NSU Jazz Studies student named OK Collegiate Jazz Musician of the Year
Published: 2014-10-21
(Tahlequah, Okla.) At this years annual Oklahoma Jazz Educators (OK) meeting, Northeastern State University senior Joe Barger was named Collegiate Jazz Musician of the Year.
OKJE is an organization composed of 53 high school and collegiate jazz educators in Oklahoma. Each year three to four students are nominated for the prestigious honor, with members casting a vote for the overall honoree.
Barger, who has been playing the saxophone since eighth grade, was inspired in high school to pursue jazz by his then-director Euell Hanna. Barger said Hanna continually pushed him to make himself better and nurtured his love for jazz music.
My pursuit in jazz is fueled by my love for music and fellowship, Barger said. Music makes me happy, and I have always wanted to make other people happy and inspired by my music.
In the past six years, Barger is the second NSU student to receive this award. In 2009, music education major, Kristen Layne, who played trumpet in the NSU Jazz Ensemble for several years, was named Collegiate Jazz Musician of the Year.
Joe is a fantastic saxophonist, and in addition to his work with NSU Jazz groups, he is also very active professionally in Tulsa, Tommy Poole, director of Jazz Studies and assistant professor of Music said. This recognition is well deserved, and its good feedback for him. It lets Joe know that people are hearing him and appreciating his talent.
Upon completion of his degree, Barger plans to pursue graduate studies in hopes of gaining a position as a professor of Jazz Studies.
This award fills me with pride and motivation. So many people have helped me to achieve this award and I hope that one day I will help support a student's dreams like the support I had, Barger said.
Barger will be performing on Nov. 2 at 5 p.m. at the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, 111 E. First Street, in Tulsa with the NSU Jazz Ensemble and guest Dave Pietro. The same concert will also be performed at the NSU Center for Performing Arts on Nov. 3 at 7 p.m.