01/20/2026
Continuing our "Meet the Teach" series, we are proud to feature Perignon (Perri) Espinoza. Are you interested in Latin music, jazz, contemporary, or classical saxophone? All Saxes? Bass? Perri has got a space for you!!! It's not too late to register at www.msmaa.org!
Perri is a multi-faceted performer, music educator, and advocate of jazz and string programs in the Clarksville area. He currently studies classical and jazz saxophone under Dr. Lucas Hopkins, upholding strong saxophone traditions from Eugene Rosseau and Tim McAllister. He has currently or previously performed with the Austin Peay Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Governors Own Marching Band, Jazz Combo, Big Band, GO Band, Pep Band, Commercial Ensemble, Saxophone Ensemble, and Latin Music Ensemble. He is expected to graduate from APSU with his Bachelor's in Instrumental Music Education in the Spring of 2027. He plans to attend Texas State University to pursue a Master's degree in Latin Music Studies with a concentration in salsa music. One of his proudest musical achievements was co-founding the APSU Latin Music Ensemble 'Sin Fronteras', a performing university ensemble dedicated to performing popular, contemporary and traditional music from Latin America and the Caribbean. He currently serves as its bassist and bandleader. Outside of Austin Peay, Perri can be seen playing saxophone and bass in local and private events with Son de Clarksville, a Latin music orchestra that emerged as a direct result of Austin Peay's Latin Music Ensemble - another group he is just as proud to be involved to be a part of. He is a tuba and low brass teacher at West Creek High School and the instructor for its revitalized jazz band program. He is also a bass singer for the United Methodist Church choir in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Last but certainly not least, Perri is the baritone saxophonist for the Spark Quartet, a collegiate saxophone quartet that plays contemporary and classical repertoire. Perri's life blood is music, and he believes that it should be experienced with anyone and everyone, no matter where you are or what your relationship is with it at any point in your life.