Larry Teal (26 March 1905 - 11 July 1984) is considered by many to be the father of American orchestral saxophone.
Not only did he play sax, as one might expect, but he also performed on clarinet and was the DSO's first desk flutist, a rare enough feat then and almost unheard of now.
His studio near Wayne University where many high school and collegiate students studied saxophone.
During his 21 years at the university, Teal taught over 100 college saxophone students, many of whom went on to become successful teachers and performers.
I certainly think the most important teacher I had was Larry Teal because he taught me how to play, how to read, how to count, and how to develop myself as a musician.