Saxon performs in Japan

SAXON

Courtland Saxon recently performed in Japan with the Gospel Voices of Jackson, Miss.

The multi-ethnic choir consists of 18 members and were featured in a two-week concert circuit from May 16-29. Selections from the group included traditional, contemporary and Black gospel styles. In addition to concerts, the choir interacted with the Japanese in English classes and experienced the culture by brief home stays with families.

Local missionaries and Christians also met with the group to participate in prayer ministry. The Tokyo-Chiba region consists of Tokyo, Makuhari, Honda, Kisarazu, Imba, Saitama and Ibaraki.

Saxon, a 21-one year old rising senior at Jackson State Uni- versity in Jackson, Miss., has had a busy year so far. He has performed with the HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) All Star Big Band at the IAJE Convention in New York City, the Jackson State Orchestra at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., and was featured on alto saxophone by La Creation du Monde.

He will perform with the Skipp Pearson's Swing and Jazz Band from Columbia, S.C., at the Spoleto Festival in Charleston and will perform with the HBCU All Star Big Band again at the Summer Jazz Festival in Durham, N.C., in June. Saxon has also received another invitation to perform at the Centrum Jazz Festival in Port Townsend, Wash., in July.

In recognition of his academic achievements, Saxon was named Mr. Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society by his peers and represented the organization in the 2006-07 Jackson State's Coronation.

He is a Dean's List Scholar, member of the National Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, AAJC (African-American Jazz Caucus), IAJE (International Association of Jazz Educators), MENC (International Association for Music Education) and JSU's Jazz Band, Jazz Choir, Symphonic Band and Orchestra.

He is the son of Benjamin F. Saxon and Gale LeVon-Bell and the grandson of Alex and Eugenia Bell of Hephzibah and the late Bennie F. Saxon and Annie Saxon of Keysville.