Alexandra Brouillard and Christina Uhrenbacher Win UMN Bands Concerto Competition

Congratulations to Alexandra Brouillard (DMA flute) and Christina Uhrenbacher (DMA saxophone) for winning the UMN Bands Concerto Competition this year. Alexandra will be performing select movements of Joel Puckett's The Shadow of Sirius with the University Wind Ensemble on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 and Christina will be performing Bernhard Heiden's Diversion with the Symphonic Band on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. More details will be shared in upcoming School of Music announcements.

To all competitors, thank you and congratulations on your performance for the jury.

ARTIST BIOS

Alexandra (Lexi) Brouillard (she/her) is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts in Flute Performance at The University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, studying in the studio of Immanuel Davis. Brouillard holds a Master of Music in Flute Performance from UMN-TC and a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance with a Minor in Women’s and Gender Studies from Concordia College - Moorhead, in the studio of Debora Harris. Outside of her studies, Brouillard serves as 2nd Flute/Piccolo for the Mankato Symphony Orchestra, holds a private flute studio, coaches flute sections for MMEA All-State Ensembles, adjudicated for Minnesota Solo-Ensemble competitions, and served as a Convention Intern with the National Flute Association in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022. Brouillard serves on the Upper Midwest Flute Association Executive Board as Vice President, formerly served on the UMFA Executive Board as Development Chair and Advisory Board as the Flute Association Liaison, and is an active member in LADYBAND Chamber Winds.

Saxophonist Tina Uhrenbacher is a Minneapolis-based performer and teacher. She is an experienced chamber and solo performer in diverse genres, ranging from French standards to contemporary works. Uhrenbacher participates in chamber groups that prioritize community engagement and advocacy for composers in all stages of their careers. Many of her saxophone quartets have advanced in some of the country’s most prestigious chamber music competitions, including the Music Teacher National Association chamber competition, the North American Saxophone Alliance Quartet Competition, and the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. A passionate teacher and active performer, Uhrenbacher has extensive teaching experience as both a private lesson teacher and a graduate assistant at Northwestern for the saxophone studio. She has taught students of all ages and abilities, from students playing their first notes to college-level students preparing for auditions and competitions. At the core of her teaching are compassion and understanding, and at the same time encouragement for each individual to reach their potential. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. She holds her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and her Master’s Degree from Northwestern University.

Special thank you to the jury:

Timothy Mahr, Professor of Music Emeritus, St. Olaf College | Former Conductor, The St. Olaf Band
Emily Threinen, Director of Bands, University of Minnesota
Jerry Luckhardt, Associate Director of Bands, University of Minnesota
Betsy McCann, Assistant Director of Bands and Director of Marching and Athletic Bands
John Leonard, Assistant Director of Marching and Athletic Bands