Gregory Rife

Gregory Rife is an Instructor of Music at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU), where he teaches saxophone and music theory. He is an active performer as a soloist and as the tenor saxophonist of the award-winning Colere Quartet.

His educational background includes:

• Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music in saxophone performance from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• Pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in saxophone performance at the University of Iowa

Rife's expertise centers on saxophone performance, music education, and chamber music, with significant contributions to wind band literature. His performance career includes concerto soloist appearances with major ensembles and world premieres at national conferences, reflecting deep engagement with contemporary saxophone repertoire.

His notable awards include:

• Gold Medal at the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition
• First Prize at the Plowman Chamber Music Competition
• State Winner of the MTNA Young Artist Solo Competition
• Division Achievement Award in Music Education
• A.A Harding Award (awarded twice)

As an educator, Rife has mentored students to national recognition including Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and Tournament of Roses Parade performances. His teaching career spans Lewis University (music theory instructor), Lincoln-Way Community High School (saxophone instructor), and Monmouth College (Assistant Band Director), with students consistently achieving ILMEA honor band placements.

Rife actively performs with the Colere Quartet, which completed the 2020 Fischoff Gold Medal Tour featuring educational outreach programs nationwide.