Woodwind Specialties
Music studies at Millikin University provide a wide variety of performance opportunities from chamber ensembles to orchestral experiences. In the woodwind area, we offer a full compliment of professors, one for each instrument—unlike other institutions our size, which may have only one or two woodwind specialists.
This means that the student will be able to study with a professor rather than a graduate assistant. Depending on scheduling and acceptance, those interested in study on secondary instruments can also take advantage of this benefit.
At Millikin University, participation in ensembles is not limited to music majors. Minors and non-majors are encouraged to audition for the more than twenty musical groups available. Among the many opportunities at Millikin are Wind Ensemble, Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Ensembles and Jazz Combos.
Chamber group experience is highly valued at Millikin University. Depending on your instrument, participation in woodwind quintet, saxophone quartet, flute choir or saxophone ensemble is encouraged. Students may also participate in the pit orchestra for musical theater productions.
Faculty
Perry Rask is Professor of Saxophone and Coordinator of Woodwinds at Millikin University. His teaching duties include the applied saxophone studio, saxophone quartet and directing Jazz Band II. Dr. Rask received degrees from the University of Mary, the Conservatoire National de Région de Bordeaux, North Texas State University (UNT) and the University of Northern Colorado. His teachers include Marvin Eckroth, Loran Eckroth, James Riggs, Jean-Marie Londeix and Roger Greenberg.
Active in both classical and jazz areas of saxophone performance, he performs regularly with regional jazz groups such as Diversity and the Dixie Daredevils, as well as with the Millikin Faculty Jazz Sextet, the Decatur Big Band and the Decatur Municipal Band.