Equus saxophone quartet to compete at nationals

Equus, a saxophone quartet comprising four Western Washington University students, has advanced to the prestigious Music Teachers’ National Association Young Artist Chamber Music competition in Chicago.

The group, one of just seven wind ensembles to advance to nationals, will compete on Saturday, March 22.

"This is huge; this is one of the most elite competitions in the country," said alto saxophonist Matt Birmingham. "I think it shows that we can compete with the very best. Hopefully we can show that this coming weekend."

The group is taught by Affiliate Professor Fred Winkler. Members are Soren Hamm, soprano saxophone; Matt Birmingham, alto saxophone; David Hoogkamer, tenor saxophone; and David Decker, baritone saxophone.

"To see them grow from the beginning of the year to now, it's amazing to see what they can do," Winkler said. "Our expectation for Chicago is to go there, play our best and show the rest of the country what the Northwest has to offer."