Steven Banks

Steven Banks is an acclaimed saxophonist, composer and educator dedicated to expanding the role of the saxophone in classical music. A UNCSA alumnus (H.S. Music ’11), he was the first saxophonist to win First Prize at the Young Concert Artists Susan Wadsworth International Auditions and to receive an Avery Fisher Career Grant. He has performed with leading orchestras including The Cleveland Orchestra, Boston Symphony Orchestra and Minnesota Orchestra.

As an educator, Banks brings extensive experience from the Cleveland Institute of Music, Ithaca College, Baldwin Wallace Conservatory and the University of Hartford. At UNCSA, he teaches saxophone and coaches chamber music, drawing on his experience as a performer and composer to help students develop their individual artistic voices.

Career Highlights

• Solo appearances with The Cleveland Orchestra, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, Montreal Symphony, Utah Symphony, Colorado Symphony and Aspen Festival Orchestra.
• Recital appearances at Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, Merkin Hall, Festival Napa Valley and the San Francisco Symphony’s Spotlight Series.
• Founding member and baritone saxophonist of Kenari Quartet.
• Collaborations with the Borromeo, St. Lawrence, Dover and Verona string quartets.
• Commissioned and premiered works by composers including Billy Childs, Joan Tower, Carlos Simon, Christopher Theofanidis and Augusta Read Thomas.
• Former faculty member at the Cleveland Institute of Music, Ithaca College, Baldwin Wallace Conservatory and the University of Hartford.

Honors, Awards & Recognitions

• Avery Fisher Career Grant, 2022.
• WQXR Artist Propulsion Lab, selected artist.
• First Prize, Young Concert Artists Susan Wadsworth International Auditions.
• First Prize, inaugural M-Prize Chamber Arts Competition with Kenari Quartet.
• Silver Medal, Fischoff Chamber Music Competition with Kenari Quarte.