Debra Richtmeyer

Debra Richtmeyer, Professor Emerita, School of Music, at the University of Illinois, is a renowned classical saxophone soloist and clinician in the United States, Europe, and Asia. She has performed as concerto soloist with numerous bands and orchestras, including the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, The Slovak Radio Orchestra, The Scottish Chamber Orchestra and the Washington D.C. United States Navy Band and was principal saxophonist with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and the St. Louis Symphony for over a decade. A pioneer for women concert saxophonists, she has commissioned and premiered numerous compositions and was the first woman to perform a featured concerto with orchestra and to give a master class at a World Saxophone Congress. Twice a Grammy List Nominee, Debra’s solo CDs have received reviews such as "flawless...an extraordinary album" by the American Record Guide and “first-class solo playing” by the Dallas Morning News. She has adjudicated state, national and international music competitions and is the recipient of prestigious awards including the North American Saxophone Alliance’s Honorary Life Member Award and the University of Illinois’ Campus Award for Excellence in Graduate and Professional Teaching. She recently retired as Professor of Saxophone at the University of Illinois, where she served since 1991. She received her degrees from Northwestern University, is a Selmer Artist/Clinician, Past President of the North American Saxophone Alliance and former Member of the International Saxophone Committee. Her recent 2 volume book, The Richtmeyer Saxophone Method: Essential Steps and Strategies for Developing Fundamentals, Technique & Artistry is published by Theodore Presser Co and available at https://www.presser.com/.

Debra served as secretary for the Unity Church in Urbana, Illinois from 2021-2024 and looks forward to becoming a member of the Port Ludlow Performing Arts community. She is married to Dr. Steven Rummel, professor emeritus of mathematics, Heartland Community College. They have one son, Alex Rummel, a Senior at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. In their free time they enjoy hiking, bike riding, sailing, reading, listening to music, watching movies, dining with friends, playing cards and snuggling with their cat, Sally.