A versatile performer, Cara Kinney-Hachten is an active soloist, chamber musician and woodwind teacher. Through music, Cara is passionate about curating connections, collaborating with other musicians, and inspiring audiences. Originally from Maine, Cara participates in ensembles, chamber groups, and musical theater productions across New England. Specializing in saxophone, Cara is the alto saxophonist with the Area 9 Saxophone Quartet and performs with the Firebird Pops Orchestra, Opus One Big Band, Deep Blue C Studio Orchestra, and the Timberlane Community Jazz Band. She has participated in recordings as a member of the Fredonia Saxophone Ensemble and the Boston University Wind Ensemble.

 

Cara has participated in masterclasses for Kenneth Tse, the U.S. Coast Guard Saxophone Quartet, Mana Saxophone Quartet, Matthew Slotkin, and Hans de Jong. As a member of the Fredonia Wind Ensemble, Cara participated in workshops with Pulitzer Prize winning composer Michael Colgrass and composer Paul Dooley. Cara is a faculty member at the Nashua Community Music School and the Timberlane Regional School District.

 

Cara received her Master's Degree in Saxophone Performance from Boston University. She completed her undergraduate work at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Fredonia where she double majored in Music Performance (BM) and Communication (BS).  Her primary teachers include Dr. Jennifer Bill, Dr. Wildy Zumwalt, Bruce Johnstone, and Joe Kingston.