Saxophonist Greg Rife is an emerging concert saxophonist and educator who has established a diverse performing and teaching career. Prior to his appointment at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Greg previously served on the faculty of Lewis University as a music theory instructor, was the saxophone instructor in the Lincoln-Way Community High School district, and was the Assistant Band Director at Monmouth College. Greg’s students have earned national recognition including performances at the 2020 Music for All National Chamber Music Festival, 2021 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and 2019 Tournament of Roses Parade as well as consistent placement in ILMEA honor bands and superior ratings at solo and ensemble festivals.
Greg is an active performer both as a soloist and as the tenor saxophonist of the award winning Colere Quartet. Recent performances include appearances as a concerto soloist with the University of Illinois Wind Symphony and Lockport Township High School Symphonic Band, world premier performances at various North American Saxophone Alliance National Conferences, and a series of performance and educational programs as part of the 2020 Fischoff Gold Medal Tour.
Greg has had competitive success including winning the prestigious Gold Medal at the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, First Prize at the Plowman Chamber Music Competition, semi-finalist appearances at NASA solo and quartet competitions, State Winner of the MTNA Young Artist Solo Competition, and as a finalist appearance in the University of Iowa Concerto Competition. Greg has also performed a number of recitals, concerts, and masterclasses for audiences of all ages.
Greg holds both a Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music in saxophone performance degrees from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He was awarded the Division Achievement Award in Music Education and twice awarded the prestigious A.A Harding Award for outstanding performance, achievement, and service to the University of Illinois Bands. Greg is pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in saxophone performance at the University of Iowa. During the 2019-2020 school year he served as the teaching assistant to world-renowned saxophonist and pedagogue, Dr. Kenneth Tse. His primary teachers include Dr. Kenneth Tse, Debra Richtmeyer, and Dr. J. Michael Weiss-Holmes.