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The Red Clay Saxophone Quartet is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2003 in Greensboro, North Carolina. The quartet is composed of four saxophonists: Susan Fancher (soprano saxophone), Robert Faub (alto saxophone), Steven Stusek (tenor saxophone), and Mark Engebretson (baritone saxophone). The ensemble's name is derived from the red clay soil that is prevalent in the southeastern United States, where the quartet is based. The group's mission is to promote the saxophone as a serious chamber music instrument and to showcase the versatility and range of the saxophone quartet repertoire. The Red Clay Saxophone Quartet has performed extensively throughout the United States and internationally, including appearances at the World Saxophone Congress, the North American Saxophone Alliance Conference, and the International Saxophone Symposium. The quartet has also collaborated with numerous composers and performers, including Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Jennifer Higdon and jazz saxophonist Branford Marsalis. One of the highlights of the Red Clay Saxophone Quartet's career was their performance at the 2006 World Saxophone Congress in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The quartet performed a program of contemporary works by American composers, including pieces by John Anthony Lennon, David Maslanka, and Michael Torke. The performance was well-received by both the audience and critics, and helped to establish the quartet as a leading ensemble in the saxophone world. In addition to their performances, the Red Clay Saxophone Quartet is also committed to education and outreach. The quartet has conducted masterclasses and workshops at universities and music schools throughout the United States, and has also worked with young musicians through programs such as the North Carolina School of the Arts Summer Music Program. The Red Clay Saxophone Quartet has received numerous awards and accolades for their performances and recordings. In 2007, the quartet was awarded the Chamber Music America Residency Partnership Grant, which allowed them to collaborate with composer John Fitz Rogers on a new work for saxophone quartet and electronics. The quartet's recording of this piece, titled "Shadowed Narrative," was released in 2010 and received critical acclaim. The quartet's other recordings include "Memento," a collection of contemporary works for saxophone quartet, and "Fourtune," a collection of jazz standards arranged for saxophone quartet. Both recordings received positive reviews and helped to expand the quartet's audience beyond the classical music world. Overall, the Red Clay Saxophone Quartet has established itself as a leading ensemble in the saxophone world, known for their innovative programming, virtuosic performances, and commitment to education and outreach. With their unique blend of classical and jazz influences, the quartet continues to push the boundaries of the saxophone quartet repertoire and inspire audiences around the world.

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