Russel Kerns

Russell Kerns is a leading force in the younger generation of Classical Saxophonists. As a Soloist, Russell has performed with the Merit School of Music Symphony Orchestra on stage at Symphony Center, home to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Russell has also given many recitals throughout the United States and Europe. Russell has performed under esteemed conductors such as Dr. Mallory Thompson, Michael Haithcock, H. Robert Reynolds, and Riccardo Muti.

One of his goals is to contribute to the rapidly expanding repertoire of the
Saxophonist and has already begun commissioning composers and premiering new works. This year he plans on premiering works by composers such as Andrew Mead, Baldwin Giang, Christian Fischer-Lochead, and Jim Stephenson. Next year he already has in the works 5 new commissions for saxophone.

Russell has also done well in the competition circuit being a Semi-finalist in the North American saxophone Alliance competition, finalist in the International Saxophone Symposium and Competition, Finalist at the Northwestern University concerto competition, 3rd place in the Vandoren Emerging Artist competition, and most recently the Arosa Prize from the Arosa Summer Music Festival. Russell is soprano chair of the Adamas Saxophone Quartet which recently became Detroit Chamber Winds Youth ensemble in Residence. Adamas won the 2016 Briggs Chamber Music competition at University of Michigan.

Teaching is also very important to Russell as he holds a degree from Northwestern University in Music education, and maintains a small private studio. Russell also has a Degree in Music Performance from Northwestern and plans to graduate with a Masters in Music Performance from University of Michigan. His primary teachers include Frederick L. Hemke, and Timothy McAllister. Russell has also worked with the Masato Kumoi Quartet, John Sampen, and Chien-Kwan Lin.