Drew Whiting’s diverse musical interests have lead him to perform with symphony orchestras, big bands, new music ensembles, salsa bands, improvisation collectives and chamber ensembles, and also to present solo recitals of contemporary saxophone works throughout the United States. An advocate for new music, Drew has worked with composers such as Betsy Jolas, Erik Lund, Ed Martin, John Mayrose and Pauline Oliveros, and has premiered dozens of compositions by established and emerging composers. He is an accomplished chamber musician, having been awarded 1st Place at the 2012 MTNA National Chamber Music Competition as a member of the Cerulean Saxophone Quartet. Currently, Drew is a member of the Vine Street Trio, Coalescence Quartet, and performs throughout Wisconsin with the Water City Jazz Orchestra, Big Band Reunion, and the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra.
In addition to performing, Drew is a dedicated and vibrant educator. He has presented master classes at Grand Valley State University, Illinois State University, Lawrence Conservatory and Oklahoma State University, and has taught on the faculties of Illinois Wesleyan University and Spring Arbor University. Currently, Dr. Whiting is a member of the music faculty at Silver Lake College and the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh where he teaches courses on music and culture, music theory, saxophone, and co-directs the new music ensemble.
Drew received Master and Bachelor of Music degrees from the Michigan State University College of Music where he studied with Joseph Lulloff. He earned the Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where he studied with Debra Richtmeyer.
Drew is a Yamaha Performing Artist and Vandoren Regional Artist, performing on Yamaha saxophones and Vandoren reeds, mouthpieces, and ligatures.
