We are delighted to introduce Mary Petrich, the new Artistic Director of Desert City Jazz.
Saxophonist Mary Petrich has earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Saxophone Performance from Indiana University and a Master of Music degree in Saxophone Performance from Arizona State University. She enjoys a vibrant career as performer and teacher. Her deep love for creativity and improvisation has led her to explore traditional and non-traditional approaches, resulting in a very personalized style of playing and teaching music.
Her education focus includes improvisation for all players and saxophone study in both jazz and classical repertoire. She is director of the Nash Women’s Jazz Initiative and founder of “Nash Jazz DivAZ,” a project that supports jazz education for girls. Mary is also a member of the music faculty at Phoenix College, teaching improvisation and leading jazz combos. She also teaches the Nash Summer Camp, and the Walker West Academy in Minneapolis.
As a performer, Mary has been pursuing her own vision as part of large and small groups including the Phoenix Symphony, the Jazz Women All-Stars, the Temptations, AZ Festival Orchestra, and the Phoenix Chorale. She is also a founding member of the Phoenix Jazz Women Collective and leads her own group, “OpenHand Quartet.”
Make plans now to enjoy our first performance under Mary’s direction on Sunday, July 13, 2:00 at the Nash. Join our private email list to be notified when tickets go on sale.
