Saxophone professor Joe Eckert was named the new Director of Jazz Studies of the TCU School of Music, according to a release from the university.

Eckert will take over the position from Curt Wilson, who retired from the university at the end of the school year after a career that spanned 35 years at the university.

Eckert has taught at the university since 2007. Before coming to TCU, Eckert was the lead alto saxophonist/woodwind specialist and music director of the Air Force “Airmen of Note,” the top jazz ensemble of the armed forces for over 20

years.

In addition to his work at the university and Air Force, Eckert has also toured with the Dallas and Fort Worth Symphony, as well as the National Symphony Orchestra. He’s also toured with such musicians like Liza Menelli and Nelson Riddle.