Jun Watabe

Jun Watabe is an Assistant Professor of Music specializing in Clarinet and Saxophone at Colorado Mesa University. He is also the principal clarinetist for the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra and founder of the CMU faculty wind quintet, Mesa Winds. His education includes a Doctor of Arts (DA) and Master of Music (MM) from the University of Northern Colorado, and a Bachelor of Arts from Aichi Prefectural University of Fine Arts and Music, Japan.

Watabe's career spans international performances as a soloist with orchestras such as the Arctic Chamber Orchestra, Grand Junction Symphony, and Littleton Symphony Orchestra. He has premiered new works at major conferences, including the 13th World Saxophone Congress and Thailand International Saxophone Conference. His recordings include collaborations with the Tokyo-Bach-Band and Collegio Saxophone Quartet.

Recognized for his artistry, Watabe has won all solo and concerto competitions during his graduate studies at UNC. He holds the distinction of commissioning Emerson Eads' Triple Concerto for Two, premiered at the North American Saxophone Alliance Conference. His teaching roles include prior experience at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and current leadership in clarinet and saxophone instruction at Colorado Mesa University.

• Awards: Saxophone Fellowship at Aspen Music Festival (three summers)
• Labs/Teams: Founder of Mesa Winds faculty quintet