Described as having an “effective sense of phrasing and dynamic sensitivity” (Florida Classical Review), Dr. Dannel Espinoza has built a career dedicated to virtuosic performance, innovative collaborations, and expanding the voice of the saxophone. A D’Addario Performing Artist, he has captivated audiences across North America, Europe, and Asia as a soloist, chamber musician, and educator.

A South Florida native, Dr. Espinoza serves as Assistant Professor of Saxophone at The University of Southern Mississippi. He has been a featured artist and clinician at institutions including Florida State University, Penn State University, and the Eastman School of Music, and in 2023, he hosted the North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) Biennial Conference in Hattiesburg, MS, one of the most prestigious saxophone events in North America, bringing together leading artists, educators, and students for performances, masterclasses, and discussions shaping the future of the instrument. As part of this conference, he premiered Alan Theisen’s Concerto for Baritone Saxophone and Wind Ensemble, further cementing his role as an advocate for new music and contemporary saxophone performance.

Dr. Espinoza’s primary performance outlet is Project Fusion, a trailblazing saxophone quartet featuring Doug O’Connor, Aiwen Zhang, and Matt Evans. One of Project Fusion’s most notable recent performances took place at MAGFest 2024, one of the largest video game music festivals in the world. Their program, reimagining video game soundtracks through the lens of the saxophone, was a major success, engaging new audiences with their bold and imaginative approach. With several video game-related projects currently in development, Project Fusion continues to explore the intersection of classical chamber music and contemporary digital culture. An award-winning ensemble, Project Fusion earned Grand Prize and Audience Choice Award at the Plowman Chamber Music Competition, Gold Medal at the Fischoff Chamber Music Competition, and top prizes at the Coleman, Arriaga, MTNA, and NASA Quartet Competitions.

Beyond his work with Project Fusion, Dr. Espinoza was the founding assistant director and member of the Eastman Saxophone Project, the first conductor-less saxophone ensemble in the U.S. His experience with this ensemble sparked a passion for arranging, as he sought to adapt large-scale orchestral works and string quartets to the unique textures and capabilities of saxophone ensembles and quartets. The challenges of reimagining orchestral balance and articulation for a unified saxophone sound drove him to develop arrangements that maintain the essence of the original compositions while showcasing the instrument’s full expressive range.. These include Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, Saint-Saëns’ Danse Macabre and Organ Symphony, Borodin’s String Quartet No. 2, Chopin’s Revolutionary Etude, and Bedřich Smetana’s Moldau, each crafted to highlight the depth and versatility of the saxophone’s orchestral and chamber capabilities.

Dr. Espinoza has performed with ensembles including the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, Miami City Ballet, Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra, Meridian Symphony Orchestra, New World Symphony, and the Miami Symphony Orchestra, bringing his distinct artistry to both classical and contemporary works. As an undergraduate student, he earned top prizes at the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Young Artist Competition, the Tucson Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition, and the Arizona Music Teachers Association Young Artist Competition.

Dr. Espinoza earned his Doctor of Musical Arts from the Eastman School of Music, where he was awarded the Performer’s Certificate, a distinction reserved for musicians of exceptional artistry. He also holds degrees from Florida State University and Northern Arizona University, having studied under Jonathan Bergeron, Patrick Meighan, and Chien-Kwan Lin. Before joining USM, he served on the faculties of Florida Atlantic University, Roberts Wesleyan College, and The Pine Crest School.

Looking ahead, Dr. Espinoza continues to push the saxophone into new creative spaces, from classical concert halls to the world of video game music and digital media. Whether on stage, in the classroom, or behind the music stand, his mission is clear: to inspire, to innovate, and to connect audiences with the power of sound.