Paul DeMarinis is a Saint Louis native and is a very crucial member of the saxophone community. As the director of Jazz Studies at Webster University from 1988 to 2023, Paul has heavily influenced a large number of saxophonists around the country, including several Saxquest employees who studied with him and have been heavily impacted by his work and teachings. As a performer and educator, Paul has been involved in a number of workshops including Jamey Aebersold Summer Workshop as well the International Summer Jazz Academy in Poland. Paul also has a long association as a saxophonist with the St. Louis Symphony, having performed at Powell Howell, as well as New York's Carnegie Hall and overseas. Earlier this year Paul officially retired from his position at Webster University. He was also awarded the prestigious Clark Terry Jazz Ambassador award in March.

Kim Portnoy is the Director of Composition at Webster University, where he teaches classes in jazz theory, composition, and orchestration. He is recognized as a versatile composer for both classical and jazz, having received commissions from numerous institutions. His compositions have been featured nationally and internationally at the Eastman Summer Trombone Institute in Rochester, New York; the Choral Music Experience Institute in Arvika, Sweden; the Guitar Foundation of America Conference at Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Ohio and two International Association of Jazz Educators conferences: New Orleans and Atlanta. Kim is a gifted pianist, performing with the Webster Faculty Jazz Ensemble as well as his own trio and big band, and has appeared on several recordings.

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