Sax Reel

It was an honor talking with someone so influential in the saxophone world for this episode! Professor Richtmeyer has nurtured such a wonderful career for herself and for her students, and I am very glad she was able to come on the show! It was great hearing about her time at Northwestern, her path to her current job, the amazing experiences of adjudicating some of the world's largest music competitions, and of course her new methods book!

It was a pleasure talking to Dr. Andrew Allen! We are lucky to have someone who is so in love with the saxophone! Hear about his prolific passion for writing, his extensive work with some amazing composers, and the great projects he is a part of!

I have always admired Dr. Rhonda Taylor's ability to create her own artistic path! Her exploration into free improvisation is always fun to explore and listen to. It was an honor to have had the chance to have some real conversations with her about some of the struggles that we often face as musicians, especially during the pandemic. 

Have you ever been curious about what some of the first saxophone pedagogues were like? Well then go no further! I had a blast hearing from Patrick Meighan about what it was like studying with teachers such as Larry Teal and Sigurd Rascher. He also gave some great input on what young saxophonists should be focusing on, and how we can balance work life and family life! I hope you enjoy this episode!

If you are looking for someone who is inspirational and is involved in a lot of amazing projects, go no further! Between Carrie Koffman's unique path into collegiate teaching, the implementation of yoga practices in her saxophone studio, the work she does with the Committee on the Status of Women in the NA.S.A., and her troubadour adventures, I am sure you will enjoy this episode!

I had a great time chatting with Dr. Younglove this week! Tune in and hear all about his crazy travel experiences, his memories with Fred Hemke, and hear his advice on how to make it work in the world of collegiate teaching! 

Welcome back to the premier of season 2! I had the wonderful opportunity to talk with Dr. Loeffert about his experiences navigating the unforgiving  yet highly rewarding world of music! Tune in and hear his insightful prospective on how we can set ourselves and our students up for success.

I had a blast talking Geoffrey Deibel this week! He is definitely a musician that has taken on the role of life-long learner. Listen in and hear about his formative mentors, his highly successful quartet's experiences competing and recording, and how he is shaping FSU's studio culture.

Its hard to believe that we are 11 episodes in! I am honored to have been able to talk to Joseph Lulloff about his unique reason for starting on the saxophone, his journey to teaching at his alma mater, and his input on what it means to be a mentor. 

It was a pleasure having Steven Banks on the show this week! Its always inspirational hearing about the success and accomplishments of people like Steven. Tune in to hear about how he truly embraces the model of being a holistic musician!

I am happy to have had the chance to talk with David Dees! Hear about his time in school spent with Debra Richtmeyer, his grueling army band audition, and his perspective on what it means to coach a successful chamber group!

We have another exciting guest in this week! Hear about Erin Roger's journey into the world of being a freelance musician and composer! The story involves people and organizations that encouraged her throughout her career, a certain famous cowboy-boot wearing flutist in NY,  and her close knit group of friends that she performs with!

I am very happy to have had the chance to talk to Dr. Robert Young! Tune in and hear about his start on the saxophone, his disconcertingly short graduate audition with Donald Sinta, his exciting first trip abroad, and his outlook on fostering good studio culture!

Naturally, a saxophonists with so many experiences can easily fill a two part interview! This episode features John Cage's practical joke on Dr. Sampen, the time Jean-Marie Londeix cooked a birthday cake for him, and some inspirational words for up and coming musicians.  

I am thrilled to have had the chance to talk to one of my mentors and one of the greatest figures in American saxophone history, Dr. Sampen! Come hear about his experiences of pushing a car up the Swiss Alps in a snowstorm, travelling to Soviet Russia, and getting mistaken for a member of Billy Joel's band!

Tune in and hear about Allison Balcetis' educational journey that took her around the world, the creative chamber ensembles and projects she is a part of,  and what she aims for her saxophone studio to look like. 

On a side note that doesn't come up in this episode but makes me SO happy, Dr. Balcetis owns an ADORABLE chow chow named Thor! She is the fluffiest dog ever!

Welcome back to the second half of my interview with Dr. Leaman! Listen to him share his experiences watching his students thrive, how he fosters a healthy, positive studio, and his projects you can look forward to!

This is the first episode of my new podcast Sax Reel! Here is a brief introduction on what you can expect when you tune in! My first official guest and I will be recording in the coming week, so be expecting more content soon!

I would like to thank the ever so generous Helen Holman for helping me design the cover art. A huge shout out to Claire Salli, Beth King-Bennett, Abraham Nunez, Hillary Kierspe, and Dr. Deibel for work shopping this idea with me! Lastly, I would like to thank my brother Caleb Kierspe for providing the sound equipment used for recording.

I can't wait to share this experience with you!