ABOUT THE ARTIST Sara Powell, Saxophone
Sara Powell is a concert saxophonist and educator from Lewisberry, Pennsylvania. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Saxophone Performance from the Wells School of Music at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, where she is currently completing her Master of Music in the same field. Sara’s musical journey began at the age of five with piano lessons, which laid the foundation for her deep musical curiosity. She discovered the saxophone at nine and quickly developed a strong affinity for the instrument, transitioning to tenor saxophone as her primary voice by the age of twelve. While attending Red Land High School, she was a dedicated member of both the band and choir programs, fostering a love for ensemble performance and collaborative artistry. At West Chester University, Sara has studied under saxophonist and composer Jonathan Ragonese for six years. She has been an active member of the Wind Ensemble, Chamber Winds, Saxophone Ensemble, saxophone quartets, and a variety of chamber groups. Under the direction of Dr. Andrew Yozviak, the WCU Wind Ensemble has provided her with numerous performance and recording opportunities, including four professional album releases: Cenotaph (2020), Ribbons (2022), Bright Shadows (2024), and an upcoming 2025 project. In the summer of 2022, Sara traveled with the Wind Ensemble to southern Germany for a series of performances. This spring, she will perform in Amsterdam with the WCU Chamber Winds, presenting chamber and saxophone quartet works. Though she focused exclusively on tenor saxophone during her undergraduate studies, Sara has since expanded her versatility, exploring soprano and alto saxophones in depth. She also maintains proficiency in clarinet and piano, and has taught private lessons on all three instruments. Sara is especially drawn to contemporary classical music and extended techniques that push the sonic boundaries of the saxophone. She recently performed in a master class led by award-winning saxophonist and educator Anne Kunkle at the North American Saxophone Alliance Region 8 Conference, and is a proud member of NASA. In August 2025, Sara will present an hour-long unaccompanied solo saxophone recital as part of the Vesper Concert Series at Musikfest in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. This program will feature contemporary works that explore the full expressive range of the saxophone, highlighting her passion for modern repertoire and extended techniques. A passionate advocate for equity in the arts, Sara is committed to uplifting women and non-binary musicians and cultivating inclusive, affirming spaces for creative expression. Through her teaching and performing, she strives to inspire others to explore their unique musical voices with confidence and authenticity.