Melanie Howell

Melanie Howell was born near Milwuakee, WI and received her undergraduate degree in Classical Saxophone Performance and Music Education from the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music in Appleton, WI.  While there, she performed in the Downbeat Award winning Lawrence Universtiy Jazz Ensemble as well as performing in clinics with Dave Holland, Kenny Garrett, and Michael Brecker. 

After working aboard several Carnival Cruise Line ships as a showband musician, she went on to the New England Conservatory of Music to pursue her Masters in Jazz Performance.  Melanie currently is a member of the Jazz Composers' Alliance Orchestra and the Beantown Swing Orchestra where she plays baritone sax and bass clarinet.  She also enjoys playing in pit orchestras around the Boston area and continues to play classical saxophone music.  Melanie can also be seen at several Celtic music sessions around Harvard Square, as her other love is playing the traditional Irish flute.