~Nois Saxophone Quartet member Jordan Lulloff
On November 4, 2018 ~Nois Saxophone Quartet will be our special guests for the premiere performance of our 63rd season!
Chicago’s own ~Nois is a professional saxophone quartet of rising stars! Founded in 2016 by graduate students at Northwestern University, ~Nois (pronounced "noise") has quickly emerged as one of the premier young ensembles dedicated to innovative and engaging performances. Known for their “masterclass-level demonstrations of precise articulations and glowing legatos” (I Care if You Listen), “truly innovative musicianship,” and “raw creativity” (Cacophony Magazine), ~Nois has been awarded prizes at prestigious chamber music competitions including the Second Prize in the Open Division of the 2018 M-Prize International Chamber Arts Competition, the Silver Medal at the 2017 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, Second Prize at the 2018 North American Saxophone Alliance Quartet Competition, and First Prize at the 2016 Chicago Woodwind Ensemble Competition. ~Nois was invited to be an Ensemble Fellow to the 2018 Blackbird Creative Lab, where they worked closely with fellow Chicago-based ensemble, Eighth Blackbird.*
We asked the members of ~Nois to share with us their journeys in music, musical influences and inspirations, and words of advice that they have for young musicians.
JORDAN LULLOFF
Jordan Lulloff is a founding member of ~Nois and their Director of Operations and Social Media. An internationally performing saxophonist, his notable performances include being a featured soloist with the United States Air Force Band, University of Memphis Wind Ensemble, and the Lansing and Ann Arbor Community Concert Bands. Additional honors include: Winner – VSA International Young Soloist Competition, First place - United States Air Force Band Colonel George S. Howard Young Artist Competition, and a gaggle of Silver Medals from the competition days of ~Nois.*
Please tell us a bit about your journey in music and in life. I come from a family of musicians, so I was always surrounded by music. I started playing saxophone in the 3rd grade, but didn't take it seriously until 8th grade. My senior year of high school I decided to major in music. After spending 5 years at Michigan State University, I completed my Masters degree at Northwestern.
What have been some of your musical influences? When I was a kid, my greatest musical influence was my dad. Being a classical saxophonist himself, he was constantly influencing me on my music journey.
Please share a bit about your favorite musical memory? Honestly, there are too many to count. Anytime I'm making music with friends is a favorite musical memory.
What’s on your iPod? The music on my iPod constantly changes. Three artists are always there though: Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Demi Lovato.
Which composer/musician – past or present – would you most like to meet for a coffee and why? I would love to meet Pauline Oliveros for coffee. In the past two years her music has truly changed my life in more ways than one and I would love to have the opportunity to listen to her talk about her music in person.
What does music mean to you? Music gives me the chance to hang out and create art with my friends. That’s my favorite part!
What inspires you? I am constantly inspired by the musicians around me. Nothing is more inspiring than your friends doing cool things!
What do you do to relax? I am a big proponent of having a hearty breakfast and taking time in the morning to enjoy a cup of coffee. I do this every day with my roommate Julian as a way to relax a little bit before we start our hectic days.
Do you have any advice for young musicians? It's important to remember that for every 1 big success you'll receive 9 rejections. Don't be discouraged!
Please share any thoughts that you may have about the Northshore Concert Band. It’s an honor to play with such an awesome group of people who all really love playing in this ensemble!
Please add anything else that you would like our audience to know about you. I am an avid Green Bay Packers fan.
Learn more about Jordan Lulloff and ~Nois here.
*reprinted from noissaxophone.com
Sunday, November4, 2018, 3:00 pm
Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, Northwestern University
50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston, Illinois
Learn more about the Northshore Concert Band at www.northshoreband.org