Ithaca College has maintained a strong saxophone program since its beginning in 1965 with the first saxophone professor, Donald Sinta. Following Sinta was Elizabeth Zinn, Marshall Taylor, and Tim Timmons. These individuals stayed for a few years before moving on to other positions. Dr. Steven Mauk served at the professor of saxophone for 44 years, continuing on the strong foundation that Sinta created and established Ithaca College as one of the premiere centers for saxophone study in the United States. After Mauk, Steven Banks taught for a few years before moving on to a career in performance. Dr. Eric Troiano has served as the saxophone professor for the last 4 years. As an alum of the Ithaca College saxophone studio, he is continuing the great teaching and legacy of the saxophone program.
Countless saxophone graduates have gone on to teach in the public schools, probably the most important achievements of all. Many other students now play professionally or teach in university or colleges. Seventeen of his former students have won positions in the top US military bands, including the US Navy Band, the US Marine Band ("The President's Own"), the US Air Force Band, and the US Naval Academy (Annapolis).
