Former Students
Professors/Artists/Administrators
Dr. Chris Anderson, Instructor of Music, Richland Community College, IL. (DMA, UIUC, Sabbatical Replacement, UIUC 2016)
Greg Ball, Retired Instructor of Woodwinds and Jazz Studies, Tarleton State University, President-elect of Texas Jazz Educators Association, Texas All-state Jazz Coordinator. (MM, UNT)
Dr. Michael Bovenzi, Associate Professor of Saxophone/Theory/Area Coordinator, University of North Florida (DMA, UIUC)
Dr. Will Campbell, Professor of Saxophone and Director of Jazz Studies, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, former saxophonist in Harry Connick Jr. Band (DMA, UIUC)
Dr. Pin-Hua Chen, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Saxophone at National University of Tainan, University of Taipei, Fu Jen Catholic University, and Adjunct Lecturer of Saxophone at National Sun Yat-sen University (Taiwan), member of the Composition VII Saxophone Quartet, Resonance Saxophone Quartet, and MIT Saxophone Ensemble (DMA, UIUC)
Dr. Evan Clark, Saxophone Instructor, University of Illinois at Springfield; Kate Neal Kinley Award Recipient to study in Germany; prize winner in 2018 MTNA Chamber Music Competition, 2015 Jean-Marie Londeix International Saxophone Competition, 2014 International Saxophone Symposium Competition (MM, DMA, TA, UIUC)
Jeff Collins, Professional Saxophonist and Teacher, Winner of Artist Presentation Society competition in St. Louis, Missouri, Semi-Finalist in Geneva International Saxophone Competition, Member of Illinois Grad Qt, Winner of Coleman Chamber Music National Competition (MM, UIUC)
Kenneth Coons (Deceased), Baritone Saxophonist, Rascher Saxophone Quartet (MM, UNT)
David Dees, Professor of Saxophone, Texas Tech University, 2011 North American Saxophone Alliance Competition Director, Prize winner in 2010 Ville D’Avray/Paris International Saxophone Competition, NASA solo competition, Kingsville Young Artists Competition, UNT Concerto Competition, MM Northwestern University (BM, UNT)
Jenna DeVries, Development Associate, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra (BME, UIUC)
Dr. Noa Even, Lecturer and Head of Woodwinds, Rowan University, Vandoren Artist, Member of Ogni Suono and Patchwork duos, Third Prize winner at the 3rd Jean-Marie Londeix International Saxophone Competition in Bangkok, Thailand, DMA, Bowling Green State University (MM, TA, UIUC)
Karen Finnsson, Associate Professor of Saxophone, University of Regina, Winner of UNT Concerto Competition (MM, UNT)
Dave Fivecoate, Instructor of Saxophone and Clarinet, Music Institute of Chicago (MM, UNT)
Dr. Connie Frigo, Associate Professor of Saxophone, University Georgia at Athens, UI Fulbright Scholar (Netherlands), 2007-2010 Competition Director, North American Saxophone Alliance, former member New Century Saxophone Quartet (MM, UIUC)
Dr. Joyce Griggs, Executive Vice President and Provost, Manhattan School of Music (BME, UIUC, DMA, UIUC)
Randy Hamm, Professor of Saxophone and Director of Jazz Studies and Coordinator of Woodwinds, Missouri State University (BME, MM UNT)
Keitaro Harada, Music & Artistic Director of Savannah Philharmonic (BM, UIUC)
Dr. J. Michael Weiss-Holmes, Artist-Teacher of Saxophone, Head of Woodwinds, Chicago College of Performing Arts, Roosevelt University; co-host of 2014 North American Saxophone Alliance National Conference, Winner of the Illinois Concerto Competition, Saxophonist w/ Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony, and Hong Kong Philharmonic (MM, TA, UIUC, DMA UIUC sabbatical replacement 2009)
Dr. Adrianne Honnold, Lecturer in Saxophone, Maryville University and St. Louis Community College, Saxophonist with St. Louis Symphony (BME, MM, UIUC)
Tim Ishii, Professor of Saxophone, Director of Jazz Studies, University of Texas at Arlington (BME, UNT)
Richard Kelley, Associate Professor of Saxophone, Jazz Studies and Music Business, Director of Undergraduate Studies, Southern Illinois University Carbondale (DMA Jazz, Classical cognate, TA, UIUC)
Ben Kenis, Music Programs Manager, Recruitment and Admissions, UIC School of Theater and Music (BM/BME, MM UIUC)
Jeremy Koch, Principal Saxophonist, Master Sgt., The Washington D.C. United States Air Force Band and Saxophone Quartet, Saxophone Instructor, Shephard University (MM, TA, UIUC)
Glenn Kostur, Director of Jazz Studies, University of New Mexico; Former Saxophonist, Composer/Arranger and Music Director for Maynard Ferguson Band, (BME, UNT)
Dr. Jackie Lamar, Professor Emeritus of Saxophone, University of Central Arkansas (DMA, TA, UNT)
Brad Leali, Professor of Jazz Saxophone, University of North Texas, Lead Alto Saxophonist for Harry Connick Jr. Band (BME, UNT)
Ryan Leatherman, Principal Saxophonist, Technical Sgt., Band of Mid-America, United States Air Force (MM, DMA ABD, TA, UIUC)
Dr. Nathan Mandel, Business Administrative Associate Operations Manager at the University of Illinois School of Music, Associate-Faculty at McKendree University, (DMA, UIUC)
Dr. Nathan Nabb, Professor of Saxophone, Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies, Stephen F. Austin State University, Saxophonist with Saint Louis Symphony, MM, DMA Northwestern University (BM, Sabbatical Replacement, UIUC)
Dr. Matt Olson, Professor of Saxophone, Director of Jazz Studies, Furman University (DMA, UIUC)
Dr. Phil Pierick, Saxophonist, Educator based in Chicago, Ogni-Suono Duo, 2011 Vandoren Emerging Artist, Winner of 2009-2010 Frank Huntington Beebe Fund National Competition for Musicians; Winner of University of Illinois Armstrong Award; UI Presser Scholar; Illinois Concerto Competition Winner; Semi-Finalist at 3rd Jean-Marie Londeix International Saxophone Competition, 3rd Place ISSAC International Saxophone Competition, DMA, Eastman School of Music (BM, MM, TA, UIUC)
Gabriel Piqué, Assistant Professor, Saxophone and Jazz Studies, Baldwin Wallace University; Saxophonists in Fuego Quartet - the Gold Medal Winner of the 2017 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competiiton and Plowman Chamber Music Competition, Winner 2016 North American Saxophone Alliance National Solo Competition, Vandoren Artist, member of The Moanin' Frogs saxophone sextet (DMA in progress, TA, UIUC)
Perry Rask, Professor of Saxophone, Coordinator of Woodwinds, Millikin University (MM, UNT)
Dr. Nicki Roman, Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Soprano Saxophonist in Fuego Quartet-Gold Medal Winner of the 2017 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition; Winner of 2018 North American Saxophone Alliance National Solo Competition; International Kate Neal Kinley Memorial Fellowship Recipient; DM Eastman School of Music (MM, TA, UIUC)
Dr. James Romain, Professor of Saxophone, Drake University; Winner of UIUC Concerto Competition; Membership Director, North American Saxophone Alliance (DMA, TA, UIUC)
Rob Rose, Professional, musician, composer, teacher, Dallas, TX, Grand Prize Winner of the National Young Artist Competition, Winner of the North American Saxophonist Alliance Region 7 Young Artist Competition, Winner of UNT Concerto Competition, (BM, MM, TA, UNT)
Dr. Henning Schröder, Associate Professor of Music, Northern Ohio University, faculty member at Brevard Summer Music Institute, Baritone Saxophonist, Capitol Quartet (DMA, TA, UIUC)
Dr. Heidi Radtke, Instructor of Saxophone, Butler University, DMA, Indiana University (BM, MM, UIUC)
Dr. Vanessa Hasbrook Sielert, Director; Professor of Saxophone, Lionel Hampton School of Music; Education Advisor, Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, University of Idaho (DMA, UIUC)
Scotty Stepp, Associate Professor of Saxophone, Depauw University; Winner of the North American Saxophone Alliance Solo Saxophone competition; Illinois Fulbright Scholar (Paris, France) (DMA ABD, TA, UIUC)
Taimur Sullivan, Associate Professor of Saxophone, Northwestern University; Baritone Saxophonist, Prism Saxophone Quartet, Winner of Illinois Armstrong Award, MM Michigan State University (BM, UIUC)
Joseph Tomasso, Assistant Professor, Northwest Missouri State University, Winner of the 2011 9th International Music Competition Premio "Citta di Padova" and Winner of the 2011 9th International Edition of "Premio Virtuoso" Competition (BM, UIUC)
Paul Tucker, Saxophonist, The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” Washington D.C. (BM, UIUC)
Dr. Kenneth Tse, Professor of Saxophone, University of Iowa; Past-President, North American Saxophone Alliance, Past-President, International Saxophone Committee, Yamaha Solo Artist (DMA, UIUC)
Dr. Drew Whiting, Assistant Professor of Saxophone, University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh, Member of Cerulean Qt, Yamaha Performing Artist (DMA, UIUC)
Dr. Collin Wilson, Assistant Professor, Columbia Basin College (saxophone, jazz ensembles and music theory) (MM, DMA, TA, UIUC)
Richard Wyman, Professional Conductor, Assistant Director, United States Coast Guard Band, former member of USCG Band and Saxophone Quartet, (MM, TA, UIUC
Greg Ball, Retired Instructor of Woodwinds and Jazz Studies, Tarleton State University, President-elect of Texas Jazz Educators Association, Texas All-state Jazz Coordinator. (MM, UNT)
Dr. Michael Bovenzi, Associate Professor of Saxophone/Theory/Area Coordinator, University of North Florida (DMA, UIUC)
Dr. Will Campbell, Professor of Saxophone and Director of Jazz Studies, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, former saxophonist in Harry Connick Jr. Band (DMA, UIUC)
Dr. Pin-Hua Chen, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Saxophone at National University of Tainan, University of Taipei, Fu Jen Catholic University, and Adjunct Lecturer of Saxophone at National Sun Yat-sen University (Taiwan), member of the Composition VII Saxophone Quartet, Resonance Saxophone Quartet, and MIT Saxophone Ensemble (DMA, UIUC)
Dr. Evan Clark, Saxophone Instructor, University of Illinois at Springfield; Kate Neal Kinley Award Recipient to study in Germany; prize winner in 2018 MTNA Chamber Music Competition, 2015 Jean-Marie Londeix International Saxophone Competition, 2014 International Saxophone Symposium Competition (MM, DMA, TA, UIUC)
Jeff Collins, Professional Saxophonist and Teacher, Winner of Artist Presentation Society competition in St. Louis, Missouri, Semi-Finalist in Geneva International Saxophone Competition, Member of Illinois Grad Qt, Winner of Coleman Chamber Music National Competition (MM, UIUC)
Kenneth Coons (Deceased), Baritone Saxophonist, Rascher Saxophone Quartet (MM, UNT)
David Dees, Professor of Saxophone, Texas Tech University, 2011 North American Saxophone Alliance Competition Director, Prize winner in 2010 Ville D’Avray/Paris International Saxophone Competition, NASA solo competition, Kingsville Young Artists Competition, UNT Concerto Competition, MM Northwestern University (BM, UNT)
Jenna DeVries, Development Associate, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra (BME, UIUC)
Dr. Noa Even, Lecturer and Head of Woodwinds, Rowan University, Vandoren Artist, Member of Ogni Suono and Patchwork duos, Third Prize winner at the 3rd Jean-Marie Londeix International Saxophone Competition in Bangkok, Thailand, DMA, Bowling Green State University (MM, TA, UIUC)
Karen Finnsson, Associate Professor of Saxophone, University of Regina, Winner of UNT Concerto Competition (MM, UNT)
Dave Fivecoate, Instructor of Saxophone and Clarinet, Music Institute of Chicago (MM, UNT)
Dr. Connie Frigo, Associate Professor of Saxophone, University Georgia at Athens, UI Fulbright Scholar (Netherlands), 2007-2010 Competition Director, North American Saxophone Alliance, former member New Century Saxophone Quartet (MM, UIUC)
Dr. Joyce Griggs, Executive Vice President and Provost, Manhattan School of Music (BME, UIUC, DMA, UIUC)
Randy Hamm, Professor of Saxophone and Director of Jazz Studies and Coordinator of Woodwinds, Missouri State University (BME, MM UNT)
Keitaro Harada, Music & Artistic Director of Savannah Philharmonic (BM, UIUC)
Dr. J. Michael Weiss-Holmes, Artist-Teacher of Saxophone, Head of Woodwinds, Chicago College of Performing Arts, Roosevelt University; co-host of 2014 North American Saxophone Alliance National Conference, Winner of the Illinois Concerto Competition, Saxophonist w/ Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony, and Hong Kong Philharmonic (MM, TA, UIUC, DMA UIUC sabbatical replacement 2009)
Dr. Adrianne Honnold, Lecturer in Saxophone, Maryville University and St. Louis Community College, Saxophonist with St. Louis Symphony (BME, MM, UIUC)
Tim Ishii, Professor of Saxophone, Director of Jazz Studies, University of Texas at Arlington (BME, UNT)
Richard Kelley, Associate Professor of Saxophone, Jazz Studies and Music Business, Director of Undergraduate Studies, Southern Illinois University Carbondale (DMA Jazz, Classical cognate, TA, UIUC)
Ben Kenis, Music Programs Manager, Recruitment and Admissions, UIC School of Theater and Music (BM/BME, MM UIUC)
Jeremy Koch, Principal Saxophonist, Master Sgt., The Washington D.C. United States Air Force Band and Saxophone Quartet, Saxophone Instructor, Shephard University (MM, TA, UIUC)
Glenn Kostur, Director of Jazz Studies, University of New Mexico; Former Saxophonist, Composer/Arranger and Music Director for Maynard Ferguson Band, (BME, UNT)
Dr. Jackie Lamar, Professor Emeritus of Saxophone, University of Central Arkansas (DMA, TA, UNT)
Brad Leali, Professor of Jazz Saxophone, University of North Texas, Lead Alto Saxophonist for Harry Connick Jr. Band (BME, UNT)
Ryan Leatherman, Principal Saxophonist, Technical Sgt., Band of Mid-America, United States Air Force (MM, DMA ABD, TA, UIUC)
Dr. Nathan Mandel, Business Administrative Associate Operations Manager at the University of Illinois School of Music, Associate-Faculty at McKendree University, (DMA, UIUC)
Dr. Nathan Nabb, Professor of Saxophone, Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies, Stephen F. Austin State University, Saxophonist with Saint Louis Symphony, MM, DMA Northwestern University (BM, Sabbatical Replacement, UIUC)
Dr. Matt Olson, Professor of Saxophone, Director of Jazz Studies, Furman University (DMA, UIUC)
Dr. Phil Pierick, Saxophonist, Educator based in Chicago, Ogni-Suono Duo, 2011 Vandoren Emerging Artist, Winner of 2009-2010 Frank Huntington Beebe Fund National Competition for Musicians; Winner of University of Illinois Armstrong Award; UI Presser Scholar; Illinois Concerto Competition Winner; Semi-Finalist at 3rd Jean-Marie Londeix International Saxophone Competition, 3rd Place ISSAC International Saxophone Competition, DMA, Eastman School of Music (BM, MM, TA, UIUC)
Gabriel Piqué, Assistant Professor, Saxophone and Jazz Studies, Baldwin Wallace University; Saxophonists in Fuego Quartet - the Gold Medal Winner of the 2017 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competiiton and Plowman Chamber Music Competition, Winner 2016 North American Saxophone Alliance National Solo Competition, Vandoren Artist, member of The Moanin' Frogs saxophone sextet (DMA in progress, TA, UIUC)
Perry Rask, Professor of Saxophone, Coordinator of Woodwinds, Millikin University (MM, UNT)
Dr. Nicki Roman, Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Soprano Saxophonist in Fuego Quartet-Gold Medal Winner of the 2017 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition; Winner of 2018 North American Saxophone Alliance National Solo Competition; International Kate Neal Kinley Memorial Fellowship Recipient; DM Eastman School of Music (MM, TA, UIUC)
Dr. James Romain, Professor of Saxophone, Drake University; Winner of UIUC Concerto Competition; Membership Director, North American Saxophone Alliance (DMA, TA, UIUC)
Rob Rose, Professional, musician, composer, teacher, Dallas, TX, Grand Prize Winner of the National Young Artist Competition, Winner of the North American Saxophonist Alliance Region 7 Young Artist Competition, Winner of UNT Concerto Competition, (BM, MM, TA, UNT)
Dr. Henning Schröder, Associate Professor of Music, Northern Ohio University, faculty member at Brevard Summer Music Institute, Baritone Saxophonist, Capitol Quartet (DMA, TA, UIUC)
Dr. Heidi Radtke, Instructor of Saxophone, Butler University, DMA, Indiana University (BM, MM, UIUC)
Dr. Vanessa Hasbrook Sielert, Director; Professor of Saxophone, Lionel Hampton School of Music; Education Advisor, Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, University of Idaho (DMA, UIUC)
Scotty Stepp, Associate Professor of Saxophone, Depauw University; Winner of the North American Saxophone Alliance Solo Saxophone competition; Illinois Fulbright Scholar (Paris, France) (DMA ABD, TA, UIUC)
Taimur Sullivan, Associate Professor of Saxophone, Northwestern University; Baritone Saxophonist, Prism Saxophone Quartet, Winner of Illinois Armstrong Award, MM Michigan State University (BM, UIUC)
Joseph Tomasso, Assistant Professor, Northwest Missouri State University, Winner of the 2011 9th International Music Competition Premio "Citta di Padova" and Winner of the 2011 9th International Edition of "Premio Virtuoso" Competition (BM, UIUC)
Paul Tucker, Saxophonist, The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” Washington D.C. (BM, UIUC)
Dr. Kenneth Tse, Professor of Saxophone, University of Iowa; Past-President, North American Saxophone Alliance, Past-President, International Saxophone Committee, Yamaha Solo Artist (DMA, UIUC)
Dr. Drew Whiting, Assistant Professor of Saxophone, University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh, Member of Cerulean Qt, Yamaha Performing Artist (DMA, UIUC)
Dr. Collin Wilson, Assistant Professor, Columbia Basin College (saxophone, jazz ensembles and music theory) (MM, DMA, TA, UIUC)
Richard Wyman, Professional Conductor, Assistant Director, United States Coast Guard Band, former member of USCG Band and Saxophone Quartet, (MM, TA, UIUC
Junior High/High School Band Directors
Amanda J. Allen, Director of Bands, Monticello Middle School, Asst. Director, Monticello High School, Monticello, IL. (BME, MME, UIUC)
Jennifer Klauda Anderson (Deceased), Music Teacher, Prairieview-Ogden Schools, IL (MM, UIUC)
Tara Blocki, Band Director, West Aurora School District, IL. (BME, UIUC)
John Currey, Director of Bands, Central High School, Champaign, VP IMEA Jazz Division, Illinois Concerto Winner (MM, UIUC)
Jesse Dochnahl, Band Director, Instructor of Music Technology, Big Sky High School in Missoula, Montana, Professional Saxophonist, Winner MTNA National Chamber Music Competition with Illinois Saxophone Quartet (MM, UIUC)
Angela Englishharden, Orchestra Director, Naperville School District 203 (BME, UIUC)
Brian Everson, Band Director, Independence Junior High School, Palo Heights, IL (BME, UIUC)
Kurt Gros, Associate Director of Bands, Warren Township High School, Gurnee, IL (BME, UIUC)
Cody Halberstadt, Director of Bands, Crystal Lake South High School, IL (BME, MME, UIUC)
Matt Johnson, Director of Bands, James Hart Junior High, Elmhurst, IL, MM The Ohio State University (BME, UIUC)
Marty Kalas, Band Director, Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, Chicago, IL (BME, UIUC)
Jenna Lake-Becker, Director of Bands, Sunnybrook School District 171, Homewood, IL (BME, UIUC)
David Lee, Band Director, Liberty Junior High School, Burbank, IL (BME, UIUC)
Mike Lehman, Director of Bands, Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL (BME, UIUC)
Elisa Lieb-Bauman, Director of Bands, Kimball Middle School, Elgin, IL. (BME, UIUC)
Brian Lotter, Director of Bands, Staunton High School, IL (BME, UIUC)
Katie Merrick, Assistant Band Director and Choir Director, Spring Valley High School, Las Vegas, NV (BME, UIUC)
Bill Rank, Band Director/Music Technology, Will County School District 92, IL (BME, MME, UIUC)
Lis Troyer Schurman, Band Director, Belvidere Central Middle High School, IL. (BME, UIUC)
Morgan Lanahan Smith, Band Director, West Aurora School District 129 (BME, UIUC)
Anthony Svejda, Director of Bands, Oak Park River Forest High School, IL (BME, UIUC)
Amanda Sylvester-Allen, Band Director, Monticello Middle School, IL (BME, UIUC)
Dave Tribley, Associate Director of Bands, Warren Township High School, Gurnee, IL. (BME, MM, UIUC
Jennifer Klauda Anderson (Deceased), Music Teacher, Prairieview-Ogden Schools, IL (MM, UIUC)
Tara Blocki, Band Director, West Aurora School District, IL. (BME, UIUC)
John Currey, Director of Bands, Central High School, Champaign, VP IMEA Jazz Division, Illinois Concerto Winner (MM, UIUC)
Jesse Dochnahl, Band Director, Instructor of Music Technology, Big Sky High School in Missoula, Montana, Professional Saxophonist, Winner MTNA National Chamber Music Competition with Illinois Saxophone Quartet (MM, UIUC)
Angela Englishharden, Orchestra Director, Naperville School District 203 (BME, UIUC)
Brian Everson, Band Director, Independence Junior High School, Palo Heights, IL (BME, UIUC)
Kurt Gros, Associate Director of Bands, Warren Township High School, Gurnee, IL (BME, UIUC)
Cody Halberstadt, Director of Bands, Crystal Lake South High School, IL (BME, MME, UIUC)
Matt Johnson, Director of Bands, James Hart Junior High, Elmhurst, IL, MM The Ohio State University (BME, UIUC)
Marty Kalas, Band Director, Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, Chicago, IL (BME, UIUC)
Jenna Lake-Becker, Director of Bands, Sunnybrook School District 171, Homewood, IL (BME, UIUC)
David Lee, Band Director, Liberty Junior High School, Burbank, IL (BME, UIUC)
Mike Lehman, Director of Bands, Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL (BME, UIUC)
Elisa Lieb-Bauman, Director of Bands, Kimball Middle School, Elgin, IL. (BME, UIUC)
Brian Lotter, Director of Bands, Staunton High School, IL (BME, UIUC)
Katie Merrick, Assistant Band Director and Choir Director, Spring Valley High School, Las Vegas, NV (BME, UIUC)
Bill Rank, Band Director/Music Technology, Will County School District 92, IL (BME, MME, UIUC)
Lis Troyer Schurman, Band Director, Belvidere Central Middle High School, IL. (BME, UIUC)
Morgan Lanahan Smith, Band Director, West Aurora School District 129 (BME, UIUC)
Anthony Svejda, Director of Bands, Oak Park River Forest High School, IL (BME, UIUC)
Amanda Sylvester-Allen, Band Director, Monticello Middle School, IL (BME, UIUC)
Dave Tribley, Associate Director of Bands, Warren Township High School, Gurnee, IL. (BME, MM, UIUC
Professional Positions
Jenna DeVries, Development Associate with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra (BME, Illinois)
