Photograph by Micheline Callicot

Wilton has shared the stage with a wide range of popular artists and groups including…

…the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Soulive, Grant Green Jr., Bio Ritmo, Derek Trucks Band, Col. Bruce Hampton, Ike Stubblefield, Charlie Hunter, Toussaint, Kevin Kinney of Drivin’ N’ Cryin’, Marshall Tucker Band, Will Hoge, Mark Mathis, Linda Ronstadt, French Camp, Peter Prince, The Greyhounds, Brian Jones, and the North Carolina Wind Orchestra.

Elder plays saxophone, keyboards, percussion, sings lead & backup, and manages Charleston’s Premier Party Band℠ – Super Deluxe. This all-star group regularly plays high-end private parties and has appeared at exclusive events such as the Family Circle Cup Tournament, Cooper River Bridge Run, Rockin’ on the Point Concert Series, James Island Yacht Club Beach Bash, Charleston County Parks Concert Series, and Madra Rua’s St. Patrick’s Day Block Party.

Wilton is also a founding member of the Rasa Saxophone Quartet, who took the top prize at the 2003 MTNA National Chamber Music Competition in Salt Lake City, UT. The group has performed at Michigan State University, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, University of Wisconsin at Platteville, Millikin University, University of North Texas, University of Minnesota, Brevard Music Center, and Merkin Concert Hall. Rasa recently completed the premiere recording of All These Are Scenes of Life…by Allen Anderson which will be out on Albany Records later this year.

Elder holds a Bachelor of Music (B.M.) from UNC-Chapel Hill and a Master of Music (M.M.) from Michigan State University. He studied primarily under Joseph Lulloff and Brian Doyle and received additional instruction in master classes and lessons from Jean-Marie Londeix, Frederick Fennell, Clifford Leaman, Marianne Ploger and James Forger. As a concert saxophonist, Elder has appeared at various conferences including those hosted by the College Musical Society, North American Saxophone Alliance, and the World Saxophone Congress.

Wilton is an adjunct instructor at Trident Technical College where he teaches MUS105 Music Appreciation. He leads his classes in an understanding of basic music elements, instruments, historical periods, genres, common musical forms, and music theory fundamentals. He also facilitates the students’ skill development in critical thinking, communication, and active listening.

Elder has also instructed beginner and intermediate saxophonists of all ages in private lessons, clinics, and master classes since 1998. He guest lectures throughout the Charleston area at Daniel Island School, Moultrie, Laing, and Cario Middle Schools and James Island, Hanahan, and Wando High Schools. Elder has expanded his private teaching to include piano, voice, and music theory and is now conducting distance learning music lessons using video conferencing software with students throughout the U.S. and Australia. He also guest adjudicates the Charleston All-County Band auditions and has written the book, All-State Sight Reading: 42 Sight Reading Exercises for Treble Clef Instruments.

Wilton currently resides, composes, teaches, records, performs in Charleston, SC. In addition to leading his own groups and performing as a solo artist, he has appeared with such local favorites as Quiana Parler & Friends, Charleston Jazz Orchestra, Joe Clarke Big Band, New Music Collective, Crowfield, Graham Whorley, Travis Allison Band, Luke Cunningham, Gino Castillo, Plane Jane, Two Three Ways, Lee Barbour, Wadata, The Fire Apes, Tyler Ross, Permanent Vacation, The Secrets, Sensai Cliche, The Opposite of a Train, Designated Driver, High Society, Dan Wright & the New Beat, Weigh Station, Frank Duvall, Brad Henty, Jeff Bateman, Bobby Alvarez, Unkle Funkle, Battery Brass Band, Soul Function, Meeting Reid, The Footlight Players, Permanent Tourists, The Sneakers, Mighty Bofucious, DJ Mateo, Sam Favata, Shane Clarke, Whitt Algar, Mr. Goodstache, Tidal Jive, and The Reflectors.