Baritone Specialist Sara Ann started her music career at the tender age of 9, playing recorder very loudly in the Warragul North Primary School Recorder Ensemble. Coming from a predominantly sporting family in Gippsland, Sara was fortunate to have her curiosity for music nurtured and quickly found herself immersed in the world of school music ensembles and the Warragul Municipal Brass Band.

 

Sara studied with Ian Godfrey at The University of Melbourne where she discovered her passion for the Baritone Saxophone. Sara was the recipient of the “Lois Singer” Foundation Award for the most meritorious music student completing the Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of teaching degree. Sara continued her education and quickly became the first female to attain a Master of Music Performance on the saxophone in Victoria.

 

Sara’s talent for carrying chamber music ensembles was picked up by the inspiring educator Dr. Michael Lichnovsky. She joined Michael in “SAXE” saxophone quartet that played all over Victoria for many years, including a trip to the World Saxophone Congress in the U.S.A

 

Sara has continued to build her career as a performing artist whilst tending her career as a teacher in the South Gippsland School’s Music Program. She has been a guest artist at major saxophone events, such as The Melbourne International Saxophone Festival and the Melbourne Saxophone Summer Academy. She has also performed with Orchestra Victoria.

 

Sara is particularly passionate about delivering quality music education to children from the country. She has worked in the South Gippsland Schools’ Music Program for the past twelve years, teaching clarinet, saxophone and classroom music, as well as leading the Senior Wind Ensemble. Sara is also assistant conductor at the Wonthaggi Youth Brass and a member of the Wonthaggi Citizens’ Band. In her spare time, Sara plays in funk band called “The Hip Pockets” and loves to play golf and tennis.

 

Sara has always been a country girl at heart, residing in Wonthaggi in country Victoria, with her husband, two daughters, and miniature schnauzer Pixie.