Nick Ortiz, Saxophonist
Saxo-phoning
Nick is a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where served as the baritone chair of the MIMKE Saxophone Quartet, lead alto saxophone in the Jazz Ensemble, member of the Wind Ensemble, Saxophone Ensemble, and an officer of the Milwaukee Saxophone Association. Recent performances have included recitals at UW-Milwaukee and Make Music Day Milwaukee.
As an arranger, Nick has arranged for the University of Illinois Saxophone Ensemble and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Saxophone Ensemble.
Saxo-Rhapsody
(Orchestral)
Eric Coates
(May 6, 2022)
Concerto Soloist
Performed with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and guest conductor David Bloom.
Acorss the Pond: Works for Saxophone by British Composers
(December 18, 2021)
Program
Steam - Jenni Watson (2018)
The Singing Fish - Lucy Armstrong (2016)
Many Faces - Jenni Watson (2015)
Saxo-Rhapsody - Eric Coates (1936)
long is a year to one who waits
Benjamin Damann
(December 12, 2021 premiere)
Solo Alto Saxophone
Composed and premiered as a part of the Decay EP livestream of Timbre, Vo1. hosted by New Music Mosaic
Make Music Milwaukee Livestream
(June 21, 2021)
Program
Piano Improvisation 1 - Nick Ortiz (2018)
Saudade Study - Nathan Edwards (2017)
Night Rain - Nick Ortiz (2021, premiere)
Symmetry: In Memories - Nick Zoulek (2017)
Sonatas and Improvsations Livestream
(May 21, 2021)
Program
Fuzzy Bird Sonata - Takashi Yoshimatsu (1995)
Saudade Study - Nathan Edwards (2017)
Sonate en Ut# - Fernande Decruck (1943)
II - Noel
I - Tres Modere, Expressif
Oblivion
Astor Piazzola (arr. Ortiz)
(May 2021)
For Two Soloists and Saxophone Ensemble
Soloists: Nick Ortiz (Yamaha YDS-150) and Casmir Riley (Baritone Saxophone)
Performed by University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Saxophone Ensemble, recorded at Jan Serr Studio.
No Title Needed
Emily Wilson
(August 3, 2020 premiere)
Graphic Score for Solo Alto Saxophone
The creation and performance for this piece were part of a Teaching-Artist engagement supported by All-Score Urbana.
Earth Song
Frank Ticheli (arr. Ortiz)
( April 2018)
Saxophone Sextet
Performed by the University of Illinois, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Kent State University, and Roosevelt University Saxophone Ensembles.
Exploring the YDS-150
In addition to performing and teaching ventures, Nick has been exploring the possibilities of Yamaha's new Digital Saxophone, the YDS-150. This project is ongoing.
Exploring the YDS-150: Custom Voices
Exploring the YDS-150: Unboxing
