Robert Russell
Robert Russell is a captivating performer, connecting with audiences, bringing technical mastery and musicality to anything he plays. He is a freelance saxophone specialist playing all variations of his instrument in any style, from classical to jazz to commercial, to experimental, as well as woodwind doubling on flute and clarinet.
Robert is the founder and director of the Loess Hills Jazz Orchestra, an innovative and dynamic eighteen-piece jazz band based out of the Midwest. The group is composed of like-minded up and professional jazz musicians that are passionate about their craft and their community. The Loess Hills Jazz Orchestra collaborates with school districts, giving young musicians a chance to interact and play with professional musicians and exposure to jazz education, as well as venues in the midwest. Additionally, Robert performs throughout the midwest in jazz small group configurations. He holds a residency at Cattle Call in downtown Omaha, and can be seen throughout the month at jazz venues throughout the Omaha metro. Robert was accepted to perform at the North American Saxophone Alliance Conference for a commissioned original composition, as well as with saxophone quartet. Robert is a recipient of UNO’s Research and Creativity Grant as well as the UNO Research and Creativity Fair “Best Undergraduate Performance” award.
Robert holds a Bachelor of Music in saxophone performance from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where he was the principal saxophonist of the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, lead alto and tenor in UNO’s premier jazz band Jazz One, alto saxophonist of the Heartland Philharmonic Orchestra, and tenor player for UNO’s Combo One, as well as various other chamber groups on soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophone. Robert has performed in the Omaha community, throughout the United States, and internationally in South America. Robert additionally has performed with the Great Plains Great Big Band during is studies at UNO.
Robert studied under Dr. Skye Junninger, Dr. Benjamin Nichols, Ken Janak, Dr. Darren Pettit, and Dr. Mathew Storie.
Robert has been teaching for seven years, through house calls, working at Thompson Music, Dietze Music, and now Nebraska Music Company. Robert is the former interim high school and middle school band director at Cornerstone Christian School.