In the words of Wynton Marsalis, Alexa Tarantino is a “one-woman wrecking crew; an indomitable force for expression, education, and absolute excellence.” The vibrant and versatile jazz saxophone & woodwind artist has been triple-nominated as a Rising Star Alto Saxophonist by Downbeat Magazine’s Critics’ Poll from 2020-2022, was named one of the Top 5 Alto Saxophonists by the JazzTimes Critics’ Poll, & was one of 100 alumni to receive the Centennial Award from the Eastman School of Music. Alexa tours worldwide with Cecile McLorin Salvant, ARTEMIS, & the Alexa Tarantino Quartet. She appears frequently with Wynton Marsalis & JALC. Her records (Firefly, Clarity, Winds of Change) and compositions have consistently topped jazz radio charts, & her discography includes 25+ released recordings. Tarantino is in-demand internationally as an energetic & impactful clinician, mentor, and coach and also represents JALC as a visiting educator for various programs with students of all ages and levels.