Concert Program

Program

Bios

Saxophonist Anna Marie Wytko, whose playing has been described by The Absolute Sound as “extraordinary” and the Uruguayan Press as “impeccable,” is University Distinguished Professor of Saxophone within the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance at Kansas State University.

A Yamaha Performing Artist-Clinician and KSU International Educator of the Year Award Winner, Dr. Wytko is a globally acclaimed recording, performing, and teaching artist, as well as a globally praised author of multiple books, articles, and other publications. Sample albums include When Night Came, Anna Marie Wytko – Saxophonist, The Loveliness of Air – I Can’t Breathe, Muddle, and Phraseology. Published by RJ Upmarket Press, Dr. Wytko authored pedagogy books The Saxophonist As Rank Beginner and Beyond: A Guide for Saxophone Methods Class, Band Directors, and Private Instructors and The Saxophonist As Musician First – A Sampling Of Resources.

As concerto soloist, Anna Marie has performed in Carnegie Hall in the famous Stern Auditorium on the esteemed Perelman Stage, and in the historic National Theatre of Costa Rica with the National Symphony Orchestra of Costa Rica. She has performed as concerto soloist with the Polish Air Force Wind Symphony, the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra, the Banda Sinfónica de Montevideo in Uruguay, with the National Bands of San José and Alajuela in Costa Rica, and with orchestras throughout England and Scotland, among many others. Internationally, Dr. Wytko has performed as guest recitalist and taught as guest professor at institutions such as the Royal College of Music in London, the Royal Birmingham Conservatory of Music, the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris, the Conservatorio Nacional Superior de Música de Buenos Aires, the University of Zagreb Academy of Music, the Akademia Muzyczna of Poland, the Universidad de Costa Rica, and throughout Italy at the national conservatories of Milan, Florence, Bologna, and Perugia.

The winner of numerous awards and prizes, Anna Marie is a Yamaha Young Performing Artist First Prize Winner, Butterfield Young Artists Concerto Competition First Prize Winner, International Incentive Grant award recipient, and Mortar Board National Honor Society for “Exemplary in Instruction and Dedication to the Students’ Experience” award recipient, among numerous others. Please visit Anna Marie’s website for further information: www.AnnaMarieWytko.com

Amanda Arrington is Senior Professor of Practice and Faculty Collaborative Pianist at Kansas State University, where she performs in numerous performances each year with faculty, students, and guest artists. A passionate advocate for new music, she has premiered works at the World Saxophone Congress, International Trumpet Guild, International Double Reeds Society, and National Flute Association, for example.

Her performances have taken her to renowned venues including, for example, the Sydney Opera House, the Kennedy Center, and the National WWI and WWII Museums. Amanda’s discography includes Serenade, Ruminations, Anna Marie Wytko – Saxophonist, Wanderlust, and more—all available on major streaming platforms.  Amanda is co-founder of Radium Recordings, a classical music label she administers with her husband and recording engineer, Owen Taylor.

Amanda holds a Master of Arts in Piano Pedagogy from the University of Central Missouri and a Bachelor of Music Education from Kansas State University. She received the MTD Excellence Award from K-State’s School of Music, Theatre, and Dance in recognition of her outstanding artistry and service. Please visit Amanda’s website for further information: www.AmandaArrington.com