James Umble

Dr. James Umble is Professor of Saxophone at Youngstown (Ohio) State University where he has twice been awarded a Distinguished Professor Award for Teaching. He is an internationally recognized teacher, soloist, clinician, chamber musician and author. Cleveland Plain Dealer Music Critic Donald Rosenberg wrote that Dr. Umble…” must be one of the most elegant exponents of his instrument…he was virtuosic in every way.” His acclaimed book “Jean-Marie Londeix- Master of the Modern Saxophone” documents the life and pedagogy of one of the world’s most celebrated French artist-teachers. The Second Edition was released in early 2022. This volume is available worldwide through Theodore Presser Music Publishers. Dr. Umble has a passion for pedagogy and often presents clinics on developing saxophone tone and artistry. Umble was a guest recitalist at the World Saxophone Congress in Strasbourg France, where he presented a recital along with pianist/composer Marilyn Shrude, performing her Lacrimosa for alto saxophone and piano. For over 20 years Dr. Umble performed around the world with his celebrated chamber trio, The Cleveland Duo and James Umble. They commissioned and premiered many new works for their combination of violin, saxophone and piano, including works by Evan Chambers, Tim Brady, Jane Brockman and many more. New York Concert Reviews wrote that their Mannes College performance was “sensuous… An outstanding performance…” Dr. Umble has also been heard as saxophone guest artist in the Cleveland Orchestra woodwind section, performing and touring with them under the direction of such conductors as Pierre Boulez, David Zinman, Franz Welser-Most, JaJa Ling and many others. Speaking of his performance in Miami with the Cleveland Orchestra the Miami Herald wrote that his playing was “…glorious…” and of his “…mellifluous tone…” Dr. Umble is a Selmer Artist and performs on Légère reeds.