Michael Chapa

Michael Chapa, a native of Dallas, Texas, is a passionate performer and an avid music educator. He recently completed an Artist Diploma at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign under the tutelage of Debra Richtmeyer while serving as an Athletic Bands Teaching Assistant for the Illinois Bands. Previous degrees include a Master of Music Performance and Literature at the University of Illinois (2019) and a Bachelor of Music Education at Stephen F. Austin State University (2017).

Michael has performed as a soloist with the University of Illinois Wind Symphony and SFASU Orchestra of the Pines. As a chamber musician, he has performed with University of Illinois Symphony Orchestra and Illinois Wesleyan Symphonic Winds. As a member of the award-winning Khroma Quartet, Michael has traveled to numerous venues across the Midwest to perform a diverse range of music to demonstrate the varied capabilities of the saxophone and promote the array of colors the saxophone quartet can contribute in many genres.

Recent accomplishments include the first prize at the 2020 American Prize Chamber Music Competition, winner of the 2020 North American Saxophone Alliance Quartet Competition, second place at the 2019 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, winner of the 2017 Music Teacher National Association Young Artist Chamber Illinois State Competition, and winner of the 2015 Stephen F. Austin State University Concerto Competition. Newly awarded the 2020-2021 Harriet Hale Woolley Scholarship, Michael will be living at the Fondation des États-Unis in Paris, France while studying with Jean-Michel Goury at the Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional Boulogne-Billancourt.