Hannah Hickman to hold masterclasses and recital on September 20

On September 20, award-winning musician Hannah Hickman will hold masterclasses and a recital at Dordt University. At 3 p.m., she will present on her website and speak about the relationship between color, musicality, and performance. At 7 p.m., she will give an alto and soprano saxophone recital in the BJ Haan Auditorium.

Hickman is a passionate educator eager to equip young musicians. Her website, Keyspark, provides curated classes and learning resources for 7th-12th grade saxophonists. She serves as a musician in her local church, and has worked with students of all ages, both in public schools and private lessons.

While at Dordt, Hickman will hold two masterclasses for music students, as well as perform in the evening. Her music will include “Sonata for Bb alto saxophone” by Bernard Heiden, “Sonata in Eb for alto and orchestra” by Fernande Decruck, and “Wicker Park” by Marcos Balter for soprano sax and electronics.

Hickman is rooted in Northwestern Iowa, having grown up in Sheldon, Iowa. She holds music degrees in music education and saxophone performance from the University of Minnesota, the University of Michigan, and the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She is currently studying for her doctoral degree at the Hartt School. She has been involved on the international and local level, presenting and performing in events such as the World Saxophone Congress, International Saxophone Symposium, Music for All Summer Symposium, North American Saxophone Alliance, Iowa All-State Music Festival, and the Iowa Bandmasters Association Annual Conference. The University of Minnesota Symphony Orchestra and the Hartt Wind Ensemble featured her as a soloist, and she performed as a guest artist with the Albany Symphony and the Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra. In 2017, she won the Yamaha Young Performing Artist Competition.

About Dordt University

As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.