Dr. Aaron Hedenstrom

Saxophonist and composer Aaron Hedenstrom has been composing, arranging, and performing music professionally for over a decade. Aaron has performed across the United States as a jazz saxophonist, clinician, and composer.

Aaron has received many awards for his compositions and arrangements, including the Herb Alpert ASCAP Young Jazz Composer Award, the Detroit Jazz Festival Composition Contest, Downbeat Awards, the Jazz Education Network Student Composer Showcase, and the BMI Foundation Future Jazz Master scholarship. Aaron has written numerous big band works, string arrangements, small group pieces, and chamber works. Some of his collaborations have included vibraphonist Stefon Harris, saxophonist Bob Reynolds, the University of North Texas One O'Clock Lab Band, vocalist Marlene Verplanck, singer/actor Don Most, and acclaimed indie artist S. Carey. Aaron has done MIDI production work for Happy Days actor/musician Don Most for an upcoming performance series. In addition, Aaron has recorded and performed with his own big band, the Aaron Hedenstrom Orchestra.

As a saxophone performing artist, Aaron has received numerous Downbeat Awards, including the 2013 Downbeat Award for "Best Graduate Jazz Soloist." He has been featured as a guest artist by universities such as Wichita State University and Eastern Washington University. Aaron has performed at top-tier jazz venues nationwide including Birdland, the Dakota Jazz Club, Snug Harbor, the Next Generation Jazz Festival, Scat Jazz Lounge, and others. Aaron performed with the University of North Texas One O'Clock Lab Band for two years and travelled the country with the band.

Aaron has released two small group CDs as a leader, including two on Shifting Paradigm Records (A Moment of Clarity and The Living Sessions) and one self-released big band CD (A Symphonic Jazz Hip-Hop Experience).

For more information and full list of accomplishments, please view Aaron’s Curriculum Vitae and hear his work at www.aaronhedenstrommusic.com.