D'Angelo Faculty Recital: Dr. Scott Meier & Alumni Saxophone Quartet (Rebekah Peyton, Caden Gilson, and Dennis Whalen)

Caden Gilson is a saxophonist with a background in classical and contemporary performance. He earned his B.A. in Music from Merychurst University in 2018, where his studies emphasized classical saxophone technique, chamber music, ensemble performance, and the development of a versatile approach to the instrument.

Under the instruction of Dr. Scott Meier, Caden performed extensively on baritone saxophone in a variety of university ensembles, including wind ensemble, jazz ensemble, and saxophone quartet. These experiences allowed him to develop a strong foundation in both large ensemble and chamber performance while exploring repertoire across classical, jazz, and contemporary traditions.

In addition to his classical training, Caden continues to perform in a variety of musical settings as a freelance saxophonist in the region. Outside of music, Caden works professionally with PepsiCo and is currently pursuing his MBA through Penn State University.

Rebekah Peyton graduated from Mercyhurst University in 2022 with a B.M. in Music Therapy and a concentration in alto saxophone. During their time at Mercyhurst, Peyton performed with Mercyhurst’s wind ensemble on alto saxophone, their saxophone quartet on soprano saxophone, and their clarinet choir on B-flat clarinet. They also participated in Mercyhurst Athletic's band, performing on alto saxophone in 2019 before serving as drum major for the 2020 season. Peyton studied saxophone under Dr. Scott Meier and participated in a masterclass led by the Decho Ensemble, a saxophone quartet. They also worked closely with Rebecca Wunch through Mercyhurst’s saxophone quartet and clarinet choir, as well as studied music composition with Dr. Albert Glinsky for one semester.

Following graduation, Peyton completed a music therapy internship at Harborcreek Youth Services under the guidance of Sam Krahe. They subsequently earned their certification as a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC). For the past two years, Peyton has provided a variety of music-based services at Sara A. Reed Children’s Center across its residential, partial hospitalization, and community-based programs. Additionally, Peyton has served as the woodwind instructor at Northwestern High School for the past six years, developing extensive experience in the marching arts while also providing private instruction to students.

Outside of their professional pursuits, Peyton resides in the Erie area and enjoys reading, drawing, and trying the latest Red Bull flavors.

Dennis Whalen graduated from Mercyhurst University in 2022 with a B.S. in Chemistry and a minor in Music performance and Physics. While a student, Dennis participated in numerous ensembles, including the wind ensemble, jazz ensemble, concert choir, and chamber choir. Dennis also participated in the Mercyhurst marching band and was a cross-country athlete.

Following graduation, Dennis earned a job as a chemical engineer at Parker Lord. In his spare time, Dennis was also a member of the Erie Philharmonic Chorus. His current hobbies include playing ice hockey, pickleball, golfing, and spending time with friends and family.

Dr. Scott Meier began his studies at the University of Wyoming, receiving a B.S. in Music Education. After seven years of teaching instrumental and choral music in the Arizona public schools, he earned his M.M. in Woodwind Doubling at the University of Redlands in Redlands, CA, where he studied saxophone and conducting with Eddie R. Smith. Later, during his doctoral work at The Florida State University, he studied conducting with James Croft, Rodney Eichenberger, and Andre Thomas. Meier is currently an associate professor of music education in the D’Angelo Department of Music. He teaches applied saxophone, conducts the wind and jazz ensembles, as well as teaches music education and technology courses. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he serves as the coordinator for the annual Tri-State Music Festival and has served on the Board of Directors for JazzErie. Meier also plays professionally with several local ensembles, including the Presque Isle Saxophone Quartet (as a founding member), the Misery Bay Big Band, the Presque Isle Jazz Orchestra, and The Cleveland Winds.

Dr. Sarah Kahl is the accompanist for the Erie Philharmonic Chorus (EPC), Erie Junior Philharmonic Chorus (EJPC), and Erie Philharmonic Youth Chorale (EPYC). She also serves as the group piano instructor for both the EJPC and EPYC. Kahl has an extensive background in piano pedagogy and has taught piano and multi-level classes in the group piano setting at universities in Minnesota, North Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, and Pennsylvania. She also serves as a collaborative pianist and adjunct instructor of music at Mercyhurst University. Kahl is an active performer in the Erie area, where she performs with established musicians and students alike. In addition to her performance roles, she is the music coordinator at Church of the Cross in Fairview, PA, and operates a private piano studio. Kahl received her DMA in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Kansas, where she studied with Jack Winerock. She received her masters in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Nebraska, where she studied with Paul Barnes and pedagogy with Brenda Wristen. She received her B.M. in Music Education from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, and studied under David Worth.