Dr. Kendra Wheeler

Innovative and passionate, Dr. Kendra Wheeler has established herself as a well-known performer, teacher, and scholar.

Wheeler has built and maintained a national and international profile as an artist, scholar, and educator. She has appeared and given solo recitals, masterclasses, and guest artist residences across North America, South America, and Europe. International and nationally renowned organizations and competitions have recognized Wheeler’s work. Moreover, Wheeler is an active adjudicator for regional, state, and national solo and ensemble competitions, honor bands, and saxophone competitions.

As an advocate for innovation through performance, Dr. Wheeler embraces new mediums for the saxophone through interdisciplinary collaborations and chamber music. Since 2018, she has been a member of Alecto Duo, along with Kakia Gkoudina (composer, electronics, visuals). In addition, she is in a contemporary saxophone duo that explores multimedia and modern works with Dr. Kyle Hutchins. Moreover, Dr. Wheeler is the alto saxophonist in the Medusa Saxophone Quartet, whose mission is to support young, historically excluded saxophonists and composers using performance, educational outreach, and advocacy through the saxophone quartet.

As a committed scholar and educator, she regularly presents lectures and presentations on the importance of understanding the intersection of music and identity at conferences and institutions within the United States and Europe.

Dr. Wheeler earned her Doctor of Musical Arts in saxophone performance at Michigan State University and currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Saxophone at Central Washington University.

Kendra is an Eastman Artist, playing the EAS 850 Rue Saint Georges, and a Légère Reeds, Silverstein Works, and Key Leaves performing artist.