Dr. Paul G. White
After obtaining his Bachelor of Music degree at Appalachian State University, he pursued further education at The University of Texas at Austin, where his focus shifted towards the study of jazz saxophone and composition. In 1999, he successfully completed his Masters of Music in composition and proceeded to enroll in the doctoral program at UT Austin, successfully graduating in 2003.
Throughout his academic journey at both institutions, Dr. White had the privilege of learning from a diverse array of composition and performance mentors, including Dan Welcher, Rick Lawn, Rick Margitza, William Gora, and Donald Grantham. Notably, Dr. White has had the honor of performing alongside and creating music for numerous esteemed musicians, both locally and nationally. His collaborations have included luminaries such as Phil Woods, Michael Brecker, Joshua Redman, Jim McNeely, Ernie Watts, Aretha Franklin, Dick Oats, Peter Erskine, Butch Miles, Frank Mantooth, Wayne Newton, Bob Newhart, and many more.
Dr. White's musical journey has taken him around the world, performing with diverse groups representing a wide spectrum of musical styles. He is notably the founding member of The Paul White Quintet, a contemporary jazz ensemble that has graced stages across the nation, including various annual jazz festivals.
In 2008, Dr. White was awarded the role of Baritone Saxophonist with The US Army Field Bands Jazz Ambassadors. As a member of this ensemble, he delivered captivating concerts to audiences numbering in the millions across the United States. Notably, Dr. White had the honor of performing on The Colbert Report, The Toronto Jazz Festival, The 2023 Macy’s 4th Of July Fireworks Celebration and participated in the Kennedy Center Honors tribute to Dave Brubeck.
In 2011, Dr. White's exceptional talents were recognized with the appointment of Staff Arranger for The U.S. Army Field Band. His arrangements and compositions have been showcased by The Concert Band, Soldiers Chorus, Six-String-Soldiers, and The Jazz Ambassadors. In 2019, Dr. White's arrangement of the iconic John Williams composition, "Leia's Theme," garnered the SONIC Outstanding Arrangement Award from The International Society of Jazz Arrangers and Composers. This remarkable achievement was celebrated at the ISJAC Symposium in Greeley, CO.
Today, Dr. White continues to be an active force in the world of music. He dedicates his talents to composing and performing with local ensembles in the vibrant Washington D.C./Baltimore region while also touring across the nation to deliver captivating concerts and insightful clinics.