BIOGRAPHY

A Washington, D.C. native, Geoffrey Deibel is a leading, innovative voice for the teaching and performance of the saxophone and contemporary music. He maintains a multi-faceted career as performer, teacher, and researcher. New projects for 2024-2025 include commissions from Tyshawn Sorey, Amadeus Regucera, and Ingrid Laubrock, performed by Trio Nebbia and a new ensemble with Duo Cortona. His most recent recordings include Iannis Xenakis’ Dmaathen with percussionist Ji Hye Jung, and his debut solo recording, “Ex Uno Plures.” He has performed with contemporary music ensembles such as the Wet Ink Ensemble (“Missing Scenes” recording now available) and the International Contemporary Ensemble at the Park Avenue Armory (NYC) in the full North American Premiere of Louis Andriessen’s De Materie. He has also given recitals throughout the U.S. and in Europe, and been an invited guest lecturer at several conservatories in Europe and many Universities in the US. He has appeared at the Internationale Ferienkurse für Neue Musik, Darmstadt, the International Iannis Xenakis Festival in Athens, Greece, and World Saxophone Congresses in the UK, Europe, and Thailand. 

Geoff has commissioned new works by a wide range of composers, including Drew Baker, Caleb Burhans, Viet Cuong, Nathan Davis, Claudio Gabriele, Martin Iddon, Ingrid Laubrock, Robert Lemay, Marc Mellits, Joseph Michaels, Forrest Pierce, David Rakowski, Amadeus Regucera, David Reminick, Jesse Ronneau, Tyshawn Sorey, and Eric Wubbels. He has also premiered the music of Louis Andriessen, Georges Aperghis, Jason Eckardt, Hiroyki Itoh, Pierre Jodlowski, Marc Mellits, Elliott Sharp, Jagoda Szmytka, Mari Takano, Hans Thomalla, and Amy Williams. 

Geoff is a member of the critically acclaimed h2 quartet, first prize winners at the Fischoff Competition and NASA Quartet Competitions, finalists at the Concert Artists Guild Competition, and recipients of multiple Aaron Copland Fund Grants. The American Record Guide has hailed h2 as a group of "artistic commitment...boasting superb blend, solid technique, [and] tight rhythm." h2 has seven recordings available, and maintains a non-profit organization to promote the creation of new works for the saxophone quartet. Geoff is also a seasoned orchestral performer, and serves as principal saxophonist with the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra. He previously served in the same capacity with the Wichita Symphony, and has also performed with the New World Symphony and Grant Park Symphony. 

Geoff holds degrees in history and music from Northwestern University, and a doctoral degree from Michigan State University. His principal teachers have included Joseph Lulloff, Frederick Hemke, Leo Saguiguit, and Reginald Jackson. Geoff has held teaching positions at the University of Florida and Wichita State University, where he was the recipient of the 2015 College of Fine Arts Award for Scholarly and Creative Activity, and the 2016 WSU Faculty Award for Excellence in Creative Activity. He currently serves as Associate Professor of Saxophone at Florida State University, where he was awarded a SEED Grant to fund projects from 2024-2027. He also serves on the faculty of the Cortona Sessions for New Music, and the Great Plains Saxophone Workshop. Geoff is a Yamaha, Vandoren, and LefreQue performing artist, and performs on Yamaha Saxophones, and Vandoren reeds, ligatures, and mouthpieces exclusively.

News & Updates

6.18.24 h2 quartet completed a recording project of a saxophone octet by Carter Pann at the legendary Electrical Audio studios in Chicago in early May—it was an incredible experience to be in that space, although it occurred during a period of deep mourning following the passing of the great Steve Albini. I also gave a masterclass for the saxophone studio at my alma mater, Northwestern University that was very special for me for obvious reasons. I found out a few weeks ago that I was a recipient of a Florida State University SEED Grant. I am elated to have received this award, as it will allow me a wealth of artistic activity over the next three years (and beyond)! I already have several of the commissioning projects in the works that this award will fund (more information soon!) and there will be a number of concert tours and recordings in the works as well. I look forward to sharing some of the amazing artists I’ll be working with in the very near future. Huge thanks to the Council on Research and Creativity at Florida State University for their support of my activities!

4.27.24 Yet another year has passed, my sixth at FSU — my students are out and about doing great things and although I’m well and truly ready for some time off, I’m also looking forward to all the great things that will happen next year. h2 quartet has completed some fun projects this year: a world premiere of a new arrangement of Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate’s Pisachi for string quartet, and our premiere of Viet Cuong’s Second Nature with the University of Oklahoma’s Wind Symphony. We’re also gearing up for a recording session in Chicago in a few weeks (more on that soon!).

4.27.23 It’s been an incredibly busy year — many student successes to be proud of, as another year of teaching and performances in the books ends on a satisfying note. I received the news that I will be tenured and promoted to Associate Professor of Saxophone at Florida State University. Additionally, I’ve added my summer activities to my “Engagements” area, along with some upcoming fall and winter performances. It’s going to be a busy upcoming couple of months! One more thing to look forward to: my recording of Iannis Xenakis’ Dmaathen with the great Ji Hye Jung will be released very soon; I’ll post it when it’s completed! See you all on the road!

9.20.22 Another recent recording to share: I collaborated with beat maker and sound artist Van Orhari (Atlanta, GA) last year in an improvisation that was recorded and then processed by Van into a new song on his debut album, “Retrogress Transmissions.” You can check out his album on his Bandcamp page. Additionally, I’ve recently added some of my dates for performances for this fall. I look forward to seeing everyone in the concert (or lecture) hall!

5.11.22 My solo album “Ex Uno Plures” is now out on Blue Griffin Recordings!! The recording features music by Steve Reich, Klas Torstensson, Drew Baker, Alex Mincek, David Reminick, Luciano Berio, and Joseph Michaels. This project has been a long time in getting finished, but I’m overjoyed with the final product and especially excited to share music written by some of my closest musical friends. Click the album cover above to purchase.

Engagements

h2 quartet

Saxophone Equipment

Soprano

Yamaha EXG Soprano Saxophone
Vandoren S15 Mouthpiece
Vandoren S27 Mouthpiece
Vandoren M/O Ligature
Vandoren 3.5 Traditional Reed

Tenor

Yamaha EX Tenor Saxophone
Vandoren T20 Mouthpiece
Vandoren T8 Mouthpiece
Vandoren M/O Ligature
Vandoren 3.5 Traditional/Java Green Reed