Dale W. Underwood is professor at the Frost School of Music. An active performer for nearly five decades, Underwood has developed a world renowned reputation as a phenomenal saxophone soloist and a teacher. Hailing from Cortland, NY, Underwood began playing the saxophone at 9 years old. In high school, Underwood had the privilege of studying with Donald Sinta, who was then professor of saxophone at nearby Ithaca College. Underwood entered the prestigious U.S. Navy Concert band as second alto saxophonist in 1968 and was promoted to principal saxophonist and designated as a tour soloist within 6 months. At age 20 on his first tour, Underwood was not only the youngest bandmember at the time, but also one of the youngest tour soloists in the history of military ensembles. After serving as a tour soloist for the next 28 years, Underwood likely also became the longest-serving soloist in the military bands and the most-heard saxophonist in the history of the instrument.
Underwood has performed in 49 of the 50 states and many countries across the world including Canada, Cuba, Brazil, England, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, France, Sweden, Italy, China, and more. His audience has included seven United States Presidents, countless other dignitaries, and even a Pope. Underwood was dubbed "The Heifetz of the alto saxophone" by the Washington Post and "The American Leader" by Don Sinta. Composers likewise have praised Underwood - Paul Creston describing him as "a phenomenal master of the saxophone and a supreme artist," while Vincent Persichetti declared him a "tremendous saxophonist!" Underwood has been a guest numerous times at the American Bandmasters Association conference, Midwest Clinic, College Band Directors National Association conference, World Saxophone Congress, and the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles conference. By virtue of the unmatched publicity he brought to the classical saxophone, Underwood has elicited dozens of new works, expanding the saxophone repertoire. Composers who have written for Underwood include Walter Hartley, Clare Grundman, Jay Chattaway, Alan Vizzutti, Ralph Martino, Elliot Del Borgo, Mary Jeanne Van Appledorn, Jeff Taylor, Harold Shiffman, David Ward, Claude Smith, and many more.
In high demand as a guest soloist, Underwood has appeared with the Boston Pops Orchestra, the Australian Wind Orchestra, the McLean Orchestra, the Army Band of Brussels, the Scotts Guard, the Irish Guard, and hundreds of high school, university, and community ensembles. He has performed under the baton of Fred Fennel, Karel Husa, Arnald Gabriel and others. After his retirement, Underwood was recruited to participate in major music festivals in Brazil and other South American countries where was in integral part of the introduction and establishment of classical saxophone. Venues performed in include multiple appearances at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Symphony Hall, the Mormon Tabernacle, Disney Hall, and others.
Besides leading a brilliant performing career, Underwood is also a master teacher and pedagogue. He founded and assisted in several organizations which have promoted the saxophone and provided invaluable educational resources to all serious saxophone students across the globe. In 1978 for example, Underwood started the International Navy Band Saxophone Symposium, which has developed into a large conference attracting thousands of saxophone enthusiasts each year. Furthermore, Underwood was one of the founders and original investors of the Saxophone Journal, which remained in print until 2013. Elected twice as president of the North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA), Underwood prevented the organization from splitting up due to financial difficulties and expanded its scope and purpose.
Underwood's discography of four records and numerous CDs has garnered raving reviews both in the United States and abroad. Earning particular distinction for his impressive command of the altissimo range, musical expression, and vibrant tone, Underwood has helped raise the performance standard and inspired thousands of saxophonists throughout the world. Dale and his wife Robyn currently reside in Cutler Bay, FL.
