In our first interview from the NAMM Show 2020 in Anaheim, CA, Donna sat down with classical saxophonist, Chika Inoue.
Chika has performed with Los Angeles Philharmonic, Brooklyn Metro Chamber Orchestra, and many other orchestras in the United States, as well as internationally at Festivals in Germany, Spain, Japan, Italy and China.
A native of Osaka, Japan, Chika spent most of her youth in Frankfurt, Germany and San Diego, California. She has won first prize laureate at the Japan International League of Artists Music Competition, the La Jolla Symphony & Chorus Young Artists Competition, Redlands Bowl Young Artist Competition, Fresno Musical Club Bell T. Richie Award, and the Beverly Hills National Auditions. A graduate of the USC Thornton School of Music (D.M.A.), California State University, Fresno (M.A.), and UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music (B.A.), Chika is dedicated to sharing her knowledge with students. She is currently on faculty at Los Angeles City College as well as the California State University, Dominguez Hills.
Chika actively looks beyond the standard saxophone repertoire for works that allow the saxophone to shine, continuously transcribing and performing works of violin, clarinet, oboe, flute, voice and piano, expanding the limits of the saxophone technique and artistry.
She is a Conn-Selmer, Vandoren, and LefreQue endorsing artist.
In this interview, we talked about:
- Some interesting saxophone accessories to make your tone fuller and more in tune
- Her approach to playing music for Duos, in particular with guitarists
- Why she prefers to re-arrange traditional classical music for Saxophone
- and more
Her Duo Performance at NAMM 2020-
Movement 1:
Movement 2:
