#1 Noa Even, saxophonist
Q. What are the makes & models of your instruments?
A. My soprano is a Selmer Paris Super Action 80 Series III, my alto is a Selmer Paris Series III Model 62 Jubilee Edition, and my tenor is a Selmer Paris Super Action 80 Series III.
Q. How long have you been playing these particular instruments?
A. My alto is the newest instrument. I won a voucher for a new Selmer saxophone as a prizewinner of the Londeix competition in Thailand in 2011. I finally chose a new saxophone in Elkhart, IN at the Selmer factory there in early 2012, I think. I've had the soprano since I was a freshman or sophomore in college, so 13 or so years. The tenor I got when I was a junior in college.
A. My soprano is a Selmer Paris Super Action 80 Series III, my alto is a Selmer Paris Series III Model 62 Jubilee Edition, and my tenor is a Selmer Paris Super Action 80 Series III.
Q. How long have you been playing these particular instruments?
A. My alto is the newest instrument. I won a voucher for a new Selmer saxophone as a prizewinner of the Londeix competition in Thailand in 2011. I finally chose a new saxophone in Elkhart, IN at the Selmer factory there in early 2012, I think. I've had the soprano since I was a freshman or sophomore in college, so 13 or so years. The tenor I got when I was a junior in college.
Q. How did you begin playing music? When? Why?
A. I think I began taking piano lessons when I was five. My oldest sister was taking lessons (she was in middle school), and since I wanted to be just like my older sisters, I also wanted to play piano. When I was nine, I started the saxophone, because my elementary school offered free lessons during the school day on Fridays starting in fourth grade. The way I remember it, I wanted a loud instrument. The French horn seemed appealing, but I ultimately settled on the saxophone. I guess I wanted something big and shiny. After a year or so of studying saxophone and piano simultaneously, I gave up on piano. The saxophone was much easier for me, and I preferred playing a wind instrument, so I decided to focus on that (and playing soccer). I remember performing the Beatles song Eight Days a Week at the first fourth grade band concert. The saxophones played it all together in unison while standing. It was pretty awesome. I just really enjoyed playing with others in a group. It was indescribably fun, and probably the reason I'm still playing today.
A. I think I began taking piano lessons when I was five. My oldest sister was taking lessons (she was in middle school), and since I wanted to be just like my older sisters, I also wanted to play piano. When I was nine, I started the saxophone, because my elementary school offered free lessons during the school day on Fridays starting in fourth grade. The way I remember it, I wanted a loud instrument. The French horn seemed appealing, but I ultimately settled on the saxophone. I guess I wanted something big and shiny. After a year or so of studying saxophone and piano simultaneously, I gave up on piano. The saxophone was much easier for me, and I preferred playing a wind instrument, so I decided to focus on that (and playing soccer). I remember performing the Beatles song Eight Days a Week at the first fourth grade band concert. The saxophones played it all together in unison while standing. It was pretty awesome. I just really enjoyed playing with others in a group. It was indescribably fun, and probably the reason I'm still playing today.
Q. What is your favorite moment being a musician?
A. It's always difficult for me to choose favorites. Generally, I remember feeling euphorically happy playing in Massachusetts Youth Wind Ensemble at New England Conservatory's Preparatory School and All State Band in high school. It was so incredible to play in a large ensemble with many wonderful musicians my age and have the opportunity to play in Jordan Hall and Symphony Hall in Boston. I would always get goosebumps and feel so moved sitting in the middle of the band. I felt the same way when I went to New England Music Camp and then Northwestern University for my undergrad. These group experiences are what led me to continue playing. I didn't want to let go of that amazing feeling. More recently, I've been lucky to be a member of two long term duos, Ogni Suono and Patchwork. Playing with one other person is satisfying in a different way than participating in a large ensemble. I've developed such a strong, almost telepathic, connection with each partner that allows us to communicate on what sometimes seems like another plane. It's been wonderful for me to build a set of repertoire with each duo and collaborate with great artists like Phil and Stephen. I'd say some of my favorite moments these days are playing with them, and I'm grateful to get to do that rather often!
Q. What do you think of your mission as a musician in the current society?
A. For the past few years, I've dedicated myself almost fully to commissioning and interpreting new music. Art is crucial to society, and I believe that performing musicians should invest time and effort into the music of today's composers. While I do perform more traditional repertoire and existing contemporary works, my true passion is collaborating with living composers and other artists who have a similar mission. It's an exciting and fulfilling pursuit that I try to pass on to my students.
Q. Please fill the blank: Music is __________.
A. Powerful.
A. It's always difficult for me to choose favorites. Generally, I remember feeling euphorically happy playing in Massachusetts Youth Wind Ensemble at New England Conservatory's Preparatory School and All State Band in high school. It was so incredible to play in a large ensemble with many wonderful musicians my age and have the opportunity to play in Jordan Hall and Symphony Hall in Boston. I would always get goosebumps and feel so moved sitting in the middle of the band. I felt the same way when I went to New England Music Camp and then Northwestern University for my undergrad. These group experiences are what led me to continue playing. I didn't want to let go of that amazing feeling. More recently, I've been lucky to be a member of two long term duos, Ogni Suono and Patchwork. Playing with one other person is satisfying in a different way than participating in a large ensemble. I've developed such a strong, almost telepathic, connection with each partner that allows us to communicate on what sometimes seems like another plane. It's been wonderful for me to build a set of repertoire with each duo and collaborate with great artists like Phil and Stephen. I'd say some of my favorite moments these days are playing with them, and I'm grateful to get to do that rather often!
Q. What do you think of your mission as a musician in the current society?
A. For the past few years, I've dedicated myself almost fully to commissioning and interpreting new music. Art is crucial to society, and I believe that performing musicians should invest time and effort into the music of today's composers. While I do perform more traditional repertoire and existing contemporary works, my true passion is collaborating with living composers and other artists who have a similar mission. It's an exciting and fulfilling pursuit that I try to pass on to my students.
Q. Please fill the blank: Music is __________.
A. Powerful.
Check out Noa's ensemble, Ogni Suono performing David Coll's "Ask" for two vocalizing saxophonists.
Want to know more about Noa and her upcoming projects? Visit noaeven.com.