Dr. Oliver Santana

A native of the island of Puerto Rico, Oliver Santana has been on the music scene for over 18 years. His talents as a gifted saxophonist, woodwind doubler, arranger, and educator have made him an in-demand musician who has performed in various venues around the world. As a multi-skilled musician, you can often find Oliver in the Jazz, Classical, and Latin Music scenes.

Oliver began his musical studies at Berklee College of Music, and received his
bachelor’s degree in Classical Saxophone from, The Conservatory of Music in Puerto Rico. He later moved to Georgia to serve as the arranger and Lead Alto Saxophonist in the world traveling Warner Robins Air Force Band. He was awarded tuition assistance and completed his Master’s Degree in Jazz Studies at Georgia State University, under the guidance of Dr. Gordon Vernick. Oliver recently completed his terminal degree (DMA) at Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University. Under the mentorship of Dr. Paul Cohen.

As a music educator, Oliver began his teaching career in Caguas, Puerto Rico at the Caguas Cultural Center at the young age of 22. Living in Georgia, he also taught music theory and aural skills at Instituto CanZion. Currently, Oliver is the Woodwind specialist at the Music Tech Contemporary Music School, and also holds a faculty position at County College of Morris as a Saxophone Professor.

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

• The Growling Sax Professional Artist Endorsement (2020)
• Grammy Award Winning Saxophonist for his participation on the Album, Covered: Alive in Asia (Israel & New Breed) (2015)
• Winner of the Annual Graduate Concerto Competition (Classical Saxophone), Mason Gross School of the Arts (2014)
• Teaching Assistant, Mason Gross Jazz Department (2014)
• P. Mauriat Professional Artist Endorsement (2008)
• Graduate Assistantship Awared, Georgia State University (2008)

MUSICAL PRODUCTIONS
(Piccolo, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophones, and Oboe)

• Pajama Games; County College of Morris
• Little Mermaid; County College of Morris
• Hunch Back; County College of Morris
• West Side Story; County College of Morris
• Sweeney Todd; County College of Morris
• Secret Garden; County College of Morris
• Adams Family, The Comedy
• Heathers the Musical