J. Eric Wilson is currently entering his twelfth year at Abilene Christian University where he is Director of Bands and Associate Professor of Conducting and Saxophone. Dr. Wilson oversees the ACU band program while conducting the "Big Purple" Marching Band and Wind Ensemble. He teaches the saxophone studio, conducting classes, and woodwind education courses. He is a 2001 recipient of the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Michigan in Wind Conducting and previous academic degrees include the Bachelor of Music Education from Abilene Christian University and the Master of Music in Saxophone Performance from the University of Michigan. Prior to his university appointment, Dr. Wilson taught in the Texas public school system.

Dr. Wilson has had extensive performance experience as saxophone soloist and chamber musician. He has performed with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, San Antonio Symphony, and as featured soloist with the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra, University of Michigan Chamber Orchestra, Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra, San Angelo Symphony, Abilene Collegiate Orchestra, and numerous wind ensembles. Dr. Wilson has been a featured performer in national and regional conventions of the Texas Music Educators Association and North American Saxophone Alliance.

As founding member of the former professional saxophone quartet, Resounding Winds, Dr. Wilson received awards and honors from the National Endowment for the Arts, Aaron Copland Fund for Music, Meet the Composer, American Composers Forum, Texas Commission on the Arts, Abilene Cultural Affairs Council, Fischoff Chamber Music Competition, and Vienna Modern Masters International Recording Competition.

Recently Dr. Wilson released his first solo album, "Near to the Heart of God," which is a reflective collection of classic hymns and contemporary worship songs. In addition to his performing opportunities as conductor and saxophonist, Dr. Wilson enjoys spending time with his wife, Lynette, and four children, Blake, Meredith, Luke and Caleb.