Joel Vanderheyden

Dr. Joel Vanderheyden, a versatile saxophonist, composer, and educator, is driven by music's unifying force. His background spans jazz (M.M. with Chris Vadala) and classical saxophone (D.M.A. with Kenneth Tse). He thrives in diverse settings, from the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra to the electro-jazz ensemble Koplant No. Engaging with the Jazz St. Louis Big Band, Vehachi, and the Missouri Saxophone Quartet, he's graced international stages. Vanderheyden's original compositions on his debut album "Complete Life" were lauded by KCCK Jazz 88.3FM. He instructs at Jefferson College and Washington University, actively mentoring students and performing nationally. An endorsed artist for D’Addario Woodwinds and Selmer Paris Saxophones, his impact spans education and performance.