, Saxophone in the Sanctuary, fulfilled a life-long dream to record with the famed Kurt Kaiser, who served as accompanist and composer. Mr. Steele holds a Master of Music and an M.B.A., which he uses to help people span their wealth to outlast their lifespan. Most of his seven children have endured his tutelage on some musical instrument.

  • Saxophone: Buffet “Senzo” Alto with matching copper neck
  • Mouthpiece: Selmer “Concept”
  • Reeds: Légère Signature
  • Ligature: Silverstein

Tenor Saxophone

Rich kleinfeldt

Rich Kleinfeldt is a broadcaster, professional musician, teacher, and lecturer. He is the host of the nationally syndicated radio program Center Stage from Wolf Trap, and he currently announces for Classical WETA-FM in Washington. Mr. Kleinfeldt is a former broadcaster to international audiences on the Voice of America and the Maestro Classical Music Channel of the WorldSpace Satellite Network. A graduate of Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois and Catholic University in Washington, D.C., Mr. Kleinfeldt performed until 1983 with The United States Army Band as saxophone soloist and master of ceremonies.

  • Saxophone: Selmer “Mk-VI” Tenor (1957)
  • Mouthpiece: Vandoren T-25
  • Reeds: Légère Signature 2.75-3.00
  • Ligature: Vandoren Optimum

Baritone Saxophone

Rick Parrell

Rick Parrell is currently a performer in jazz and classical music, and a teacher. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia and his Master of Music from North Texas State University in Denton. He is the recently retired saxophone soloist and enlisted leader with The United States Army Band and is adjunct professor of music at George Mason University. In addition to his performances with The Army Band and other area ensembles, Mr. Parrell has appeared with such notable jazz artists as Lee Konitz, Gary Foster, and Louie Bellson.

  • Saxophone: Buffet Series 400 Baritone
  • Mouthpiece: Selmer D
  • Reeds: Légère Signature 3.25
  • Ligature: Vandoren Optimum