Damian Cheek is an emerging saxophonist, educator, and music theorist currently based in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He is nearing completion of a Doctorate in Musical Arts and Master’s in Music Theory from the University of Oklahoma, and holds a Master’s in Music from Oklahoma State University (2016) and a Bachelor’s in Music Education from Tennessee Tech University (2014). Damian has been recognized as a solo and chamber performer and received first place awards at the Naftzger Young Artist Competition (2018), North American Saxophone Alliance Quartet Competition (2018), and Music Teacher's National Association Chamber Music Competition (2018). He also won the University of Oklahoma Concerto Competition in 2019 and has performed as a soloist with the UAFS Jazz Ensemble, OSU Jazz Ensemble, and the Tennessee Tech Wind Ensemble.

Damian has performed internationally as a chamber musician - as a guest with the acclaimed h2 Quartet and as a regular member of the Elysian Quartet. In 2018, Elysian Quartet released their debut album, Red, under the Blue Griffin Recording label. As a proponent of chamber music, Damian strives to broaden the range of music for the saxophone through arrangements and commissioning works by young composers. 

damian.cheek@fortsmithsymphony.org
479-452-7575