Biography

 

Born in Taipei, Pin-Hua Chen is a talented and engaging saxophonist of the younger generation of Taiwan. Chen holds her Master of Music degree in saxophone performance (2012) from Bowling Green State University, and both a Bachelor of Management degree and Music minor degree (2010) from Fu Jen Catholic University. Her primary instructors include Dr. John Sampen and Prof. Cheng-Yu Lee. Chen holds a DMA degree (2016) in Saxophone Performance and Literature at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she studies with Professor Debra Richtmeyer, along with a minor in Wind Band Conducting under Dr. Linda Moorhouse’s instruction.

 

As an active performer, Chen has a strong performance background as both a soloist and a chamber musician. During the 2013 NASA Region 5 Conference, she premiered the commissioned piece “Act” for solo baritone saxophone written by the Hongkongese composer Viola Yip. At the 2014 NASA Biannual Conference, Chen premiered a new arrangement trio piece “Unafraid” for soprano, alto saxophones, and piano by the American composer Zack Browning, performing with the saxophonist Po-Fang Chang and the pianist Casey Dierlam.

 

Chen has received acclaim performing as a soloist and ensemble member. Most recent praise came in 2014 when Chen advanced to the semi-final round in the 4th Jean-Marie Londeix International Saxophone Competition in Thailand. Furthermore, Chen’s performance in the 2011 3rd JML competition semi-final marked the first time a Taiwanese saxophonist had advanced to the second round of an international competition.

 

Also in 2011, Chen’s successful saxophone quartet, the Ying Saxophone Quartet, won the 5th Annual Bowling Green State University Chamber Music Competition and advanced to the final round of the 65th Coleman Chamber Competition. In addition, Chen and her saxophone quartet, the Crux4tet, which established at the University of Illinois, also performed at the semi-final round of the 2014 NASA Quartet Competition.  

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Chen serves as Adjunct Assistant Professor of Saxophone at National University of Tainan, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Saxophone at University of Taipei, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Saxophone at Fu Jen Catholic University, and Adjunct Lecturer of Saxophone at National Sun Yat-sen University (Taiwan). Chen is currently a member of the Composition VII Saxophone Quartet, Resonance Saxophone Quartet, and MIT Saxophone Ensemble.