Saxophone at Arts Academy


Why Study Saxophone at Interlochen

The saxophone is an incredibly expressive instrument with a dynamic range in a wide variety of genres. Whether you're flying solo or collaborating with peers in an ensemble, you'll deepen your knowledge of this versatile instrument.

What You’ll Learn

Interlochen Arts Academy is the top-rated boarding school for saxophone. Whether your interest leans toward classical music, jazz performance, or both, we will help you develop your personal voice.

Our combination of small and large ensembles, studio classes, and private lessons will focus on your individual needs. You'll learn tone production, articulation, musicianship, and interpretation as you widen your repertoire. Our exceptional instructors will give you the technical exercises you need to hone your skills and execute compositions. You will bridge gaps in technique and establish the daily discipline to thrive.

How to Apply

Audition Requirements

Meet the Faculty

Our faculty members have performed, composed, and conducted in distinguished concert halls all over the globe. Many continue to be active performers as they help train the next generation of saxophonists.

All Faculty

Andrew Bishop

Andrew Bishop, D.M.A.

Instructor of Saxophone

Timothy McAllister

Timothy McAllister, D.M.A.

Instructor of Saxophone

Guest Artists

  • Marcus Elliot, Director of Detroit Symphony Orchestra's Civic Jazz Ensembles, Fellow of the Geri Allen Orchestra
  • Jason Hainsworth, San Francisco Conservatory of Music
  • Steven Jordheim, Lawrence University
  • Matt Levy, PRISM Quartet, solo artist
  • Otis Murphy, Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University
  • Stephen Page, University of Texas
  • Diego Rivera, Michigan State University
  • Zach Shemon, PRISM Quartet, University of Missouri
  • Jim Snidero, The New School, founder of The Jazz Conception Company
  • Taimur Sullivan, PRISM Quartet, Northwestern University

Program Highlights

Performance Opportunities

Saxophone students will have multiple performance opportunities with our orchestra, wind symphony, jazz, or chamber music ensembles. Learn more in our Explore Ensembles section below. We also showcase solo engagements on Interlochen Public Radio and have had several National Public Ratio From the Top performances.

Distinguished College and Conservatory Preparation

Along with Interlochen's Academic and College Counselors, our saxophone and music faculty will provide guidance in your college, conservatory, or career path. Our faculty have relationships and connections with most of the college and conservatory faculty for whom our students audition—as well as having extensive auditioning and performance experience.

The Music Center

Our state-of-the-art 60,000 square-foot music facility has two 3,500 square-foot rehearsal halls, two recording studios which allow for rehearsal and performance recordings in multiple venues on campus with multiple ensemble and practice rooms, and individual faculty teaching studios. Learn more about The Music Center.

Explore Ensembles

Orchestra

A recipient of the American Prize, the Interlochen Arts Academy Orchestra performs an advanced repertoire that includes symphonies, concerti, contemporary works, and original compositions.

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Wind Symphony

The American Prize-winning Interlochen Arts Academy Wind Symphony presents a diverse and challenging repertoire in regular live, prerecorded, and public radio performances.

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Jazz

The Interlochen Arts Academy Jazz Ensemble boasts a storied history as one of the nation's most elite high school ensembles. Members develop as soloists and ensemble performers through rehearsals and performances of jazz standards and contemporary works.

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Jazz Combos

Interlochen Arts Academy's jazz combos are select groups of five to eight of the jazz program's most experienced improvisers. Members flex their skills as improvisers, while practicing collaboration and ensemble communication.

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Popular Music

Named for iconic backing bands of the 21st century, the Popular Music Ensembles provide hands-on learning opportunities for aspiring contemporary musicians.

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Being able to sit down and really hone in on the fundamentals of improvisation—both theoretically and musically—has greatly expanded my vocabulary. My knowledge of music has grown more in my first two months of school than in the rest of my life. The students on this campus come from very diverse places around our planet, and being connected with each and every one of them on a day-to-day basis is an unbelievable experience. These great people have taught me not only musical concepts, but a more healthy and satisfactory way of living.

Evan, Music

College Matriculation

Recent Interlochen Arts Academy Music Division students have continued their education at the following institutions and beyond.

  • Berklee College of Music
  • Boston Conservatory at Berklee
  • California Institute of the Arts
  • Carnegie Mellon University
  • Cleveland Institute of Music
  • Curtis Institute of Music
  • Indiana University
  • The Juilliard School
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • Manhattan School of Music
  • New England Conservatory
  • New York University
  • Northwestern University
  • Oberlin College and Conservatory
  • Rice University
  • San Francisco Conservatory of Music
  • University of Miami
  • University of Michigan
  • University of Rochester
  • University of Southern California
  • Vanderbilt University

Dive deeper into Interlochen Arts Academy with a free digital viewbook

Arts Academy Viewbook Thumbnail

In our free informational booklet, you'll learn more about: 

  • Each of our seven arts areas 
  • Renowned faculty 
  • College-preparatory academics 
  • Student resources 
  • How to apply and financial aid information 
  • And more