Missouri State University’s Arktos Quartet advanced to the final round of competition at the North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) conference March 12-15 in Columbus, Ohio.
Arktos members are seniors Conlan Boatman and Lorelei Brem, sophomore Ryan Hunt and junior Preston Thorpe. All four students are Bachelor of Music or Bachelor of Music Education majors in the Department of Music.
By reaching the final rounds, the Arktos Quartet is now among the top student saxophone quartets in North America, said Assistant Professor of Music Matthew Tracy.
“Witnessing their musical and professional maturity has been a highlight of my year,” he said. “They are as exceptional in character as they are in talent.”
Arktos is the Greek word for bear, Tracy explained. The Ursa Major or “Great Bear” constellation is in the northern sky. The word arctic comes from Arktos.
The quartet will celebrate their accomplishments with a recital at 7:30 p.m. April 17 in Hamra Hall. The event is free and open to the public.
