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Saxophone superheroes: Tim McAllister and Andrew Bishop open up about their performance careers and their passion for the instrument
The two educators, who have shared music with audiences around the world, are now pouring their expertise into Interlochen Arts Academy students.
Instructors of Saxophone Tim McAllister (left) and Andrew Bishop (right)
Andrew Bishop and Tim McAllister form the “two-headed dragon” of the saxophone program at Interlochen Arts Academy. As gifted musicians with global notoriety and multiple recordings to their names, they’re taking the saxophone to new levels of beauty and artistry. They’re also committed educators who pour their time and expertise into young students. Here, they offer an inside look into their performing careers and share what they love about their instrument and their work at Interlochen.
When did you first get interested in playing the saxophone?
Andrew Bishop: In fourth grade, I started with clarinet—which I still play—but switched over to saxophone in sixth grade. I started taking it more seriously in high school because of an amazing band director that I had. Her name was Marla Weber, and she was a saxophonist too. From then on, I was connected with all kinds of great teachers. I wish I’d known about the Interlochen experience when I was a high school student, though!
Tim McAllister: I was a child of the 80s, so we all wanted to play saxophone or trumpet or drums. I really liked rock and pop music, and the saxophone had a constant presence in pop culture at that time. So by the time I was in sixth grade, I was off and running. I had great teachers early on that set me up incredibly well, establishing the fundamentals for long-term success.
What is your favorite part about playing the saxophone?
Andrew Bishop: It’s a beautifully designed instrument, and once you get a handle for it, it feels like an extension of your own body. Although I’ve played classical, I'm primarily a jazz player, and I have a great love for improvising on the instrument. It’s been such an important part of who I am as a musician—the ability to use the saxophone as a vehicle for expressing my musical ideas.
Tim McAllister: Andrew and I are the two-headed dragon of this program: he's the jazz side, and I’m the classical side. On the classical side, what's incredibly appealing to me is the versatility of the saxophone. If you’re a strong enough player, you can be a chameleon—you can sound like anything and channel any style of music. The saxophone also has a wonderful ability to bridge the gap in orchestral music between the woodwinds and the brass. The saxophone’s voice is very somber, deep, and rich. It’s often thought of as the wind instrument that most closely resembles the human voice.
Tim McAllister poses with three different kinds of saxophone.
What’s a recent highlight of your performing career?
Andrew Bishop: I recently performed with pianist and composer Kris Davis at the North Sea Jazz Festival and at Smalls Jazz Club in NYC with Gerald Cleaver’s Violet Hour. I also collaborated with Ellen Rowe, who's an amazing pianist currently teaching at the University of Michigan, at a faculty showcase—performing “Útviklingssang” by Carla Bley and “Visa Blues” by Ellen.
Tim McAllister: I'm currently involved in a string of performances of an epic concerto by John Corigliano, and I will be giving my New York Philharmonic debut later this year, playing a saxophone concerto written for me called Triathlon. It’s for a single player who plays three different saxophones.
What is a piece of music that you are really loving to play right now?
Andrew Bishop: I'm constantly learning new music. I have a set tomorrow night at a jazz club in Ann Arbor called the Blue Llama. It's a jazz sextet with drummer Nick Collins, and I'm learning six new tunes for that performance. I perform a lot of original compositions, many of which require significant improvisation.
Tim McAllister: I would have to say Triathlon, because it constantly challenges me to be better, even after multiple performances. It's physically taxing, too. It’s a 30-minute piece, and I relish the challenge of staying in shape for it, both mentally and physically. I’ll even wear a Fitbit when I practice.
Andrew Bishop (far right) performs with others at the Blue Llama Jazz Club in Ann Arbor.
What do you enjoy most about teaching at Interlochen?
Andrew Bishop: High school was a pivotal moment for me that helped me realize what I wanted to do with my life. While I love teaching at the collegiate level, I also really appreciate the opportunity to impact students when they're younger, and give them a set of tools which will hopefully set them up for a lifetime of successful work.
Tim McAllister: Interlochen is an incredible community, and everyone is so invested in every student. You get the feeling that your students are being looked after by a team across the entire campus. I would hope that, from the students’ perspectives, they feel that they are treated with a lot of care and respect.
What is one thing you hope your students remember from working with you?
Andrew Bishop: I am the product of teachers who were absolutely obsessed with music, and seeing their passion had a huge impact on me. I hope that my students can see that I still have that passion, almost a euphoria, a sense of the instrument’s magic. That's something I hope I can pass on to my students.
Tim McAllister: I hope they always remember that my job is to empower them to be the best versions of themselves. It's not about making my students sound exactly like me, or do it exactly my way, or follow in my footsteps. It's about preparing them, and helping them be their best.
Interlochen Arts Academy music students receive mentorship from leading professional musicians, preparing them for success in their chosen fields. Learn more about studying music at Interlochen Arts Academy.
