Students Join a Regional Saxophone Community at Tennessee Tech

UpperCASE—short for Upper Cumberland-Area Saxophone Ensemble—is a dynamic musical group hosted by Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville, TN. The ensemble brings together saxophonists from across the region, ranging from high school and college students to adult musicians. What makes this ensemble stand out is its accessibility—there are no auditions required, and it embraces the full saxophone family, from soprano to bass.

This year’s ensemble featured more than 30 members, including CCS high school students and musicians Aaron Platt (tenor saxophone) and Joey McArdle (alto saxophone), who rehearsed on Sunday evenings at Tennessee Tech in preparation for their final performance. The rehearsal schedule began in late April and continued through mid-May, with weekly two-hour sessions. Each member is expected to practice independently between rehearsals to ensure a polished and high-quality performance.

Aaron and Joey have been commuting to campus weekly to participate in rehearsals with the ensemble. Their dedication culminated in a concert that took place on Monday, May 19 at 7:30 PM in Wattenbarger Auditorium. 

Directed by Dr. Matthew Younglove, Assistant Professor of Saxophone at Tennessee Tech, UpperCASE fosters collaboration, musicianship, and a shared love of the saxophone. The ensemble performed arrangements of Breathe by Ktahj Copley, Great Gate of Kiev by Modeste Mussogsky, Dusk by Steven Bryant, selections from The Greatest Showman, and more.

We’re incredibly proud of Aaron and Joey for representing the CCS community in such a prestigious and passionate musical project. The concert was a powerful celebration of saxophone music and regional talent.