About Medusa Saxophone Quartet
Formed in April of 2023, Medusa Saxophone Quartet’s mission is to support young, historically excluded saxophonists and composers using performance, community engagement, and advocacy through saxophone quartet. Medusa Saxophone Quartet (MSQ) has recently appeared at the 2024 International Saxophone Symposium in Fairfax, VA and the 2024 North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) Biennial Conference in Stillwater, OK. The group was also invited to perform as featured artists at the NASA conference closing Seek & Discover concert.
In addition to conference performances, Medusa Saxophone Quartet prioritizes community engagement. Whenever the ensemble has in-person appearances, MSQ partners with local retirement homes, coffee shops, and other businesses to bring music to the masses. Accessibility is a key component of Medusa Saxophone Quartet’s mission.
As saxophonists in various professions, the group resides in different states, spread across the country. Most of MSQ’s rehearsal time is done over the summer, when the ensemble meets for a week-long retreat, and extra time before conference appearances.
Medusa Saxophone Quartet is not just a name, but a symbol of resilience and empowerment. It is named for Medusa of Greek mythology, a figure whose story has been long misrepresented in history. Like the retelling of Medusa’s story, MSQ aims to provide a voice for historically excluded populations. To read more about the reclaimed story of Medusa, we recommend the following resources.
Meet the Musicians
Brianna Buck
Brianna Buck (she/her) is an active performer and collaborator who believes in championing new music for the saxophone. She has commissioned and premiered works by composers such as Marilyn Shrude, Aaron Kernis, and Emily Koh. As a chamber musician, Brianna performs frequently as a member of Bia Duo and Medusa Saxophone Quartet. She was also a member of the award-winning Akōtu Quartet, placing 3rd at the 2021 MTNA Chamber competition.
Brianna has a strong commitment to teaching. In addition to her performance career, she works full-time as a software trainer and maintains a private studio of middle and high school saxophonists.
Brianna received her undergraduate degree from Bowling Green State University and her graduate degree from Oklahoma State University. Brianna’s teachers include Dr. Jeffrey Loeffert, Dr. John Sampen, and Dr. Nathan Nabb.
Jessica McCready
Jessica is currently in her second year of her master’s degree studying saxophone performance at The Hartt School of Music, Dance, and Theatre with Professor Carrie Koffman. She is passionate about advocating for underrepresented composers’ music by performing chamber music that is impactful within various communities. In her first year of her masters, Jessica was the baritone saxophonist in the Atlas Saxophone Quartet who performed for a variety of venues such as the 2022 Navy Band Symposium, the 2023 NASA Biennial Conference in Hattiesburg Mississippi, outreach performances at five secondary schools in Cedar Falls Iowa, for several Hartt School recitals and outreach performances, and were semifinalists in the 2023 Plowman Chamber Music Competition.
As a member of the Medusa Saxophone Quartet, and Fusion Sax Duo, she aims to continue her exploration of chamber music by commissioning and supporting underrepresented composers and musicians through community outreach lectures, performances, and recordings.
Alexis Seah-Fritz
Alexis Seah-Fritz, 谢喜晴, is a Singaporean saxophonist based in the United States. She has given recitals and workshops at several international festivals such as the Singapore Saxophone Symposium, North American Saxophone Alliance, World Saxophone Congress, Asian Saxophone Congress, and others. In the competitive circuit, Alexis has competed in the North American Saxophone Alliance Quartet Competition, Music Teachers National Association Chamber Winds and Young Artist Competition, Fischoff Chamber Music Competition, and Asia Pacific Saxophone Academy Solo Competition.
Alexis has received her education from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (Diploma in Music Performance, 2014), Royal College of Music-NAFA (Bachelor of Music w/Honours, 2016), and Oklahoma State University (Master of Music, 2019). She is currently completing her Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Oklahoma. Her teachers include Tang Xiao Ping, Leslie Wong, Kyle Horch, Jeffrey Loeffert, and Jonathan Nichol.
Kendra Wheeler
Dr. Kendra Wheeler, an emerging influential figure in her field, is celebrated for her technical skill, interpretative depth, and innovative spirit. Her contributions to performance and education and her commitment to representation and inclusion have impacted and helped shape her field.
Her performances have illuminated major venues and festivals across North and South America and Europe, including the Chicago Symphony Center, Ordway Center for Performing Arts, and Muzička akademija u Zagrebu. Her work has been recognized by prestigious organizations and competitions such as the Concert Artists Guild (CAG), Vandoren Emerging Artist Competition (VEA), DOWNBEAT Magazine, and the Pan-American International Saxophone Competition.
As an advocate for new and contemporary saxophone music, outreach, and diversity, a few of Wheeler’s notable projects include the Folk Music Reimagined series, the Women of Color in Classical Saxophone Group, and her work with the Medusa Saxophone Quartet, which focuses on supporting young, underrepresented saxophonists and composers through performance and education.
As an Assistant Professor of Music at Louisiana State University, Wheeler's teaching emphasizes technical mastery, artistic expression, and an understanding of music's social and political contexts. Her students' achievements show her commitment to fostering critical thinking and diverse perspectives.
Wheeler’s unwavering commitment to her craft and innovative approach ensures that she will continue to be a leading voice in the evolution of her field for years to come. Kendra is an Eastman Artist, playing the EAS 850 Rue Saint Georges, and a Légère Reeds and Key Leaves performing artist.