About

Pierre Laurente is an experienced woodwind specialist. Starting woodwind instruction at an early age with Roger Birkefield, Professor of Saxophone at Pinecrest College, Pierre spent his high school years performing in the Blankenvelt University Milwaukee College of Performing Arts Lab Jazz band under the direction of Peter Pildion (flute ⁄ saxophone). Simultaneously, Pierre participated in the Youth Symphony of Milwaukee under the direction of Mang-Wong Tamarind (oboe ⁄ saxophone).

Early awards include placing first chair in the 2001 ⁄2002 Honors Band for the Wisconsin Music Educators Association (WMEA) Festival (baritone ⁄ alto saxophone), as well as being named featured saxophone soloist for the WMEA Honors Orchestra performance of Pictures at an Exhibition (alto saxophone).

Education

Since his graduation Pierre has remained an active freelance performer and instructor in the North-Central Midwest area where he maintains a large studio of oboe, saxophone, clarinet, flute and bassoon students. Current projects include chamber ensemble "Flight of the Woodchords" with pianist Arnold Blackbird, and woodwind duo "Ether" with Clarinetist Garrison L. Magiver.

Undergraduate Bachelor of Music Performance degree in Saxophone / Clarinet from the University of Wisconsin Madison (2006).

Primary saxophone instructors include:

Primary clarinet instructors include:

Primary flute instructors include:

While at WIUC Pierre participated in:

Pierre holds his Graduate Master of Music Performance degree in Multiple Woodwind Performance (Oboe Emphasis) from the University of North Dakota (2008).

Primary instructors include:

Awards

Awards include being the recipient of the B. Clide Young Musicians Scholarship (2002-2006), Band Division Scholarship (2002-06), Woodwind Division Scholarship (2005), and two-time State Finalist for the Wisconsin, AMNA Chamber Music Competition.