Joshua Christian Childress is a Los Angeles–based jazz saxophonist, composer, arranger, producer, and educator whose work bridges the traditions of jazz with contemporary music, R&B, gospel, and popular culture. Known for his versatility, expressive sound, and dynamic musicianship, Childress has performed alongside an impressive range of internationally recognized artists, including Kelly Rowland, John Legend, Lalah Hathaway, Aloe Blacc, Kirk Franklin, Blood Orange, FINNEAS, Imagine Dragons, Kenny Burrell, Wayne Bergeron, Keyon Harrold, Christian Sands, Ben Williams, and Kamasi Washington. His performance credits also include appearances connected with The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Coke Studio, Converse, and Discover Los Angeles.

Childress began his musical journey on clarinet in the second grade. After hearing a college jazz ensemble perform while he was in middle school, he became captivated by jazz and was encouraged by his music teacher to begin playing the saxophone. His dedication quickly became evident throughout high school, where he received numerous soloist honors at jazz festivals and was awarded the Woody Herman Jazz Award at Redondo Union High School.

He earned his Bachelor of Music degree with an emphasis in Commercial Music from Biola University and a Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies from California State University, Long Beach. He is currently pursuing his doctoral degree at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music, continuing to develop his artistic voice as a performer, composer, and multi-woodwind musician.

Throughout his collegiate career, Childress received several distinguished honors. He was recognized as one of the top soloists at the 2018 UNC Greeley Jazz Festival and received first place in the College Saxophonist category at the 2019 Reno Jazz Festival. He was also named an outstanding soloist at the Western States Jazz Festival. As an arranger, his interpretation of Billy Strayhorn’s “Upper Manhattan Medical Group” was recorded by the California State University, Long Beach Concert Jazz Orchestra and featured on the ensemble’s album Before and After.

In addition to his performance career, Childress is deeply committed to music education and mentorship. He has served as an adjunct professor at Compton College, Professor of Saxophone and Jazz Clinician at Concordia University Irvine, and an ensemble coach with the UCLA Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz’s Jazz in the Classroom program. Through his teaching, he works with students of varying ages and experience levels, helping them develop strong musicianship, confidence, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the jazz tradition.

Childress continues to perform throughout Southern California and beyond as a bandleader, sideman, recording artist, and woodwind doubler. He is also developing original projects that combine jazz improvisation, storytelling, science fiction, spirituality, and contemporary musical influences. Beyond the stage and classroom, he serves as a ministry leader, investing in the spiritual and personal development of young adults throughout the Los Angeles area.

Through his artistry, teaching, and leadership, Joshua Christian Childress is building a career grounded in musical excellence, cultural connection, and a commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both audiences and students.