Born: May 19, 1988 Primary Instrument: Saxophone
Aaron Hedenstrom is a composer and saxophonist currently living in Saint Paul, MN. A versatile player, Aaron plays multiple woodwinds in all styles and has performed in many renowned groups, including the Aaron Hedenstrom Quintet, S. Carey, the John Raymond Project, the Javier Santiago Experiment, Nachito Herrera, The Remnant, and the Adam Meckler Quintet.
Also a visionary composer, Aaron Hedenstrom has written compositions and arrangements for orchestra, band, big band, jazz combo, and chamber ensembles. But his biggest project has been the creation of the Aaron Hedenstrom Orchestra, a big band that plays all Hedenstrom originals and features many of the Twin Cities' and Wisconsin's finest jazz players. Their debut album, A Symphonic Jazz Hip-Hop Experience, mixes jazz, classical and hip-hop into an original and unique sound. This album features the work of Minneapolis hip-hop artist Agape, who's career includes international live performances and a hip-hop ministry program.
Aaron is also a very experienced teacher, having taught private lessons, summer camps, saxophone sectional clinics, improvisation masterclasses, ear training classes, and jazz history classes. He was also UW-Eau Claire's primary music theory tutor during his time in college.
Aaron believes that music is here for the glory of God as a gift given to us by God Himself. “It is one of the greatest gifts that we can give to our communities worldwide-- every culture values music as an essential part of their lives, and it is just that. Music is an experience that can turn the mundane into something much more exciting.” Aaron hopes deeply that you can find something that you can enjoy about his music.
From the heart of Aaron Hedenstrom: BE BLESSED!
Awards:
O'Farrell Jazz Scholarship (2006) Academic Distinction (2006, 2007, 2008, 2010) Viennese Ball Scholarship for keyboard (2008) Dr. Donald and Elsa Brinkman Scholarship for keyboard (2008) Commissioned to write for Twin Cities Chamber Ensemble Zeitgeist (2008) Winner of the UWEC Orchestral Composition Contest (2009) -Downbeat Award for Best College Jazz Ensemble (Undergraduate) (2009) Viennese Ball Scholarship for Jazz Studies (2010) Awarded a research grant for big-band history research project through UWEC's Student Research Day (2010) UWEC Cabaret Studio Orchestra Conductor (2010-11)-John Raymond, New York Trumpeter
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Primary Instrument:
Saxophone
Willing to teach:
Intermediate to advanced students
Credentials/Background:
Past Teaching Jobs:
Co-Director of UWEC's Jazz Ensemble V (2009-2010)
-Taught college jazz ensemble for a full year, with a
performance each semester. Focused on big band
performance, improvisation, jazz history, and basic jazz skills
Saxophone Instructor for the Chippewa Valley Jazz Camp
(2010)
-Taught saxophone masterclasses, jazz history sessions,
transcription classes, and big band instruction for high school
students
8th grade saxophone instructor at Regis High School Summer
Camp (Eau Claire, WI) (2010)
-Taught a classroom of beginning saxophone students
transitioning into high school
Jazz Saxophone Specialist at North High School (Eau Claire,
WI) (2010)
-Bi-weekly teaching job for North High School's jazz ensemble
specializing in jazz saxophone
Clinic/Workshop Information:
I have experience working in a variety of settings: conducting
and rehearsing studio bands, teaching groups in jazz history,
theory, saxophone, woodwinds, big band, combo, and
composition. I can create a unique clinic tailored to your specific
needs!
