Seizing the Opportunity: Group 2 Saxophone Quartet Becomes an Opportunity Arts Affiliate.

Group 2 is a stylistically diverse & musically engaging saxophone quartet that was formed at Michigan State University in East Lansing, after MSU Professor Joseph Lulloff assigned the four to work together during their tenure at MSU. Group 2 specializes in musical storytelling through a deep knowledge of style, vulnerability, and unique interpersonal connection, while introducing their ever increasing audience to one-of-a-kind soundscapes. 

The quartet consists of Lansing, MI native Evan Harris, who received degrees in Saxophone Performance from Central Michigan University, & University of Oklahoma, and is pursuing his doctorate at MSU; Tucson, AZ native Eric Zheng, who received degrees in Saxophone Performance and Economics from Northwestern University, and is now pursuing his Master’s degree at Michigan State University; Aberdeen, NC native Tyler Young, who received degrees in Saxophone Performance from Florida State University & Michigan State University, and is now pursuing his doctorate at Michigan State University; and Adam Epler, a native of Richardson, TX, who is currently pursuing Bachelor degrees in Saxophone Performance and Music Education at Michigan State University. Each of the members embody diverse backgrounds in classical, jazz, new music, and transcriptive performing, and together Group 2 delivers fulfilling musical experiences to diverse audiences both near and far.

Group 2 has performed in venues all over the United States including at North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) Biennial Conference in Tempe, AZ, the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts, the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, Meijer Gardens, Cook Recital Hall, UrbanBeat, Albion College, & the MSU Broad Museum’s Business Gala. The quartet has been named finalists in several national competitions as well including the Music Teachers National Association Chamber Music Competition and the North American Saxophone Alliance Biennial Competition, and winning first prize at the New Orleans Chamber Festival Competition. Group 2 was also named semi-finalists for the Michigan State University Barbara Wagner Competition, and The 28th World Music Competition. 

The members of Group 2 have also won individual accolades including top prizes in the Yamaha Young Artist Competition, Vandoren Emerging Artist Competition, the Music Teachers National Association solo and chamber competitions, and the North American Saxophone Alliance solo and chamber competitions. Each member of Group 2 teaches saxophone classes throughout Mid-Michigan. Tyler teaches at the Flint Institute of Music & Alma College, Adam teaches in Jackson, Evan teaches at Grand Ledge, and Eric teaches at Albion College.

For more information on Group 2 & their music visit:
www.group2quartet.com