Parker is a saxophonist and woodwind player originally from the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. He discovered his love for music early on through the saxophone and participated in numerous honor bands, including All-State and the University of Minnesota Honor Band, even performing with his dad’s blues band. He earned his degree in Applied Saxophone Performance from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, where he studied under Michael Shults, Aaron Hedenstrom, and Alastair Wright. During his time there, Parker performed as principal saxophonist in the top concert band, won the school’s concerto competition with his saxophone quartet, and was a semifinalist in the Classics Alive Young Artist National Competition. He also composed and arranged across many genres and collaborated with the professional chamber group Ymusic during a year-long residency.

Parker was a four-year member of Eau Claire’s Grammy-nominated Jazz 1 band, playing both lead alto and tenor saxophone. He performed with renowned artists like Doc Severinsen, Bob Mintzer, and Bobby Sanabria. Parker also contributed to Jazz 1’s recognition by DownBeat magazine for the award of Best Undergraduate Big Band in 2017 and 2018. He also performed with the band at the prestigious Midwest Clinic. Beyond saxophone, Parker is also skilled in clarinet and flute, especially in jazz and pit orchestra settings. Now based in Flagstaff, he works as a ski patroller at Arizona Snowbowl and shares a life with his partner, a dedicated local music teacher. Together, they enjoy exchanging ideas on teaching and inspiring the next generation of musicians.