Sylvia Baker -Saxophone
Masters of Music in Saxophone Performance, University of Idaho; Performance Credits from the Eastman School of Music, Rochester, NY; Bachelor of Music Education, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado.  Studies with Sigurd Rascher since 1955.

Principal Saxophonist with the Spokane Symphony from 1962-1991. Many years with the Spokane Civic Theater Orchestra and over 20 years as principal Saxophonist with the Spokane River Band, a professional wind ensemble. Jazz Saxophonist with various groups. Saxophone Recitalist; Whitworth University Instructor of Saxophone from 1969-until her retirement in 2009; Gonzaga University adjunct faculty on Saxophone and Clarinet. She has soloed with several college wind ensembles. Currently a double reed tester at Jones Double Reed Products, LLC.

Many, many of Sylvia’s clarinet and saxophone students have gone to state WMEA competitions and placed in the top three positions. She has also had several Young Artist winners in the Musicfest Northwest and other competitions. She has adjudicated throughout the Northwest.

Ed Gavras – Clarinet, Flute, Saxophone
Studies at Spokane Falls Community College, Prairie Bible College, and Centrum’s Bud Shank Jazz Workshop; studied in composition and arranging with Bob Curnow.  Winner of Outstanding Musicianship Award from International Association of Jazz Educators at Pacific Coast Collegiate Jazz Festival in 1992.  Teaching experience: Prairie  Bible College, Northwest Christian Middle School, and privately for 10 years.  Performances on Carnival and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, as well as in jazz and church related groups.  Part time music director at Garland Church.  Substitute Woodwinds Coach for New Horizons Orchestra.

Ross Walters-Saxophone/Commercial Music
A road and session musician formerly based in Nashville TN and San Jose, CA. He is a multi-instrumentalist playing saxophone, flute, harmonica, and keyboards. Ross studied jazz at DeAnza College in Cupertino, CA and also received instruction and praise at the 1985 Stanford Jazz Workshop from luminaries Dizzy Gillespie and James Moody. His instrumental skills have literally brought him around the world several times. As a sideman, he’s made countless appearances on television, stage, and studio. Ross has performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages including Madison Square Garden and Carnegie Hall. He has released four solo albums primarily as an instrumentalist but Ross also demonstrates considerable skills as a singer/songwriter. Ross is excited about the new “off the road” season in his life settling down in Spokane, WA. He has a passion for jazz and commercial music education.

“I have 3 decades of professional stage and studio performing experience that I can share with saxophone students of all ages and levels. My teaching style blends a solid work ethic with fun. I firmly believe that if young people enjoy playing music they should carry it with them into adulthood even if they don’t choose it as a career. Playing an instrument is fantastic recreation for adults! For this reason I also enjoying working with adult students.”

Sample audio can be heard online at reverbnation.com/rosswalters and video at youtube.com/rosstones1.

Notable Tours
2001 – 2011 Benny Hinn Ministries
1997 – 2004 Donna Summer
1999 – 2001 Carman, Heart of a Champion World Tour
2003 – 2006 Denver and the Mile High Orchestra

Notable Discography
1999 Donna Summer, Live and More Encore
1994 Boyz II Men, Thank You (Moog Flava Remix)
2010 Ross Walters, Sweet Hour of Prayer
2005 Ross Walters, After the Rain
2001 Ross Walters, Snow on Snow

Cello | Clarinet | Double Bass | Fiddle | Flute | Guitar | Outreach | Percussion | Piano | Saxophone | Trumpet | Viola | Violin |  Voice |