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Student saxophonist competes on national stage
March 16, 2007
Student saxophonist Jamie Rottle will compete as a national finalist in the National Music Teacher Association’s Woodwind Young Artist Competition this weekend in Toronto, Ontario.
A junior at PLU, Rottle is one of seven finalists in the young artist woodwind category, and one of four saxophonists. The national competition includes categories for brass instruments, piano, string instruments and vocal performance.
In addition to being divided by instrument, participants are also divided by age into junior, senior and young artist divisions. Rottle’s category, young artists, includes undergraduate and graduate students between the ages of 19 and 26. The junior and senior divisions refer to middle school and high school participants.
According to the association’s Web site, the national competition showcases “outstanding performance and honor(s) significant pedagogical achievement.” The competition provides educational experiences and recognizes exceptionally talented young artists and their teachers.
Rottle’s climb to the national stage began in September when her private instructor, University of Puget Sound faculty member Fred Winkler, discovered the competition and encouraged her to enter.
“I was interested in doing competitions and playing more,” Rottle explained. “I didn’t know of the competition before, but obviously I’m not doing so terribly, so that’s good.”
Rottle won the state competition in November and went on to win the Northwest division competition in January. At the national competition March 23 to 27, Rottle will perform a 45-minute program accompanied only by the piano, she explained.
“It’s nerve-racking, but fortunately I don’t get so nervous when I perform now,” she said.
Rottle and Winkler developed her program back in September. The association mandates the program remains the same through the state, divisional and national competitions, so Rottle said she’s been playing the same music for most of the year.
“I’m just ready to play and start on new stuff,” Rottle said.
In addition to private weekly lessons with Winkler, Rottle also receives weekly lessons from PLU faculty member Robert Miller. Being “doubly-taught” is particularly helpful before the competition because she has more opportunity to get help and perfect her program, Rottle said.
“More work means you’re better prepared,” she said.
Rottle began her musical career in sixth grade as a clarinetist. After two years, she tired of the clarinet and switched to the alto saxophone.
Rottle is currently studying music education and plans to teach middle or high school. She is also a member of PLU’s Wind Ensemble.
To learn more about the National Music Teacher Association, visit www.mtna.org.
In addition to being divided by instrument, participants are also divided by age into junior, senior and young artist divisions. Rottle’s category, young artists, includes undergraduate and graduate students between the ages of 19 and 26. The junior and senior divisions refer to middle school and high school participants.
According to the association’s Web site, the national competition showcases “outstanding performance and honor(s) significant pedagogical achievement.” The competition provides educational experiences and recognizes exceptionally talented young artists and their teachers.
Rottle’s climb to the national stage began in September when her private instructor, University of Puget Sound faculty member Fred Winkler, discovered the competition and encouraged her to enter.
“I was interested in doing competitions and playing more,” Rottle explained. “I didn’t know of the competition before, but obviously I’m not doing so terribly, so that’s good.”
Rottle won the state competition in November and went on to win the Northwest division competition in January. At the national competition March 23 to 27, Rottle will perform a 45-minute program accompanied only by the piano, she explained.
“It’s nerve-racking, but fortunately I don’t get so nervous when I perform now,” she said.
Rottle and Winkler developed her program back in September. The association mandates the program remains the same through the state, divisional and national competitions, so Rottle said she’s been playing the same music for most of the year.
“I’m just ready to play and start on new stuff,” Rottle said.
In addition to private weekly lessons with Winkler, Rottle also receives weekly lessons from PLU faculty member Robert Miller. Being “doubly-taught” is particularly helpful before the competition because she has more opportunity to get help and perfect her program, Rottle said.
“More work means you’re better prepared,” she said.
Rottle began her musical career in sixth grade as a clarinetist. After two years, she tired of the clarinet and switched to the alto saxophone.
Rottle is currently studying music education and plans to teach middle or high school. She is also a member of PLU’s Wind Ensemble.
To learn more about the National Music Teacher Association, visit www.mtna.org.