Bio
“Jordan has a powerful voice on saxophone, finding his voice through the study of jazz and its tradition, yet telling his story through the lens of his Korean cultural traditions.”
Jordan VanHemert
Saxophonist, composer and educator Jordan VanHemert has four critically acclaimed releases to his credit, and a fifth on the way in early 2024 (featuring Terell Stafford, producer Michael Dease, Helen Sung, Rodney Whitaker and Lewis Nash). Born in Korea and raised in Michigan, VanHemert makes music rooted in the jazz tradition and guided by a resolute political consciousness, illuminating issues of race and social justice. With a penchant for modern, swinging melodicism, he pays homage to his Korean roots while drawing on the blues-infused hard bop tradition handed down to him by his mentors.
VanHemert has played with the likes of John Daversa, Dmitri Matheny, Rodney Whitaker, John Webber, Geri Allen, Chris Vadala, Vince DiMartino and Dave Eggar. He has performed at ShapeShifter Lab, The Painted Bride, The Blue Llama, Edgefest, Elkhart Jazz Festival, the Korean Cultural Foundation of Philadelphia and many more. Holding a DMA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an MM from the University of Michigan, he has conducted masterclasses and clinics at Ohio State University, University of Wyoming, Central Michigan University and a host of other institutions. He is currently planning a Korean album release tour in June 2024.
An integral part of VanHemert’s mission is to advocate for API and BIPOC representation through his art, in part by sharing Korean culture, perspectives and storytelling through music. He has co-chaired a number of diversity committees including the North American Saxophone Alliance Committee on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging and Accessibility.
Jordan VanHemert is a Vandoren Artist-Clinician, Selmer Paris Saxophones Performing Artist, and KeyLeaves endorsing artist. He is Director of Jazz Studies at Northeastern State University in Oklahoma, and previously at Columbus State University’s Schwob School of Music in Georgia. He has earned awards for his exemplary teaching and his commitment to students in and outside the classroom.
What They’re Saying
“An authoritative sound, a refined bandleader instinct and penetrating musical intelligence at work.”
“The craft is tight, the feeling is refreshing, the sound is quick and precise, and the gestalt brings the individual voices of the musicians into group form.”
— Robin James, All About Jazz
“Creative, grounded, and strikingly passionate.”
“[The music’s] reflective nature seams to speak in healing and optimistic terms.”
— C. Andrew Hovan, All About Jazz
Jordan’s Equipment Setups
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Selmer Supreme 92DL Alto Saxophone
Vandoren V16 Mouthpiece (A7S+ Tip Opening)
Vandoren M|O Ligature (Pink Gold Plated)
Vandoren ZZ reeds (strength 3)
Meridian Winds Heavy mass ergonomic neck screw
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Selmer Series III Soprano Saxophone
Vandoren V16 mouthpiece (S7 tip opening)
Vandoren M|O Ligature
Vandoren Java Red reeds (Strength 3)
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Selmer Mark VI tenor saxophone
KB Vanguard copper neck
Vandoren V16 metal mouthpiece
Vandoren Optimum ligature
Vandoren ZZ reeds (Strength 3)
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Trevor James silver flute
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Noblet Paris clarinet
Vandoren BD5 mouthpiece
Vandoren 56 Rue Lepic reeds (strength 3)
