Joseph Ott

Joseph Ott is an internationally known saxophonist, jazz educator, clinician, and performer. Joseph holds a Bachelor of Science in saxophone performance from Eastern Illinois University. He has studied with renowned saxophonists Dr. Eugene Rousseau, Dr. Harry Gee, and Joseph Lulloff. Joseph ardently studied the teachings of jazz saxophonists David Liebman and Joe Daley, and noted jazz educators Dr. Allan Horney and Dr. David Baker.

Joseph has been a performer and director of jazz ensembles for the United States Air Force Bands for over 21 years. Prior to his extensive military service, Joseph was a member of the Red Skelton Orchestra, Glenn Miller Orchestra, and the Tony Bennett Orchestra. He has also held positions with the Virginia Symphony and Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra.

Joseph has recorded and toured extensively with United States Air Force bands. He has recorded, directed, and/or produced over 50 media products. Particularly notable are the nationally acclaimed recording, “Rockin’ in Rhythm” and video performance, “Remembering Glenn Miller”.

As an in demand musician, Joseph has performed and recorded with some of the worlds finest musicians. Some of the performers he has shared the stage with include The New York Voices, Louie Bellson, Arturo Sandoval, Conrad Herwig, Eddie Daniels, Jiggs Wigham, Marvin Stamm, Frank Foster, Ernie Watts, Count Basie Orchestra, Smithsonian Masterworks Orchestra, Everette Harp, Harry Kim, Jessica Simpson, Nick Lache, Brian McKnight, Blues Traveler, Clint Black, Jamie O’Neal, Willie Nelson, Temptations, Bob McChesney, Wayne Bergeron, Heath Brothers, Dick Oatts, Mike Tomaro, Bill Cunliffe, Alan Broadbent and Big & Rich.

Joseph has been involved in music education his whole career. With the USAF bands, he has been instrumental in conducting clinics, concerts, and residencies. He facilitated the first ever Hampton Roads Jazz Festival giving high school musicians a chance to interact with professional performers and receive feedback. He also frequently works as guest soloist, clinician, and adjudicator at many high school and college programs. Joseph is a Keilwerth saxophones performing artist. Joseph has recently retired as Director of Jazz Studies at Augustana College where he taught for over 12 years. Currently he is the Saxophone professor and Director of Jazz ensembles at the College of Lake County in Illinois.