When Mark Watkins was asked by Dr. Robert Tueller to play a concerto with the Brigham Young University-Idaho Symphony Orchestra, many compositions for alto saxophone came to mind, since it is the primary classical saxophone. Dr. Watkins can play all types of saxophones but loves playing the tenor. There are only a handful of high-quality concertos for tenor saxophone and the idea of adding to the repertoire was appealing. Having met the composer, David Canfield, at a World Saxophone Congress, Dr Watkins contacted him.Thus, the idea of premiering the Concerto for Tenor Saxophone and Orchestra with Obbligato Piano was born. The premier occurred October 12, 2023 and an album release is planned. The dedication to the concerto states, “To Mark Watkins in friendship and appreciation.”
 

Mark Watkins holds a doctorate in five woodwinds from Indiana University. He has studied saxophone with C. Raymond Smith, Eugene Rousseau, Daniel Deffayet, and Yushi Ishiwata. In 1994, Dr. Watkins was offered a position in the prestigious DC based US Army Field Band, a marvelous opportunity, but was unable to enlist due to visual disability (legally blind). He has performed in over 20 countries as a soloist and in numerous professional ensembles including the saxophone quartet FOUR.

 

Dr. Watkins’ compositions have received praise from Jeff Coffin, Ed Calle, Gordon Goodwin, and others. Portland Radio says, “Ferociously-delicious…you never know what’s coming next and, like Beethoven, it’s always the perfect thing.” Focusing on saxophone, Dr. Watkins has written in both classical and jazz styles for saxophone and piano, quartet, jazz ensemble, jazz combo, symphony orchestra, and concert band.  His music is carried by Walrus, Jazz Lines, FOURjazz, Dorn, and Roncorp/Northeastern. Dr. Watkins has produced ten albums. About his latest, FOUR + Six, Gordon Goodwin stated, “In the hands of a composer/arranger like Mark Watkins, each track takes the listener on a journey that is both fresh and crisp but also satisfying and fulfilling.” 
 

Watkins is actively involved with research and scholarly publication. His articles have appeared in journals including The Saxophone Symposium and JAZZed Magazine. Watkins is the author of the book and video collection, From the Inside Out: An In-Depth Resource for the Development of Saxophone Sound. Dr Derek Granger states that it “represents a turn towards fact-based pedagogy… It really feels like an exciting time for saxophone pedagogy, and I believe your book has been a catalyst for that.” Professional British Saxophonist Jamie Anderson, in his YouTube channel recently analyzed the five most commonly taught principles for achieving altissimo notes using Dr Watkins’ book to authoritatively affirm or refute their legitimacy. World renowned jazz saxophonist David Liebman, who studied with the legendary saxophone pedagogue, Joe Allard, commented about Watkins’ book, “Joe Allard would be proud.” Watkins has two more books currently in the hands of critical readers in preparation for publication: Lessons from the Master—Charlie Parker, Book One: Articulation, Subdivision, and Rhythm and Lessons from the Master—Charlie Parker, Book Two: Note Choices.  
 

An educator, Watkins has made his living teaching music since 1984, and is currently Professor of Saxophone at Brigham Young University–Idaho where he recently received the Eliza R. Snow Award for the Arts. He has taught courses in jazz studies, music history and literature, music theory, music education, and applied instruction in all five woodwinds. He has also coached and directed ensembles ranging from jazz big band, orchestra, and concert band to classical woodwind chamber groups and jazz combo. He has had to find new and original ways to continue fulfilling his responsibilities with the onset of complete blindness since 2018. He is not serious when he tells students he intends to put a cattle prod in his cane.