About Jonathan Dufresne
About Jonathan Dufresne
Jonathan Dufresne has been invited to perform as a soloist internationally in countries such as Austria, Netherlands, Canada, and several venues across the United States, including Carnegie Hall. Additionally, he has competed in several competitions such as the 2019 North American Saxophone Alliance Region 6 Collegiate Solo Competition, where he placed 2nd and most recently, was named winner of the 2022 University of Illinois Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition. Playing soprano in his Chimes Street Quartet, they placed 2nd in the graduate division of the 2017 NOLA Chamber Fest, 3rd place in 2019, and competed at the regional level of MTNA in 2018. While pursuing his M.M. degree, as the tenor saxophonist of the Cyan Quartet, they finished as finalists in the Coltman Chamber Music Competition, semi-finalists in the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, and performed Chen Yi’s saxophone quartet concerto, Ba Yin with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Wind Symphony. Furthermore, he has maintained an active performance agenda throughout the community from being invited to perform as a soloist with the LMEA All State Orchestra, the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, church services, wedding ceremonies, and much more. Strongly valuing versatility, Jonathan has been hired to perform alongside cover bands and occasional celebrities such as Ginuwine and Robin Thicke, for numerous wedding receptions, corporate events, private parties, festivals, and sporting events including the 2020 Allstate Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, Louisiana.
As an educator, Jonathan has held several teaching positions as a saxophone instructor at middle and high schools across the south Louisiana region. Two of these positions include saxophone instructor at Juban Parc Jr. High School in Juban, Louisiana and Dutchtown High School in Geismar, Louisiana. Throughout his time in Louisiana, Jonathan has consistently maintained a private studio of 11-15 students, many of which have participated in the LMEA All State ensembles.
Currently, Jonathan serves as a Graduate Assistant in Music Admissions under the mentorship of Dr. Angela Tammen. Prior to this, he served as an administrative intern for the Lyric Theatre @ Illinois. There he managed their website, YouTube channel, and Vimeo Channel. Additionally, he worked alongside the marketing team at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts to promote various events happening within the Lyric Theatre.
Jonathan is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in saxophone performance and literature at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign under the tutelage of Professor Debra Richtmeyer.
Education
BM, Louisiana State University; MM, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; DMA Candidate, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign