Female Saxophonist Competition 2019 Winners Announced
Key Leaves is proud to support the 2019 Female Saxophonist Competition and the newly announced winners! Hosted in Austin Texas, the FSC aims to encourage and support the professional and artistic development of young female saxophonists.
Innovative, progressive, and passionate contributors in the saxophone world, we are thrilled for these emerging artists.
First Prize – Kacie Brown
Kacie Brown is pursuing a Bachelors of Music degree in saxophone performance at Indiana University under the guidance of Dr. Otis Murphy. She is also pursuing a certificate in journalism through IU’s Media School and is a member of the Hutton Honors College. She attended Interlochen Arts Camp as a Fennell Scholar. She also regularly performs with her quartet, the Kanaderu Saxophone Quartet, most recently at the United States Navy Band’s International Saxophone Symposium.
Second Prize - BethAnne Kunert
BethAnne Kunert is a second-year masters student at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. She is pursuing degrees in Saxophone Performance and Chamber Music and a Graduate Certificate in Arts Leadership and Entrepreneurship. Studying saxophone with Dr. Timothy McAllister, she plays alto in the saxophone quartet, Lyon, the University of Michigan Symphony Band, the Creative Arts Orchestra, and the Contemporary Directions Ensemble. BethAnne is an intern at the University Musical Society, the U of M EXCEL Center for Arts Entrepreneurship, Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings, and is exploring many new opportunities in arts management and administration. BethAnne holds a Bachelors in Music Education from Central Michigan University where she studied with Professor John Nichol.
BethAnne currently teaches at McCourt’s Music in Berkley and at the Moore Building in Ann Arbor! Bakunert.wordpress.com
Third Prize – Rebecca Swanson
Becky Swanson is a saxophonist pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin under the instruction of Steven Jordheim. As a saxophonist, Becky’s primary interest is in contemporary music that is both meaningful and relevant, and has worked directly with a variety of composers including Marcos Balter, Stacy Garrop, and Asha Srinivasan. Her primary teachers have included Roger Birkeland, Sumner Truax, and Steven Jordheim, and she has performed in masterclasses for John Sampen, Nick Zoulek, Anna Marie Wytko, Drew Whiting, and the Ogni Suono duo. At Lawrence University, Becky enjoys playing in a number of ensembles ranging from non-standard chamber group settings, to the LU Wind Ensemble where she sits first chair. One of Becky’s most recent projects was a recital titled, “Snapshots of America.” This project explored themes of social justice and politics in contemporary music, and reflected Becky’s commitment to art with socio-political relevance.
In her pursuit to elevate contemporary music and bring new art into the world, Becky’s upcoming undergraduate senior recital will consist entirely of commissioned works from composers such as Alex Temple, Daniel Whitworth, Cassie Wieland, and Ben Portzen. Becky is also a passionate educator, and hopes to inspire new generations of musicians to bring about change through the mediums of art.
Congratulations to Kacie, BethAnne and Becky! We are thrilled to have contributed a gift pack of Key Leaves sax care products as a reward for their wins and excellence in musicianship.
FemaleSaxophonistCompetition.com