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About
Kendra Heslip Price is a Canadian saxophonist, conductor, and music educator based in Sherwood Park, Alberta. An accomplished performer of classical and contemporary music, she brings a versatile musical background to her work as a soloist, chamber musician, conductor, and educator. Her career reflects a commitment to artistic excellence, thoughtful collaboration, and creating meaningful musical experiences for performers and audiences alike.
Kendra holds a Bachelor of Music in Saxophone Performance and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta, where she studied saxophone with Dr. Allison Balcetis. She earned her Master of Music in Saxophone Performance from Bowling Green State University, studying with Dr. John Sampen and serving as a graduate teaching assistant. She has also held a teaching appointment with the University of Alberta's Department of Music as a lecturer in applied saxophone. Her additional studies include multiple seasons at the Frederick L. Hemke Saxophone Institute and participation in the American Saxophone Academy.
Her achievements include recognition at the Canadian Music Competition National Finals, the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal Competition, the Lima Symphony Orchestra Young Artist Competition, and the William Byrd Young Artist Competition. She is also a winner of the University of Alberta Concerto Competition and the Northern Alberta Concerto Competition. Her artistic development has been supported by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, the Winspear Fund, and the John and Barbara Poole Scholarship, among other awards.
As a soloist and chamber musician, Kendra has performed with ensembles including the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, and the Royal Canadian Artillery Band. During her undergraduate studies, Kendra received praise from the Edmonton Journal for an "extraordinary performance," noting that her "technical prowess [was] always at the service of the music." She is a member of the Edmonton Saxophone Quartet, performing a diverse repertoire of classical and contemporary works and collaborating with fellow musicians to bring saxophone chamber music to audiences throughout Alberta.
An active conductor, Kendra has worked with school, honour, and community ensembles throughout Alberta. She served as Director of the Edmonton Catholic Schools Junior All City Band and as Assistant Conductor of the Festival City Winds Advanced Band. Her conducting work includes guest appearances, ensemble rehearsals, and collaborative projects with musicians of varying ages and experience levels. Drawing on her background as both a performer and educator, Kendra approaches conducting with an emphasis on musical expression, thoughtful rehearsal techniques, and the collaborative nature of ensemble music-making.
Kendra is equally committed to music education, bringing extensive experience as a band director, university instructor, and clinician. She has taught instrumental music in both Edmonton Public and Edmonton Catholic schools, working with students across a wide range of ages, abilities, and musical backgrounds. Her work as a clinician includes instrumental sectionals, ensemble coaching, and workshops supporting students and educators in developing technical skills, musical understanding, and expressive performance.
In 2022, Kendra received the Alberta Band Association's Keith Mann Young Band Director Award, recognizing her contributions to instrumental music education. Her educational philosophy emphasizes the development of thoughtful, independent musicians through meaningful collaboration, curiosity, and a shared commitment to artistic growth.
Kendra is the founder and Executive Director of Edmonton Youth Bands, a nonprofit organization dedicated to nurturing compassionate young musicians through collaboration, connection, and community. Through its youth ensembles and support for music educators, the organization aims to strengthen Edmonton's music community and create opportunities for musicians at every stage of their development.
Whether performing, conducting, or working with young musicians, Kendra's work is grounded in a belief that music is fundamentally a shared human experience, one that brings people together through creativity, expression, and connection.