James Barger

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  • Home
  • About
  • Teaching
    • Private Lessons
    • Testimonials
    • WT Current Students
  • Resources
    • Texas All-State
    • Fundamentals Packet
    • Classical Saxophone Accompaniment Tracks
  • Projects
  • Store
  • Events
  • Contact

James Barger
Saxophonist • Educator • Clinician

Projects

In addition to teaching and solo performing, I’m involved in several chamber and collaborative projects that fuel my creative energy and bring saxophone music to a wide range of audiences. Here’s a small glimpse of the musical spaces I’m grateful to be part of.

mirasol quartet

Formed in 2013 during our studies at Texas Tech, the Mirasol Quartet is a professional saxophone quartet dedicated to bold programming, educational outreach, and meaningful collaboration. Our performances often blend standard repertoire with new works and commissioned pieces, always aiming to connect deeply with audiences.
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mirasol duo

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The Mirasol Duo, featuring saxophonist Ben Still and me, is a natural evolution of the quartet, offering a more intimate chamber format. We’re currently focused on commissioning and recording new music for two saxophones, with a debut album on the horizon.

triptych trio

Triptych Trio brings together saxophone, violin, and piano for a dynamic, genre-blending sound. We explore repertoire that spans classical, contemporary, and cross-genre works, pushing boundaries while prioritizing musical storytelling.
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musical theatre

I regularly perform in musical theatre productions as a woodwind doubler, which allows me to engage with a different kind of ensemble and audience. I love the versatility and challenge these shows bring.

commissions & Premieres

Commissioning new music is one of the most exciting parts of my work. I’ve been honored to collaborate with composers to bring new saxophone pieces to life, from solo works to chamber and large ensemble projects.

ALLEN, C. Stir
BACON, A. Ötzi
BAILS, T. Williwaw
BARGER, J. Because It Has a Song
BARGER, J. Kid (Walk Slowly) You Will See a Great Light!
BARR, S. Addi[c]tives
BRESNICK, M. Mending Time
BROOKS, B. Rotations & Ruminations
HARDY-FOWLER, C. Momentum
HIGUCHI, T. Saxophone Quartet
HOHSTADT, L. Impressions
ITO, A. In Motion
KOBAYASHI, S. Voyageurs 3
LAGO, G. Charlas
LESZCZYNSKI, J. Almost Out of the Sky
LOVE. J. Fair Winds and Following Seas
LUTTRELL, C. Quartet No. 1
MCINTONSH, T. On the Playground
MELLITS, M. Ex Machina
PRESTAMO, J. Movement
RATH, E. Fantasia on Vivaldi’s Winter
SHEKHAR, N. eastbound
SIMON, C. Catch on Fire
STAGICH, R. Echoes and Reflections
STAGICH, R. Impressions
STAGICH, R. One Giant Leap
STAGICH, R. The Witching Hour
SYLER, J. Scintilla
WANAMAKER, G. Night Set
WEINBERG, A. the water-clock bleeds
ZUPKO, M. From the Skyline
ZUPKO, M. Quantum Shift