Melisma Saxophone Quartet is a classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their unique sound and virtuosic performances since their founding in 2004. The quartet is made up of four talented musicians: Nathan Nabb on soprano saxophone, Jonathan Nichol on alto saxophone, Jan Berry Baker on tenor saxophone, and Michael Jacobson on baritone saxophone. The quartet was founded in Houston, Texas, where all four members were studying at Rice University's Shepherd School of Music. They quickly gained recognition for their exceptional musicianship and innovative programming, which often featured contemporary works alongside more traditional repertoire. One of the quartet's early highlights was their performance at the 2005 North American Saxophone Alliance Biennial Conference, where they were awarded first prize in the quartet competition. This recognition helped to launch their career and led to numerous other performance opportunities. Over the years, Melisma Saxophone Quartet has performed at some of the most prestigious venues and festivals in the United States and abroad. They have been featured at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., the Ravinia Festival in Chicago, and the Festival Internacional de Música de Cámara de Aguascalientes in Mexico, among many others. One of the quartet's most notable performances was their appearance at the 2014 World Saxophone Congress in France, where they were one of only a handful of ensembles selected to perform. Their program included works by contemporary composers such as John Mackey and David Maslanka, as well as a transcription of J.S. Bach's Goldberg Variations. In addition to their performances, Melisma Saxophone Quartet is also committed to education and outreach. They have conducted masterclasses and workshops at universities and music schools across the United States, and have worked with young musicians through programs such as the Houston Youth Symphony and the Texas Music Festival. The quartet has also commissioned and premiered numerous works by contemporary composers, including David Maslanka, John Mackey, and Marc Mellits. Their commitment to new music has helped to expand the repertoire for saxophone quartet and has contributed to the development of the genre. Melisma Saxophone Quartet has received numerous awards and accolades throughout their career. In addition to their first prize at the North American Saxophone Alliance Biennial Conference, they have been awarded the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition Silver Medal and the Coleman Chamber Ensemble Competition Grand Prize, among others. Their recordings have also received critical acclaim. Their debut album, "The Unknown," features works by contemporary composers and was praised by Fanfare Magazine for its "impressive virtuosity and musicality." Their second album, "The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra Meets the Melisma Saxophone Quartet," features arrangements of classic ragtime tunes and was described by AllMusic as "a delightful and entertaining album." Melisma Saxophone Quartet continues to push the boundaries of the saxophone quartet genre with their innovative programming and virtuosic performances. Their commitment to new music and education has helped to inspire a new generation of saxophonists and chamber musicians.

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