WC’s Sanders receives 2026 Legends of Jazz Artist Award
Fredrick Sanders, director of jazz studies at Weatherford College, received the 2026
Jazz Artist Award recipient by the D’JAM consortium as part of its annual Legends
of Jazz honors recognizing individuals who have made a lasting impact on jazz in North
Texas and beyond.
The Jazz Artist Award recognizes a distinguished artist whose body of work, community involvement and contributions to the evolution of jazz exemplify collaboration and support for fellow musicians. Sanders was selected for a career that spans international performance, recording and jazz education.
An internationally recognized pianist, cellist, composer and educator, Sanders has performed with artists including Wynton Marsalis, Roy Hargrove, Erykah Badu, Benny Golson and Dr. John. His work encompasses a broad range of jazz traditions, from New Orleans styles and swing to bebop and avant-garde music.
He has appeared at major festivals and venues throughout the United States, Europe and Japan.
A WC Distinguished Alumnus Award winner, Sanders began his musical studies as a classical cellist before expanding into jazz. He later earned degrees from Texas State University and the University of Arkansas at Monticello.
Throughout his career, he has taught at institutions including Tulane University, the University of North Texas and Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, where he led the jazz program.
As director of jazz studies at WC, Sanders oversees a program designed for emerging artists from diverse musical backgrounds. The program emphasizes performance, production and entrepreneurship while preparing students for careers across the evolving music industry.
Weatherford College's jazz studies program serves instrumentalists, vocalists, producers and songwriters. Students study music theory, arranging, improvisation, songwriting and business practices while gaining hands-on experience in recording, live performance and collaborative projects.
In 2025, Sanders was inducted into the Steinway & Sons Teacher Hall of Fame in recognition of his impact as an educator.
The award marks the second consecutive year a Weatherford College educator has been recognized through the Legends of Jazz program.
In 2025, former WC Dean of Fine Arts Duane Durrett received the Jazz Educator Award, honoring his 50 years of music education at the college.