BM (music education) and MM (saxophone performance), Northwestern University; student and Teaching Assistant of Dr. Frederick L. Hemke; additional study with Larry Combs, former Principal Clarinetist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Debra Richtmeyer, an internationally renowned saxophonist and pedagogue, has been Professor of Saxophone at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign since 1991 and has performed as a soloist and clinician in North America, Europe, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Thailand and China. She has performed or recorded as a concerto soloist with numerous bands and orchestras, including the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, The Slovak Radio Orchestra, The Scottish Chamber Orchestra and the Washington D.C. United States Navy Band. She was principal saxophonist with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra from 1981-1991 and with the St. Louis Symphony from 1992-2002. She is Past-President and Honorary Life Member of the North American Saxophone Alliance and an Artist/Clinician for Conn-Selmer Incorporated.
Professor Richtmeyer has won numerous awards and prizes and has been an invited Juror for music competitions at all levels, including prestigious competitions such as the 2010 and 2020 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition in South Bend, Indiana, the 2018 SaxGo International Saxophone Competition in Slovenia, the 3rd Jean-Marie Londeix International Saxophone Competition in Bangkok, Thailand and numerous North American Saxophone Alliance national solo and chamber music competitions. She has premiered commissioned works at eight World Saxophone Congresses and four North American Saxophone Alliance Conferences. In 1997 in Valencia, Spain Richtmeyer became the first woman to be invited to perform a concerto with orchestra at a World Saxophone Congress. In 2009 in Bangkok, Thailand, she became the first woman to be invited to give a master class at a World Saxophone Congress. In July 2012 she performed the Lee Actor Concerto with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra for the Final Gala concert at the World Saxophone Congress held in St. Andrews, Scotland.
Her solo CD, Extravaganza for Saxophone and Orchestra, (Albany Records 2003) was reviewed by the American Record Guide as "…flawless...an extraordinary album..." Her CD, World Without Words, Debra Richtmeyer and the 2008-2009 University of Illinois Saxophone Studio (Mark Records), was selected for the 2011 Grammy Entry List and was reviewed by internationally renowned French saxophonist, Jean-Marie Londeix as, “Remarkable…exemplary… Impeccable playing… It is proof one more time of her talents (including that of the conductor) and of the excellence of her teaching. Her university and students are very lucky to have her.” In 2010 Professor Richtmeyer recorded the Lee Actor Concerto for Saxophone for his "Concertos" CD (Navona 2011) reviewed by the American Record Guide as "...a terrific piece…Richtmeyer gives it a wonderful reading. She has the requisite technical skills and a flair for the dramatic, and she expertly walks the classical saxophone's timbre tightrope...". Recent performance activities include co-commissioning and premiering Joel Love's "Solace for Saxophone and Wind Ensemble" with the Illinois Wind Symphony at the 2019 CBDNA national conference in Tempe, AZ and the ISMTA state conference, Dr. Steve Peterson, conducting.
Her new book, Between the Notes: A Saxophonist's Guide to Practice, Performance and Pedagogy will be released in the spring of 2020 by Theodore Presser Co., and will include 24 chapters divided into three sections: Fundamentals, Practice and Performance Techniques and Teaching Techniques.
Richtmeyer’s students and former students are leaders in the next generation of classical saxophonists and teachers. They have won numerous prizes and awards at the local, state, national and international levels, and many have gone on to become saxophone professors, band directors and members of elite U.S. military bands. Others are teaching and performing throughout the United States, and in Canada, Europe, Singapore, Thailand and Taiwan. In 1997 Richtmeyer received the University of Illinois College of Fine and Applied Arts Award for Outstanding Faculty. In 2002 she was named a recipient of the University of Illinois Campus Award for Excellence in Graduate and Professional Teaching. She was the first of only two faculty members in the University of Illinois College of Fine and Applied Arts to have received this award.
Prior to her appointment at the University of Illinois Professor Richtmeyer was a saxophone professor at the University of North Texas and an instructor at Lawrence Conservatory. She received her degrees are from Northwestern University where she was a Teaching Assistant and student of Dr. Frederick L. Hemke.
SELECT FORMER STUDENTS from the University of Illinois and the University of North Texas
Professors/ Artists/Administrators
Dr. Chris Anderson, Instructor of Music, Richland Community College, IL. (DMA, Illinois, Sabbatical Replacement, Illinois 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, Illinois)
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, Illinois)
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, Illinois)
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, Illinois)
Kenneth Coons, Deceased, Former 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/Zvray/Paris International Saxophone Competition, NASA solo competition, Kingsville Young Artists Competition, UNT Concerto Competition, MM Northwestern University (BM, UNT)
Dr. Noa Even, Assistant Professor of Saxophone, Kent State 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, Illinois)
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, UIUC Fulbright Scholar (Netherlands), 2007-2010 Competition Director, North American Saxophone Alliance, former member New Century Saxophone Quartet (MM, Illinois)
Dr. Joyce Griggs, Executive Vice President and Provost, Manhattan School of Music (BME, Illinois, DMA, Illinois)
Randy Hamm, Professor of Saxophone and Director of Jazz Studies and Coordinator of Woodwinds, Missouri State University (BME, MM UNT)
Keitaro Harada, Associate Conductor of Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Arizona Opera, Richmond Symphony Orchestra (BM, Illinois)
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, Illinois, DMA Illinois, sabbatical replacement 2009)
Dr. Adrianne Honnold, Lecturer in Saxophone, Maryville University and St. Louis Community College, Saxophonist with St. Louis Symphony (BME, MM, Illinois)
Tim Ishii, Professor of Saxophone, Associate Chair of the Music Department, 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, Illinois)
Ben Kenis, Music Programs Manager, Recruitment and Admissions, UIC School of Theater and Music (BM/BME, MM Illinois)
Jeremy Koch, Principal Saxophonist, The Washington D.C. United States Air Force Band and Saxophone Quartet, Saxophone Instructor, Shephard University (MM, TA, Illinois)
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, Band of the West, United States Air Force (MM, DMA ABD, TA, Illinois)
Dr. Nathan Mandel, Business Administrative Associate Operations Manager at the University of Illinois School of Music, Associate-Faculty at McKendree University, (DMA, Illinois)
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, Illinois)
Dr. Matt Olson, Professor of Saxophone, Director of Jazz Studies, Furman University (DMA, Illinois)
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, Illinois)
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, Illinois)
Perry Rask, Professor of Saxophone, 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, Illinois)
Dr. James Romain, Professor of Saxophone, Drake University; Winner of Illinois Concerto Competition; Membership Director, North American Saxophone Alliance (DMA, TA, Illinois)
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, Assistant Professor of Music, Northern Ohio University, faculty member at Brevard Summer Music Institute, Baritone Saxophonist in the Capitol Quartet (DMA, TA, Illinois)
Dr. Heidi Radtke, Instructor of Saxophone, Butler University, DMA, Indiana University (BM, MM, Illinois)
Dr. Vanessa Hasbrook Sielert, Director; Professor of Saxophone, Lionel Hampton School of Music; Education Advisor, Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, University of Idaho (DMA, Illinois)
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, Illinois)
Taimur Sullivan, Associate Professor of Saxophone, Northwestern University; Baritone Saxophonist, Prism Saxophone Quartet, Winner of Illinois Armstrong Award, MM Michigan State University (BM, Illinois)
Joseph Tomasso, Woodwind Instructor, Cincinnatti Academy of Music, 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, Illinois)
Paul Tucker, Saxophonist, The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” Washington D.C. (BM, Illinois)
Dr. Kenneth Tse, Professor of Saxophone, University of Iowa; Past-President, North American Saxophone Alliance, Past-President, International Saxophone Committee, Yamaha Solo Artist (DMA, Illinois)
Dr. Drew Whiting, Assistant Professor of Saxohone, University of Wisconsin at Oschkosh (DMA, Illinois)
Dr. Collin Wilson, Assistant Professor, Columbia Basin College (saxophone, jazz ensembles and music theory) (MM, DMA, TA, Illinois)
Richard Wyman, Chief Warrant Officer, Assistant Director, United States Coast Guard Band, former member of USCG Band and Saxophone Quartet, (MM, TA, Illinois)
Junior High/High School Band Directors
Amanda J. Allen, Director of Bands, Monticello Middle School, Asst. Director, Monticello High School, Monticello, IL. (BME, MME, Illinois)
Jennifer Klauda Anderson, deceased, Former Music Teacher, Prairieview-Ogden Schools, IL (MM, Illinois)
Tara Blocki, Band Director, West Aurora School District, IL. (BME, Illinois)
John Currey, Director of Bands, Central High School, Champaign, VP IMEA Jazz Division, Illinois Concerto Winner (MM, Illinois)
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, Illinois)
Angela Englishharden, Orchestra Director, Naperville School District 203 (BME, Illinois)
Brian Everson, Band Director, South Berwyn School District, IL (BME, Illinois)
Jacquelyn Evers, Music Instructor at St. Joseph-Ogden High School, St. Joseph, IL (BME, Illinois)
Kurt Gros, Associate Director of Bands, Warren Township High School, Gurnee, IL (BME, Illinois)
Cody Halberstadt, Director of Bands, Woodstock High School, IL (BME, MME, Illinois)
Claire Hallmark, English and saxophone teacher in JET program, Japan (BME, Illinois)
Jeff Johnson, Band Director, St. Joseph High School, Manhattan, IL (BME, Illinois)
Matt Johnson, Director of Bands, James Hart Junior High, Elmhurst, IL, MM The Ohio State University (BME, Illinois)
Marty Kalas, Band Director, Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, Chicago, IL (BME, Illinois)
Jenna Lake, Director of Bands, Hart Junior High, Homewood, IL. (BME, Illinois)
Morgan Lanahan, Band Director, Herget Middle School Aurora, IL, Field and Visual Coordinator West Aurora Blackhawk Marching Band, former Marching Illini Drum Major (BME, Illinois)
David Lee, Band Director, Liberty Junior High School, Burbank, IL (BME, Illinois)
Mike Lehman, Director of Bands, Edison Middle School, Champaign, IL (BME, Illinois)
Elisa Lieb, Director of Bands, New Berlin CUSD #16, IL. (BME, Illinois)
Brian Lotter, Director of Bands, Staunton High School, IL (BME, Illinois)
Jeremy Loui, Band Director, Teacher, Paxton Buckley Loda CUSD10, IL (BME, Illinois)
Katie Merrick, Assistant Band Director and Choir Director, Spring Valley High School, Las Vegas, NV (BME, Illinois)
Bill Rank, Band Director/Music Technology, Will County School District 92, IL (BME, MME, Illinois)
Lis Troyer Schurman, Band Director 5-12 Somonauk CUSD 432, IL. (BME, Illinois)
Morgan Lanahan Smith, Band Director, West Aurora School District 129 (BME, Illinois)
Anthony Svejda, Director of Bands, Waubonsie High School, IL (BME, Illinois)
Amanda Sylvester-Allen, Jazz Ensemble Director, Monticello Junior High, IL (BME, Illinois)
Kyle Thonn, Music Director, Southbury Elementary in Oswego, IL. (BME, Illinois)
David Tribley, Band Director, Warren Township High School, Gurnee, IL. (BME, MM, Illinois)