Dr. Alexander Richards is an active pedagogue and performing artist, having appeared in concert in Canada, the United States and Europe. As a concert saxophonist, Alexander has been a featured soloist with ensembles at the University of Victoria Wind Symphony (2011), the University of Minnesota Wind Ensemble (2013), and at the University of North Texas. In addition, Alexander has presented recitals, in both solo and chamber music capacities, at many prestigious festivals and conferences, including the Darmstadt International Musikinstitut, the Texas Music Educators Association conference, and many North American Saxophone Association conferences.
As a both a performer and pedagogue, Alexander devotes himself to the creation and dissemination of contemporary music for saxophone. He has both commissioned and premiered many works for saxophone in all capacities, from a double concerto with flute and orchestra, to chamber music, electroacoustic music, and unaccompanied works. Currently, Alexander’s musical pursuit is the creation of new solo works for the sopranino saxophone, a commission of which was selected to appear on a forthcoming album from Naxos. As a pedagogue, Alexander’s core belief is the incorporation of contemporary music, technique and concepts into the canon. Having studied with many luminaries, including Dr. Eugene Rousseau, Dr. Eric Nestler and Wendell Clanton, Alexander holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Victoria, a Master of Music from the University of Minnesota, and a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of North Texas.
Students of Dr. Richards have achieved such accolades as winning the North American Saxophone Alliance Biennial High School Competition, the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition, the 92Y Concerto Competition, the Juanita Miller Concerto Competition, and the National YoungArts Foundation competition. In addition, students have been selected as finalists in the Coltman Chamber Music Competition, the Houston Underground Saxophone Competition, and the Fischoff National Chamber Music competition, as well as being selected as Texas All-State and All-Region instrumentalists.