Saxophone Studio
meet the studio
The University of Georgia saxophone studio hosts students from many states with a variety of interests, majors, and backgrounds.
Click on a photo or scroll below to learn more about our students.
Studio Bios
Tan Yun Qu
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Doctor of Musical Arts
Tan Yun Qu is a Singaporean musician and currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Georgia while serving as the saxophone studio teaching assistant. Thriving on collaboration, Yun Qu was a member of the award winning Cadeaux Quartet, winner of the 1st Prize for the North American Saxophone Alliance Quartet Competition in 2024. The quartet was also involved in multiple collaborations with critically-acclaimed American composer Stacy Garrop where they premiered and recorded two of her works, The Solitude of Stars and Repair the World arranged for saxophone quartet. Together with Cadeaux Quartet, she was a part of the Northwestern University New Music Conference 2023 where they workshopped and premiered new works by selected composers. As a soloist, Yun Qu has also won awards at numerous competitions such as the Sugree Charoensook International Music Competition 2021 (1st Prize) and the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts Concerto Competition 2022 (Grand Prize Winner).
As a music educator, Yun Qu’s teaching experience extends to private students, wind band sectional coaching and undergraduate students. She was also invited to serve as faculty for the Asia Pacific Saxophone Academy (APSA) 2024 summer camp held in Bangkok where she taught participants from all around the globe including Korea, Japan, China and Australia. As an intern of APSA since 2018, she has been involved in the organization of the program which hosts over 150 international students and faculty, including the internationally-acclaimed saxophonists such as Nobuya Sugawa, Jean-Yves Fourmeau and Taimur Sullivan.
Also having an interest in ethnomusicology, Yun Qu has had the opportunity to present her research paper: Singapore’s Manufactured Identity and its Impact on Local Musicians at the Association of Asian Studies Conference 2023 held in Boston as well as at the Taiwan Musicology Forum 2023.
Yun Qu is currently under the tutelage of Brandon Quarles, her past saxophone teachers have been Taimur Sullivan and Leslie Wong. She holds the Master of Music degree from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Music degree from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts.
Michael Chapa
Doctor of Musical Arts
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A Dallas, Texas native, Michael Chapa (he/him) is an eclectic and passionate artist and educator who has been recognized for his expertise in chamber music and his conception of interdisciplinary programs. Michael is the soprano saxophonist of the saxophone quartet Mixed Media, winner of the Gold Medal at the 2022 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. From October 2020 to August 2021, Michael traveled to Paris, France to study contemporary music and interdisciplinary collaboration at the Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional de Boulogne-Billancourt with saxophonist Jean-Michel Goury. Being awarded the 2020-2021 Harriet Hale Woolley Scholarship, he lived at the Fondation des États-Unis as a resident musician. As a part of the Cycle d'Orientation Professionnelle degree program, he collaborated with several visual artists, dancers, and art organizations on art shows and installations throughout Paris. The largest installation featured the entire interior of a Cité Universitaire housing facility. In collaboration with artist Madison Vander Ark, the building-scale installation "Pariétal: à travers les toiles" involved video projections, painted veils, altered walkways, multiple speakers, several sculptures, and live saxophone improvisation.
Fostering a strong passion for education, Michael has worked in several public schools during his undergraduate degree as a music education major. He specializes in concert and marching band education and has assisted with the Marching Illini at the University of Illinois. Michael now works with the UGA Redcoat Band and other athletic ensembles as an Athletic Bands Teaching Assistant through the Hugh Hodgson School of Music. He is in his third year of the DMA degree in saxophone performance at the University of Georgia under the tutelage of Dr. Connie Frigo and Dr. Brandon Quarles. Previous mentors include Jean-Michel Goury at the Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional de Boulogne-Billancourt (Cycle d'Orientation Professionnelle), Debra Richtmeyer at the University of Illinois (MM and Artist Diploma) and Dr. Nathan Nabb at Stephen F. Austin State University (Bachelor of Music in Education).
Christopher Victor
5th Year, Bachelor of Music in Performance & Music Theory
Christopher Victor (he/him) is a fifth-year saxophone performance and music theory double major from Hortense, Georgia. He graduated from Brantley County High School and has participated in several District and Region Honor Bands as well as the GMEA All-State Honor Band. He has also performed in masterclasses with Professor Carrie Koffman, Scottish saxophonist Sue McKenzie, and Dr. Stephen Page. Christopher has taught at Morgan County, Berrien County, and Brantley County High School band camps. He was previously one of the alto saxophone section leaders for the Redcoat Band during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. He currently plays alto saxophone for the University of Georgia Wind Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Nicholas Williams. After his studies at UGA, Christopher hopes to get his masters degree in saxophone performance. Some of his career aspirations include being a member of a military band and teaching collegiate saxophone.
Addison Aycock
4th Year, Bachelor of Arts in Music & Bachelor of Science, Pre-Medicine
Addison Aycock performs on a stage or in the back of an ambulance as a saxophonist and an
EMT, respectively. He is a fourth-year Bachelor of Arts in Music and Bachelor of Science in Pre-Medicine at the University of Georgia. His past saxophone professors include Dr. Ben Still and Dr. Glenn Cason. Addison has been a member of the UGA Wind Ensemble and is currently lead alto in Jazz Ensemble I. He has performed with the Charlotte Youth Wind Ensemble and Aliment Quartet. Addison has also participated in several solo competitions, earning such honors as Music Teachers National Association Senior Wind finalist and third place winner in the North American Saxophone Alliance Region 7 High School Solo Competition. Addison practices medicine as a certified North Carolina EMT. He most enjoys the OR and wishes to become a surgeon later in life. He also enjoys activities such as running and climbing in his free time.
Owen Cotton
4th Year, Bachelor of Music in Performance
Owen Cotton (he/him) is a fourth-year music performance major with a certificate in music business from Fairfax, Virginia. While at UGA, Owen has been a member of the UGA Hodgson Wind Ensemble, the UGA Wind Symphony, the UGA Jazz Ensemble I, and the Redcoat Band. He has had the opportunity to perform in saxophone master classes for Dr. Stephen Page, Professor Taimur Sullivan, Dr. Eric Troiano, Dr. Kenneth Tse, and Valentine Michaud. Along with his music business certificate, Owen served as an intern for the North Georgia Saxophone Ensemble last academic year and ARC Business Management this past summer. Prior to college, Owen developed as a classical saxophonist under the direction of Ed Fraedrich. After completing his studies at UGA, Owen plans to pursue a job working in the music industry. When he is not playing the saxophone, Owen enjoys spending time with friends and family, lifeguarding at the Ramsey Student Center, and playing with his new kittens.
Carter Naughton
4th Year, Bachelor of Music in Performance
Originally from Virginia, Carter Naughton is an Athens-based saxophonist and audio engineer who combines different creative mediums to connect with audiences emotionally and spiritually. Carter is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Saxophone Performance with a Music Business Certificate and a Computer Science Minor. He is an active performer, recently playing in a masterclass at the 2023 NASA Biennial Conference and at the 2023 CBDNA National Conference as a member of the UGA Wind Ensemble. He has participated in various masterclasses with esteemed saxophonists including Chien-Kwan Lin, Myles Boothroyd, and Nick Zoulek. In addition to his performance work, Carter is deeply committed to community engagement and education, participating in outreach efforts like the North Georgia Saxophone Ensemble, a no-cost, no-audition high school saxophone ensemble. Carter is engaged with the Athens music scene as a regular performer of popular music at local venues. This past summer, he worked as an audio engineering apprentice at Chase Park Transduction studying with engineers David Barbe, Andy LeMaster, and Drew Vandenberg. Carter is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of his artistic practice, with plans of working as an audio engineer after graduation.
Brennan Sweet
4th Year, Bachelor of Music in Music Education
Brennan Sweet (he/him) is an aspiring educator and saxophonist originally from Flowery Branch, GA. He is in the fourth year of his Bachelor in Music Education from the University of Georgia. He is active in his educational endeavors, having taught at many high schools across the state. He has taught marching band at Madison County, Morgan County, Flowery Branch, and Brunswick High School, as well as working with different ensembles inside Clarke County. Brennan strives to be a point of organization for the Hugh Hodgson School of Music, having been a Rehearsal assistant for Janfest, Midfest, and the UGA Summer Music Camp. Brennan has participated in many ensembles in the school of music, such as the Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony, Wind Ensemble, multiple saxophone quartets, and Jazz Ensemble 1. He is one of the Alto Saxophone section leaders and the Woodwind Sergeant for the Redcoat Marching Band, and he is the Chapter President of the Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Outside of music, he enjoys cooking, football, hanging out with friends, and playing Mario Kart.
Ashley Emerton
3rd Year, Bachelor of Music in Music Education
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Ashley Emerton (she/her) is from the small town of Bremen, Georgia and is a third-year student at UGA pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Music Education. She chose to major in Music Education because music has always been her refuge and she aspires to provide that same safe space for her future students. Her goal is to teach elementary music or middle school band, inspiring a love for music in the next generation. Sheis currently a member of the UGAWind Symphony and was previously a member of the UGA Symphonic Band. The highlight of her experience at UGA so far is her practicum placement, where she gains practical experience each week at a local middle school. She teaches sectionals, conducts the band, and prepares students for District Honor Band auditions. During her time in high school, Ashley’s musical achievements included performances with the GMEA District VII Honor Band and the Georgia All-State Band, where she earned first chair twice. Ashley was also a member of the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony and participated in the 2021 Interlochen Saxophone Intensive with Dr. Timothy McAllister. Outside of music, Ashley enjoys crocheting, spending time with her three dogs—Rosie, Brownie, and Daisy—baking, gardening, and cooking.
Maddi Finn
3rd Year, Bachelor of Music in Music Theory
Maddi Finn is a third-year student at UGA from Buffalo, NY pursuing a Bachelor of Music inMusic Theory. With intentions of pursuing a doctorate in music theory, her primary research interests include Schenkerian analysis, the musical influence of species counterpoint, and the integration of Schenkerian hierarchical structuring in early aural skills pedagogy. At UGA, Maddi has held an assistantship for music theory levels II and III, she teaches theory privately, and she has designed a rudimentary theory course for the UGA Community Music School. Maddi is also an active member of the Society for Music Theory, participating in both regional and national conferences. Maddi’s saxophone and theory journeys began at the Eastman School of Music’s Community Music School where she was first exposed to exceptional musical mentorship and was inspired to pursue a career in music.. A recent passion of Maddi’s has been transcribing early Romantic period works for the saxophone,and she is thrilled to offer a recital entirely of transcriptions this spring. Outside of music, Maddi enjoys Schutzhund training with her German Shepherd, Otto, and she has a fondness for makeup and fashion. Maddi’s primary saxophone instructors have included Anne Kunkle, Connie Frigo, and Brandon Quarles.
Sadie Landon
3rd Year, Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy
Sadie Landon is a third-year undergraduate Music Therapy major from Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Sadie currently plays in UGA’s Symphonic Band and the Redcoat Marching Band. Before attending UGA, Sadie found her passion for marching band while a member of the Wando High School Marching Band. The band has won many regional championships and holds the South Carolina record for wins at the state championship – fourteen in a row. Individually, Sadie played in the Rose Parade and at Disneyland through Bands of America. She studied saxophone privately with Dr. Neal Postma and Dr. Mark Sterbank of Charleston Southern University. As a music therapy student, Sadie has worked with many different populations, from adults with intellectual disabilities to children with autism, and hopes to support these populations in their goals through using music. In her spare time, she is a swim instructor and lifeguard and loves to play Dungeons and Dragons with her friends.
Bridget Sheridan
3rd Year, Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs and German, Music Minor and History Minor
Bridget Sheridan (she/her) is a third-year student at the University of Georgia majoring in International Affairs and German with minors in Music and History. She is a member of the UGA Symphonic Band and the Redcoat Marching Band, in which she serves as section leader and rank leader. Bridget is from Fairfax, Virginia and studied saxophone with Ed Fraedrich. She is a former member of the Virginia Winds Academy and performed with the VWA Saxophone Quartet at the Navy Band International Saxophone Symposium. Bridget holds the rare distinction of having won 1st chair alto saxophone in the All-Virginia Symphonic Band twice, and taught private saxophone lessons for four years. She serves as Vice President of Service for the Kappa Gamma chapter of Tau Beta Sigma and is passionate about exploring the intersections between music and other academic disciplines. Outside of saxophone, Bridget enjoys reading, listening to music, spending time with friends and family, and maintaining her Duolingo streak.
Aidan Eclavea
2nd Year, Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Performance
Aidan Eclavea (He/Him) is a native of Martinez, GA. A second-year music major, he is pursuing a degree in vocal performance and instrumental music education. He has the honor of studying voice with Dr. Amy Petrongelli and saxophone with Dr. Brandon Quarles. Aidan loves performing music in any capacity. During his time at UGA,, he has been a member of the UGA Wind Symphony, the UGA Men’s Glee Club, and the Hodgson Singers. As a member of theRedcoat Marching Band, he has traveled across the country to support the Dawgs! He formed a barbershop quartet with three other Redcoats called the Chapel Bells, named after the iconic UGA Chapel Bell. Outside of the Hugh, Aidan has had the opportunity to perform with the Atlanta Choral Artists, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and Andrea Bocelli. As a composer/arranger, his works have been performed by high school show choirs, civic orchestras, and the Redcoat Marching Band. An aspiring conductor, Aidan was most recently the Assistant Conductor of the North Georgia Saxophone Ensemble and a Guest Conductor of the Garden City Rhapsody for their 2024 seasons. Aidan is an active member of ACDA, CNAFME, GMEA, and a HHSOM Ambassador.
Emily Johnson
2nd Year, Bachelor of Music in Music Education
Emily Johnson is a second-year music education student from Cumming, GA. She graduated from North Forsyth High School where she was actively involved in her band program. During her time at North Forsyth, she performed in the Wind Ensemble, was drum major of the Raider Marching band for two years, performed in the GMEA District IX honor band, and the UGA JanFest band She also interned with the North Forsyth Middle school band throughout her senior year. At UGA, she is a dedicated and active member of the Redcoat Marching Band where she marches tenor saxophone, and the UGA Symphonic Band. Emily is a member of UGA’s Iota Zeta chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota, CNAfME, and GMEA. Outside of classes and activities, she is part of Beech Haven Church’s worship team where she plays saxophone and piano. Emily aims to cultivate a love for music in children and eventually teach elementary music.
Jackson Tadlock
2nd Year, Bachelor of Music in Music Education
Jackson Tadlock, from Taylorsville, GA, is a second-year Music Therapy major. She is currently a member of UGA’s Wind Symphony and the Redcoat Marching Band. She graduated from Woodland High School, where she studied saxophone privately with Marc Johnson. She was a dedicated member of her high school band, performing with the Wind Symphony, saxophone quartet, jazz band and marching band. In the Woodland Marching Band, she served as a section leader for one year and a drum major for two years. Additionally, Jackson performed as a member of the GMEA District VII Honor Band, GMEA District VII Jazz Band, UGA Janfest Band, and the Georgia All-State Honor Band. In the summer of 2021, Jackson was selected to attend the Georgia Governor’s Honors Program. Jackson is an active member of UGA’s Iota Zeta chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota, where she currently serves as Fraternal Education Officer, as well as a member of the Music Therapy Student Association. She also serves as a Hugh Hodgson School of Music Ambassador. Jackson aspires to be a pediatric music therapist to help children and give them a safe place to express themselves while cultivating a lifelong love of music.
Jon Erik Tripp
2nd Year, Bachelor of Music in Music Education
Jon Erik Tripp (he/him) is a second-year Music Education major from Lavonia, Georgia where he graduated from Franklin County High School. While in high school, Jon Erik performed in various honor bands such as the GMEA All-State Band, District Honor Band, JanFest, and the 2022 Georgia Governor’s Honors Program. Currently, Jon Erik is a member of UGA’s Redcoat Band where he serves on their leadership team as well as a brother of the national musical fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha. Two of his favorite memories at Georgia include attending the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida and performing with the UGA Wind Ensemble for the John Williams Concert. During his time at UGA, Jon Erik hopes to grow and inspire young students to participate and support the arts as he believes that the lessons learned within the musical classroom are invaluable to the world of education.
Antonio Aguilar
1st Year, Bachelor of Music in Music Education
Antonio Aguilar is a first-year Music Education major at The University of Georgia, where he performs with the Redcoat Marching Band and the UGA Symphonic Band. He is from Vidalia, Georgia and graduated from Vidalia High School, where he was actively involved in the SoundTribes marching, concert, and jazz bands and served as Woodwind Captain. During his high school career, Antonio was selected to perform in groups such as the GMEA District 1 Honor Band, GMEA District 1 Jazz Band, Sweet Onion Area Honor Band, and the John Philip Sousa Honor Band, which further honed his skills and deepened his passion for music. He is committed to refining his musicianship and aims to inspire and educate future students by blending his passion for music with a dedication to teaching. Antonio looks forward to a career where he can make a meaningful impact on his students and the broader musical community, helping others achieve their best while fostering a lifelong appreciation for music.
Maggie Watson
1st Year, Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Performance
Maggie Watson is a first-year Music Education and Vocal Performance double major at the University of Georgia. At UGA, she performs with theSymphonic Band, Women’s Glee Club, and Redcoat Marching Band. She grew up in Roswell, Georgia and graduated from Centennial High School where she was actively involved in both vocal and instrumental ensembles. On the vocal side, Maggie was a member of Troupe 5855, the Centennial Knights Players, Women’s Mastery Choir Bella Voce, and the acapella group Take Note. On the instrumental side, she was a member of Centennial High School’s Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, and the Centennial Knights Marching Band, for which she served as Drum Major for two years. Her role as a drum major inspired her to become a music educator so that she could help foster and cultivate young musicians the same way her directors helped her grow into the person she is today. She is proud to have been a part of the GMEA District 5 Honor Band, the Fulton County Honor Band, the GMEA District 5 Honor Chorus, and the GMEA All-State Chorus. Her experience in these ensembles grew her musicianship to new heights and inspired her love for performance. She is excited to study both her voice and saxophone at UGA, and is committed to making the world a better place by giving young people the ability to express themselves with music. She believes that music is an art for everyone and plans to use her training to make music more accessible to children from many different backgrounds.