About
Shawna Pennock has been described as “rich and powerful, yet lightly effervescent” (Classical Voice of North Carolina) and “towering” (Textura). Pennock serves as Visiting Assistant Professor of Saxophone at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. At UNLV, she teaches applied saxophone lessons, music theory, woodwind pedagogy, instrumental pedagogy, and chamber music.
Pennock has won top prizes in competitions including 1st Prizes at the North American Saxophone Alliance Quartet Competition, ENKÖR Chamber Music Competition, Southern Division of Music Teachers National Association Chamber Competition North Carolina MTNA Chamber Competition, University of Georgia Concerto Competition, and the North Carolina MTNA Young Artist Competition. She has performed across three continents in Panama, France, Hong Kong, Thailand, Russia, and the United States.
Pennock is currently the tenor saxophonist for the Dasch Quartet. Their debut CD Necessary Edges a collection of romantic string transcriptions by Dvorak, Puccini, and Smetana, was described as “immaculate” and “exquisitely done and played”; (Clarinet and Saxophone Society of Great Britain).
Having a diverse background in education, Pennock has experience teaching Preschool through 6th grade music in public and private schools. She has blended this background with her experience teaching saxophone in higher education to create fun and engaging ways to teach saxophonists (beginner- advanced) technique and musicality.
Pennock earned her Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Georgia. She holds a Master of Music degree and Professional Artist certificate from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and a Bachelor of Music degree with an education certificate from The University of Iowa. Her former teachers include Connie Frigo, Taimur Sullivan, Kenneth Tse, and Robin Ciccotelli.
Photo Credit : Kevin Tumbagahan