Saxology® was originally formed in 1980, when the saxophone and rhythm sections of the top Eastman Jazz Ensemble got together to play the published repertoire of the professional jazz group Supersax. With a dedication toward finding new and interesting ways for the saxophone section to play together, Saxology® has grown into an ensemble with its own unique identity and repertoire. Most all of the arrangements and compositions are written by Ramon Ricker and current or former members of the band. Its “book” now ranges from swing to free, with an ample portion of hard bop music in between. Since its beginning the group has received widespread acclaim including awards in 1981, 1987, 1991 and 1995 from Down Beat magazine for Best College Instrumental Jazz Group. Individually its members have “graduated” to the bands of Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, Maynard Ferguson, Count Basie, Wynton Marsalis, Chick Corea, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Harry Connick, Jr., Frank Sinatra, Freddie Hubbard, and Doc Severinsen and the Tonight Show Orchestra. Saxology® can often be heard in concert settings in Upstate New York. Other notable performances include two tours of southern Germany, concerts at the International Association of Jazz Educator’s Conference in Washington, D.C. and Boston, the Montreal Quebec and Montreaux, Switzerland Jazz Festivals and the Seventh World Saxophone Congress in Nuremberg, Germany. The group has recorded one LP for Mark Records and two CDs for Advance Music, with Jerry Bergonzi and Bob Mintzer as guest soloists. Saxology® is strictly extracurricular and is assembled on demand for special concerts, performances, and projects.