Nathanael Ankeny is an Associate Professor of Music at George Fox University in Newberg, OR, where he teaches jazz improvisation, applied saxophone, theory, aural skills, arts appreciation, and serves as the director of the University’s Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combos. 

His first album of original compositions, Joy in the Making, was released in September 2023, and features Justin Copeland, Randy Porter, Patrick Golichnik, and Todd Strait. As an active performer, Ankeny can be heard regularly with his trio in the greater Portland area. As a jazz director he has performed with and/or led performances with Matt Wilson, Dave Pietro, Erica von Kleist, John Clayton, Benny Green, Wycliffe Gordon, Allan Chase, Byron Stripling, Katie Thiroux, Dan Balmer, Randy Halberstadt, Justin Copeland, Joseph L. Jefferson, George Colligan, Greg Goebel and Jason Palmer. His accomplishments as a classical saxophonist include performing as a featured soloist with the Spokane Symphony and with the Portland Wind Symphony.

Ankeny’s commitment to music education extends well beyond the university. He facilitates a thriving jazz and small-ensemble program for youth, teaches private saxophone and clarinet lessons in the community, and serves as a clinician for contests and festivals. He has presented at the Jazz Education Network conferences in Dallas, TX and Atlanta, GA, and at Oregon Music Educators Association Conferences. Ankeny holds degrees in both classical and jazz performance from Whitworth University and a Master’s degree in jazz pedagogy from Eastern Washington University. He has studied with Rob Tapper, Todd DelGiudice, Sylvia Baker, Brent Edstrom, Dan Keberle, and David Fague. He resides in Newberg, OR with his wife and three children.