CLARINET & SAXOPHONE                                          

Lessons in saxophone and clarinet include correct breath control and phrasing, as well as proper embouchure. Repertoire may be classical, jazz, or popular, as desired.

Students may also may learn jazz improvisation.  Improvisation is extemporaneous composition. The more advanced student can learn to play original music based on existing music or on a chord progression and/or melody.  Jazz is the most well known genre in which improvisation is employed.

Justin Polyblank

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Justin Polyblank hails from Scottdale, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education. While there, he performed Claude T. Smith’s Fantasia with the IUP Wind Ensemble and Butler County Symphony Orchestra, and Pierre Max Dubois’ Concerto for Alto Saxophone and String Orchestra with the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra. He continued his studies at Indiana University Bloomington where he graduated in 2012 from the Jacobs School of Music with a Master of Music in Jazz Studies and Saxophone Performance. While attending IUB, he performed in a variety of instrumental ensembles, including the David Baker Jazz Ensemble, Latin Jazz Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, New Music Ensemble, Philharmonic Orchestra, and several student jazz combos. Justin was a member of The Disneyland Resort 2010 All-American College Band and has performed in concert alongside artists such as Wayne Bergeron, Chris Botti, Randy Brecker, John Clayton, Peter Erskine, Michael Feinstein, Gregg Field, Bob Mintzer, and The New York Standards Quartet. During the 2011-12 academic year, he was an Associate Instructor of Saxophone for the studio of Dr. Otis Murphy. Along with teaching for the university, Justin maintained a small private studio outside of school, offering lessons to students of all ages. He also served as woodwind instructor & marching band technician for two award-winning high school programs—Northern York County High School in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania and George Rogers Clark High School in Winchester, Kentucky. Justin received Grand Prize & Gold Medal recognition at the 2012 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition as a member of the Barkada Quartet. In March of 2013, he moved to Alexandria, VA, joining the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” as a saxophonist in the ceremonial band. Outside of his career in music, Justin enjoys cooking, exercising, and literature…and he is an avid fan of Pittsburgh professional sport teams.

Watch videos of Justin performing on YouTube.