Session Proposals

Origin Records recording artist Jordan VanHemert is a saxophonist and composer based in Oklahoma. Hailed by legendary bassist Rodney Whitaker for his “powerful voice on the saxophone”,

VanHemert is currently touring as a bandleader and has performed in iconic venues across the United States. Acclaimed for his "adept and purposeful" solos that "swing surely and easily in the manner of Sonny Rollins" (All About Jazz), VanHemert’s compositions pay homage to his Korean roots and his inspiration from blues-infused hard bop tradition that was handed down to him by his mentors.

VanHemert can be heard on over 15 commercial recordings, including four critically acclaimed releases as a leader. His fifth project will be released in 2024 on Origin Records and will feature VanHemert alongside jazz luminaries Rodney Whitaker, Helen Sung, Lewis Nash, Michael Dease, and Terell Stafford. VanHemert has performed or recorded with some of the most celebrated artists in jazz, including Rodney Whitaker, John Webber, Dmitri Matheny, Chris Vadala, Geri Allen, Vince DiMartino, and more.

Passionate about empowering the next generation of musicians, Dr. VanHemert currently teaches at Northeastern State University where he leads the Jazz Studies and Commercial Music major and serves as the Director of the NSU Jazz Ensemble. Previously, he has served on the faculties of the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University and Hope College, earning awards for exemplary teaching and his commitment to students in and outside the classroom.

VanHemert is a Vandoren Artist-Clinician, Selmer Paris Saxophones Performing Artist, and KeyLeaves endorsing artist. He performs exclusively on Vandoren reeds and mouthpieces and Selmer Paris saxophones, and he uses KeyLeaves products on all of his saxophones. He holds degrees from Central Michigan University, the University of Michigan, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

In jazz improvisation pedagogy, we have many materials to teach harmony and linear jazz language. However, in doing this, we often sideline the most important aspect of the music: rhythm. In hearing and adjudicating improvisation at jazz festivals around the country, Dr. VanHemert has developed a rhythmic approach to getting students to sound stylistically authentic while maximizing their learning. By examining subdivision and awareness of how articulation can create time, the improviser can be empowered to think creatively at any tempo. Dr. VanHemert will give practical exercises and advice on how to play styles from ballads to uptempo swing (250 bpm+) by using a rhythmic framework whose philosophy can be explained by quoting the great Jimmy Lunceford “Rhythm is our business.”

• Band - Middle School
• Band - Secondary

It could be sponsored, we are unsure of the process for that. Dr. VanHemert is a sponsored Vandoren and Selmer artist currently.