Meet the Saxophone Studio

Carter Doolittle

Carter Doolittle is a Junior at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA). He has been fortunate enough to perform in masterclasses with some world class saxophonists and educators such as Dr. Clifford Leaman (USC), Professor Matt Olsen (FU), Professor Joe Lulloff (MSU), Dr. Karen Hill (Converse College), and Dr. Timothy McAllister (UM). Carter currently studies under Dr. Robert Young at UNCSA in pursuit of a Bachelor’s degree in Saxophone Performance.

His achievements include, receiving 1st and 3rd prizes in the 2019-2021 SCBDA Masters Recital Competitions, placing 3rd in the 2021-2022 National MTNA Solo Competition, placing 2nd in the 2022 UNCSA Concerto Competition, winning 1st prize in the 2022 Euterpe Solo Competition, placing 2nd in the 2021-2022 Cleveland International Music Competition, and winning 1st place in the 2023 Rosen-Schaffel Competition.

Lucas Ingle

Lucas Ingle, a native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is a senior in high school at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, under the study of Dr. Robert Young. His journey in the world of music began during middle school when he discovered his profound passion for classical saxophone, which eventually led him to enroll as a freshman at UNCSA.

In the summer of 2022, Lucas took his musical artistry to new heights by attending the Boston University Tanglewood Institute of Music. During his time there, he held a principal position in the BUTI Young Artist Wind Ensemble and, notably, served as the soprano saxophone chair in the BUTI saxophone quartet. With a vision to both preserve and innovate within the realm of concert classical saxophone, Lucas aspires to become a professor of saxophone and contribute to the expansion of the saxophone repertoire by commissioning works from emerging, vibrant, composers.

Lucas's dedication to the saxophone extends beyond his performance skills, as he is deeply engaged in scholarly research, delving into the instrument's rich historical context and the profound influence of composers who have shaped its evolution. Furthermore, he passionately advocates for the cultivation of a growth mindset within fellow musicians, emphasizing the transformative power of deliberate practice and heightened mental acuity in the pursuit of artistic excellence.

Gabriel López

Gabriel López is a native of Puerto Rico currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music (Class of ‘24) at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) with a concentration on saxophone performance under the instruction of Dr. Robert Young. He earned his high school diploma from Clayton High School, where he received the Semper Fidelis Award for Musical Excellence and was named First Chair Alto Saxophonist of the 2020 North Carolina Senior High All-State Honors Band.

A multi-faceted musician, he is a member of the UNCSA Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, and the Ascend Quartet. He has performed in various masterclasses led by esteemed musicians such as Joseph Lulloff, Owen Broder, and Jon Metzger. Other masterclass attendances include Timothy McAllister, Connie Frigo, and Paul Hanson.

After completing his undergraduate studies, Gabriel López aspires to pursue a master’s and doctorate degree in music and one day teach saxophone at the collegiate level.

Tai Mikulecky

Tai Mikulecky is a second-year graduate student studying saxophone with Dr. Robert Young at UNCSA, where she is the Graduate Assistant. She is active in jazz band, jazz combo, saxophone quartet, and teaches music to students in the Winston-Salem area. Prior to attending UNCSA, she was the assistant band director for four years at Las Cruces High School in Las Cruces, New Mexico. She taught concert, jazz, marching, and pep bands. During her time teaching there, the marching band placed in finals at the Zia Marching Festival and Tournament of Bands for the first time in over ten years. The advanced concert band was chosen as the 2021 New Mexico Honor Band and recorded and filmed a virtual performance of four pieces. She also played her saxophone as a member of the Mesilla Valley Community Band and performed as a saxophone soloist with the band. In addition, she performed professionally with various jazz big bands and combos in Las Cruces. Tai graduated from the Indiana University Jacobs School of music in Spring 2018 with a bachelor's in music education.

Noah Smith

Noah Smith Sabourin, a high school senior, is a native of Middlebury, Vermont, though they recently moved to Winston-Salem with their family. They are very passionate about music, and have been playing saxophone, largely self-taught, for seven years. They were very excited to have the opportunity to play and learn with top musicians at UNCSA’s School of Music. While at UNCSA, Noah hopes to improve their playing technique, their music theory knowledge, and their ability to play in ensembles, and with other musicians.

Benjamin Ward

Benjamin Ward is a high school freshman at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), studying under Dr. Robert Young. He started playing the saxophone in the sixth grade, much like many other aspiring saxophonists. His inspiration was sparked to play the saxophone after growing up with his sisters, who have all studied at UNCSA, three of whom have released an album. Ben hopes to perform frequently during his saxophone career, as well as improving his saxophone knowledge and skill sets in both classical and jazz music styles.

Liam Wellman

Liam Wellman is a native of Huntington, West Virginia and is a first-year undergraduate student at UNCSA. Starting at the age of 13, he has been dedicated to becoming a professional saxophonist. While studying privately with local saxophonist John Seals, Liam rapidly excelled and became even more motivated after getting his first achievement, a superior rating for WVMEA Solo & Ensemble 2019, only 6 months after starting out.

From there, he’s been a member of multiple regional honor bands, and member of the West Virginia All-State band all four years of high school, placing first chair his junior and senior years. He has also attended masterclasses given by Dr. Jeffrey Siegfried, Dr. Robert Young, and Dr. Edward Goodman. He hopes to continue to excel his career path at UNCSA, under the guidance of Dr. Robert Young.