Music building hosts Grammy-winning saxophonist

On Thursday, Feb. 17, Texas A&M University-Commerce was proud to host three-time Grammy Award winning saxophonist Jeff Coffin as he and his ensemble "Mu'tet" performed in the new music building for a small crowd of mostly music majors.

"I think that it's pretty cool that they're bringing in better performers," music major Derrell Wallace said. "Now that we have a good music building, artists will actually want to come here."

Coffin plays the saxophone, clarinet and flute, and has toured with artists such as Dave Matthews Band, Bela Fleck and the Flacktones, as well as his own ensembles.

"Jeff and the band gave an incredible performance of their fresh, original approach to jazz," Assistant Professor of Music Todd Goranson said. "I knew that the students here would benefit from a clinic with him."

Goranson said he contacted Coffin's agent, Brian Horner. When he heard Coffin was in Texas, he made a quick request to have the musician make a stop at A&M-Commerce. Goranson admits it was short notice, but he got some help in the process.

"Three weeks is very short notice for such an event," he said. "Fortunately Dr. Chris White, the department head for music, and Mr. Brian Nichols, dean of campus life and student development, were immediately supportive and said that they would provide the funds to bring Jeff Coffin and the ‘Mu'tet' to campus. Wendy Morgan, director of the student center, was also of great help, ensuring that posters were placed around campus during the week before and the week of the performance. She also sent out an all-campus email announcement and had advertisements on the video screens the Student Center."