Ora Paul Haar

Associate Professor of Saxophone
Area of Focus: Music, Woodwind
B.M.-Saxophone Performance-The University of Kansas (1994)
M.M.-Saxophone Performance-The University of Kansas (1996)
D.M.A.-Saxophone Performance with an Emphasis in Jazz-The University of Texas at Austin (2004)


Acclaimed saxophonist Paul Haar has contributed his notable talent to numerous projects in both the jazz and classical genres and is recognized as being one of the most versatile saxophonists today. As an active classical musician he has performed throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and South America performing in such noted venues as Carnegie Hall, Spivey Hall, The Shanghai Conservatory, The Theatro da Paz (Brazil) and the Tanglewood Institute. As a soloist he has commissioned and performed featured works by Jack Cooper, Jessie Krebs, Leslie Hogan, Ben Boone, Kenneth Fuchs, Randal Snyder and has been a featured artist with wind ensembles from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, The University of Texas at Austin, The University of Tennessee, Pacific Lutheran University and The University of South Carolina. In addition to his solo performances he has performed with such ensembles as The Tanglewood Music Center Fellowship Orchestra, The Arapahoe Philharmonic, The Austin Symphony, The Asheville Symphony, Lincoln Symphony and the Omaha Symphony.

In the jazz idiom he has performed with such artists as Gary Foster, Dave Brubeck, James Moody, The Manhattan Transfer, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Phil Woods, and has backed such personalities as Lou Rawls, The Chiffons, Tony Bennett, Michael Buble, Glades Knight and the Temptations. He has recorded on the Sea Breeze label as a member of the Boulevard Big Band (with saxophonist Eric Marienthal and vocalist Kevin Mahogany), the Osland Saxophone Quartet and the Centaur Label ( the Chamber Music of Jack Cooper) In addition to his solo work, Mr. Haar is active in such groups as The Southwest Horns Jazz-Saxophone ensemble, The Nebraska Jazz Orchestra as well has his own duo and quartet. He will release his first featured recording, Central Standard Time in the Summer of 2008.

Actively involved as an educator, he has presented featured clinics and master classes The Shanghai Conservatory, The Carlos Gomes Music Conservatory (Brazil) at The 31st and 32nd Annual International Association for Jazz Education Conferences, The 59th Annual Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, Tennessee Music Educators Association, IAJE Teacher’s Training Institute, Arizona Music Educators Association, Nebraska Music Educators Association, the Tennessee Music Educator’s Association, The Jazz Education Network international conference and numerous regional and national convention of the North American Saxophone alliance He has contributed articles to such publications as the Tennessee Musician, The Instrumentalist, Jazz Times Magazine, Jazz Times Jazz Education Editions (2003, 2004, 2005) the Saxophone Journal (where he was a featured columnist for nearly ten years) and as a product reviewer for Jazz Times Magazine. In 2018 he launched THE SAXOPHONIST Magazine (www.thesaxphonist.org). This unique saxophone-centered publication is viewed in over 40 countries around the world.

A native of Fremont, Nebraska, Dr. Haar received the B.M. and M.M. from The University of Kansas, and received a D.M.A. in Saxophone Performance with an Emphasis in Jazz Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Haar is a performing artist for D’Addario, Rousseau Mouthpieces, Conn-Selmer Instruments, and Keyleaves products. He currently serves as the Associate Professor of Saxophone.

Websites

UNL Jazz Studies UNL Saxophone Studio Paul Haar Music

What do you enjoy the most about being on the faculty at the Glenn Korff School of Music?

Haar: Having the opportunity to work with outstanding young musicians and educators and helping them realize their dreams in music.

What do you want others to know about the Glenn Korff School of Music?

Haar: That the biggest isn’t the best and the best isn’t the biggest.  It is possible to find world-class instruction and opportunities in the heartland of America.

What are you most proud of in the area you work for the Glenn Korff School of Music?

Haar: Bringing a unique perspective and pedagogy to the saxophone that isn’t found in many places across the country.  And that we work with both jazz and classical saxophonist to offer a well-rounded and diverse education.

What do you like to do outside of the Glenn Korff School of Music?

Haar: Publish my online saxophone magazine THESAXOPHONIST.ORG and play tennis with my children.