Originally from Tonkawa, Oklahoma, Tracy Patterson is Assistant Professor of Saxophone and Woodwind Chair at Winthrop University where he directs the Winthrop University "Swingin' Eagles" Jazz Ensemble, teaches applied saxophone, and coaches saxophone chamber ensembles. An energetic and diverse performer, Patterson has premiered several works for the saxophone, and is active in the commissioning of new music. Equally equipped as a jazz and classical saxophonist, he has appeared as a soloist in numerous settings.
Patterson has performed concertos with the University of Central Oklahoma Wind Symphony (2010), the Winthrop University Wind Symphony (2014 and 2015), and the Carolina Wind Orchestra (2015). He has presented programs at the North American Saxophone Alliance Conferences annually since 2010. Additionally, he has presented master classes or lectures at the Music Teachers National Association Conference (2011), Texas Music Educators Conference (2012), and the South Carolina Music Educators Conference (2014 and 2015). As a jazz saxophonist, he has toured the United States, Mexico, and Europe with various ensembles including the Jason Harms Jazz Quintet, the Edmond Jazz Orchestra, the Winthrop University Faculty Combo, and his own quartet. While living in Lubbock, Texas in 2012, Patterson performed at a private event hosted by President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush. He has performed with noted artists Natalie Cole, The Temptations, Robin Eubanks, Randy Brecker, Steve Lippia, Linda Eder, Lorna Luft, Brett Eldredge, and Grammy Award winner Darius Rucker. An active orchestral musician, he has appeared multiple times with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, and the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra.
Patterson received the Bachelor of Arts in music from Northeastern State University, the Master of Music in jazz studies from the University of Central Oklahoma, and the Doctor of Musical Arts in saxophone performance from Texas Tech University. He has previously served on the faculty at Lubbock Christian University and Texas Tech University. He resides in Rock Hill, South Carolina, with his wife, Joy, and their dog, Puggle.
Patterson is a Yamaha Performing Artist and performs exclusively on Yamaha Custom Saxophones.
