CSW 2021-22 Mentee
Kate Kalina
Kate Kalina is a first year Masters student studying saxophone performance with Zach Shemon at the UMKC Conservatory, where she was awarded the Conservatory Deans Resident Scholarship and the Conservatory Deans Non-Resident Scholarship upon entry. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Saxophone and a minor in Psychology from Grand Valley State University under Dr. Dan Graser, securing a spot on the Dean’s List each year of her undergraduate career. Impassioned by the issue of mental health among artists, Kate underwent extensive research for her Honors thesis on the topics of prioritizing mental wellness, building an effective workspace, and the science behind burnout as pertains to college musicians (Strategies in Wellness to Enhance Productivity for the Modern Collegiate Woodwind Player, 2021). She hopes to expand upon this research during her time as a Masters student.
In 2017, Kate enlisted in the National Guard and is currently serving her fourth year as a Corporal in the 126th Army Band (Grand Rapids, MI). She has since attended the 10-week course at the US Army School of Music in Norfolk, VA and has subsequently travelled all over Michigan performing as a saxophonist with the 126th’s concert band, marching band, and rock band.
Since freshman year, Kate has been an active member of several saxophone quartets, performing numerous outreach tours at school districts each year all throughout southern Michigan. She has played in masterclasses hosted by Matt Landry of Akropolis Reed Quintet and Dr. Kathryn Goodson (2017). Currently, Kate serves as an alto player in her saxophone quintet at UMKC. Enthusiastic about sharing new music, bringing prominence to young composers, and expanding the repertoire of this unconventional ensemble, she and her fellow members are currently working on commissioning pieces from students of the UMKC Composition Department to take on tour next spring.
In 2017, Kate enlisted in the National Guard and is currently serving her fourth year as a Corporal in the 126th Army Band (Grand Rapids, MI). She has since attended the 10-week course at the US Army School of Music in Norfolk, VA and has subsequently travelled all over Michigan performing as a saxophonist with the 126th’s concert band, marching band, and rock band.
Since freshman year, Kate has been an active member of several saxophone quartets, performing numerous outreach tours at school districts each year all throughout southern Michigan. She has played in masterclasses hosted by Matt Landry of Akropolis Reed Quintet and Dr. Kathryn Goodson (2017). Currently, Kate serves as an alto player in her saxophone quintet at UMKC. Enthusiastic about sharing new music, bringing prominence to young composers, and expanding the repertoire of this unconventional ensemble, she and her fellow members are currently working on commissioning pieces from students of the UMKC Composition Department to take on tour next spring.
