Melissa Winstanley, Alto Saxophone
Melissa Winstanley
After 8 years of study with Mr. Wilson, Ms. Winstanley is pursuing a double major including saxophone performance, on a scholarship, at the University of Washington. As of September 2009 (her second year), Ms. Winstanley is first chair alto saxophone in Wind Symphony and plays soprano in the University Saxophone Quartet—the school’s top saxophone seats. Her credits include:
- 3rd place, alto saxophone solo, Washington State Solo and Ensemble Festival, 2008
- All-State Wind Ensemble, 1st chair alto saxophone, 2008
- Performed at the Eugene Rousseau International Saxophone Master Class, by invitation with full scholarship, University of Minnesota, 2007
- Performed Vancouver Community College School of Music Saxophone Workshop, guest artist Eugene Rousseau, 2007
- All Northwest Concert Band, 1st chair alto saxophone, 2007
- 3rd place, alto saxophone solo, Washington State Solo and Ensemble Festival, 2006
- 1st place, alto saxophone solo, Eastshore League, WMEA Solo and Ensemble Festival, 2006, 2008
- 1st place, small woodwind ensemble, Eastshore League, WMEA Solo and Ensemble Festival, 2006
- Washington All-State Concert Band, 2006
- 1st runner up, alto saxophone solo, Eastshore League, WMEA Solo and Ensemble Festival, 2005
- Seal of Special Recognition, woodwind solo, Seattle Young Artists Music Festival, 2005
- Seal of Outstanding Achievement, woodwind solo, Seattle Young Artists Music Festival, 2002.
In 2012, Melissa was awarded the University of Washington’s Presidential Medal for the most most accomplished student in the UW’s 7,5000 member senior class. Melissa graduated with a dual degree in Computer Science and Music. In the music department, she wa a member of the Wind Ensemble and the UW Saxophone Quartet. “Every year she has made a significant contribution through her quiet confidence and musical leadership,” says Professor Timothy Salzman, head of the University’s band programs and Winstanley’s director in the Wind Ensemble.