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Lauren Hepburn (she/her)
Lauren was born and raised in the great Northwest and has taught clarinet, saxophone, and flute in the Seattle area for several years. A grad from the University of Washington she received a Master's in Music Education, where she studied education and conducting with Dr. Steven Morrison and Tim Salzman, and jazz saxophone with Greg Sinibaldi. She received her Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Central Washington University where she studied with Larry Gookin, Mark Lane, and Joseph Brooks.
Before going to UW, Lauren was hired by Seattle Public Schools and taught band and orchestra at Broadview-Thomson K-8 and then orchestra and choir at Whitman Middle School. Lauren maintains a busy schedule performing in semi-pro and professional bands around the area playing saxophone and clarinet.
Kristen Hemke (she/her)
Kristen has worked in a teaching capacity in Wisconsin, California, and Washington, including teaching at the Keyboard Art School of Music in Wrightwood, CA. She was also a member of the Music Teachers’ Association of California while running her own home studio in San Diego. Kristen has been a clinician for multiple schools, helping students with both classical and jazz music. Kristen stands out as an instructor with her engaging and adaptable teaching. Her approach to lessons centers on the understanding of different learning styles—no two people are exactly the same, so no two lessons should be exactly the same.
Her time working with individuals with developmental disabilities cultivated her talent for teaching private lessons. She enhanced these emotional intelligence skills with mental health first aid classes. As a result, Kristen creates a kind, welcoming environment where students feel confident about their talents. Kristen earned her B.A. in Saxophone Performance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, studying with Richard Davis and Les Thimmig. While in Madison, Kristen organized her own jazz quartet, in addition to working with various big bands, dance bands, and jazz combos. She has performed with Wisconsin musicians such as Nick Moran, Paul Hastil, Dave Stoler, and the Bill Sargent Big Band. She has provided music for a variety of functions ranging from formal parties to festivals throughout the Midwest. She has also recorded for Madison's 89.9 WORT radio station. In California, Kristen recorded for America's Community Network with Empire Swing, as well as performed locally for festivals, private events, and musical theater.
Tip Your Teacher! Venmo @khemke
Lonnie Williams (he/him)
Lonnie Williams grew up in Beaumont, Texas, where the recording of Cannonball Adderley on the jukebox at his family’s barbecue restaurant inspired him to take up the saxophone at a young age. Starting as an alto sax player in his school band, Lonnie practiced every day and eventually moved to Seattle where he was inspired and embraced by the city’s jazz scene. In the years since, he has played with such legends as Eddie Harris and Joe Henderson, and in venues all over the world. Considered a legend in the Pioneer Square jazz scene, Lonnie hasn’t let success get in the way of his calling to teach, which he has followed since he began tutoring other kids in his school band in junior high. He encourages his students to learn through his own mantra of “practice practice practice!” but also believes strongly that music should always be fun. He hopes to inspire his students to find as much joy in the saxophone as he has for so many years.