MJ Hansen

MJ Faris hails from Phoenix, Arizona and has been inspired by Lisa Simpson ever since 2005 to play the saxophone. In high school, MJ fell in love with music theory, playing bari, and jamming with her friends in a self-run gypsy jazz combo. MJ attended the University of Oregon and participated in the Oregon Marching Band. After completing an 18-month proselyting mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, she decided to pursue a music degree at Boise State University.

MJ one of the original members of Rippin’ Brass, a student-run brass band that plays anything from dixieland to pop to klezmer. Rippin’ Brass has played at several parties, events, and festivals, including Downtown Boise’s First Thursday, JUMP, The Olympic, and her personal favorite, leading the Tour De Fat bicycle parade.Along with Rippin’ Brass, MJ has participated in the Boise State Jazz Ensemble, Symphonic Winds, the Bill Rankin Quartet and Saxophone Choir. She also enjoys participating in student chamber ensembles organized by composition students that play original works.

In the future, MJ desires to promote Jazz Education in her community and help inspire young musicians by teaching them the wonders of jazz and music theory.