Biographies
With an appetite for experimentation, educator and saxophonist Chris Murphy uses music to tell captivating stories and share fresh perspectives. As a nationally renowned chamber musician, Chris has traveled from Indiana and the Fischoff semi-finals (Ultraviolet Quartet, 2017) to an Artist Residency at Vermont's New Music on the Point (Altered Sound Duo, 2018). A believer in lifelong education, Chris has supported academic degrees from the University of South Carolina and Bowling Green State University with comprehensive study under Marie-Bernadette Charrier, Arno Bornkamp, Fred Hemke, Allison Balcetis, and Vincent David. Through collaborations, premieres, and commissions from composers Erin Rogers, David Vayo, and others, Chris cultivates an inclusive, energetic, and unique environment for learners and listeners alike.
Nick Fox is an active percussionist and teacher, currently pursuing a DMA in contemporary music at Bowling Green State University. Fox received a Master’s degree in percussion performance from Northern Illinois University and a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He has studied with Dr. Daniel Piccolo, Dr. Gregory Beyer, Tobie Wilkinson, Dr. Patti Cudd, and Michael Mixtacki. In addition to teaching and solo performance commitments, Fox is a founding member of the percussion quartet Landlocked Percussion, this group focuses on prominent contemporary chamber works. In 2014, Trevor Saint and Fox formed the percussion duo Undue. This project has lead to the commission of three new works and a Midwest tour including performances/masterclasses at seven universities. The following year, Fox organized his solo tour debut including six universities and several arts clubs. Fox has had the opportunity to perform with many influential artists, such as Jan Williams, Greg Beyer, Stuart Gerber, Tim Munroe, Shara Nova, Dal Niente, Erik Griswold, and members of the JACK Quartet. Fox has been awarded grant funding to assist with the commissioning of new works, transportation to music conferences, and summer music festivals such as New Music On the Point in Vermont. As a committed new music activist, Fox has expanded the percussion repertoire through commissions/collaborations with composers Matthew Burtner, James Romig, Jeff Herriott, and Christopher Burns, just to name a few.
