Saxophone
(06/15 - 06/22, 2025)
A holistic and mindful approach to saxophone artistry.
What To Expect:
The saxophone program centers around the principles of inspiring and nurturing saxophonists' inherent, spontaneous, and creative nature. The curriculum includes:
The Art of Warm-ups
Explore the benefits of physical, mental, and musical warm-ups through hands-on exercises
Saxophone Fundamentals and Extended Techniques
Long tone, articulation, scales, arpeggios, patterns, and how to work through technical challenges
The Musician and the Instrument
Build a healthy relationship with your instruments, and mindfully take care of them
Saxophone Repertoire
Various genres of solo, chamber, ensemble, and orchestral music
Saxophone Improvisation Workshop
Improvisation and composition
One-on-one Coaching
Integrated with daily wellness and mindfulness sessions, our saxophone students enjoy a holistic experience.
Meet the Faculty
Artistic Director
One Heart Institute
Developer, Teacher
Tai Chi for Musicians
Doctor of Musical Arts
University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM)
Saxophone Performance
Wind Conducting
Jazz
Biography
Dr. Wenbo Yin, versatile and bold in his music-making, is a skillful interpreter of diverse genres ranging from classical and jazz to contemporary and beatbox saxophone. His performances include being featured as a soloist at Carnegie Hall, ensemble player at the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, principal saxophone in wind groups, and concerts with prominent jazz artists. He has been invited to host masterclasses and lectures at universities and conferences across the United States, China, and the Kingdom of Bhutan.
As co-founder of the One Heart Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to integrating music and aesthetic-based artistry, wellness, and holistic practices, Dr. Yin is committed to nurturing the growth and well-being of musicians and individuals alike. The Institute’s unique approach combines music-making and aesthetic-based artistry with wellness practices and mindful living, empowering individuals to achieve balance and harmony.
Wenbo's performances span collaboration with GRAMMY® award-nominated guitarist Alex de Grassi to duet and combo performances with prominent jazz artists such as GRAMMY® award-winning saxophonist Charles (Chip) McNeill, trombonist John Fedchock, and jazz vocalist Carla Cook. He served as first alto sax in the CCM Jazz Lab Band, Principal Saxophone at the CCM's most prominent wind groups—CCM Wind Symphony (Wind Orchestra), CCM Wind Ensemble, and CCM Chamber Winds.
He was invited as a speaker and performer at the Reimagining Education International Symposium hosted by the Royal University of Bhutan in 2024, selected to give a solo recital at the North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) Biennial Conference in 2020, collaborated with The United States Air Force Band Wind Quintet, appeared as a performer in the Midwest Composers Symposium, the International Saxophone Symposium - US Navy Band, the Essentially Ellington Festival sponsored by Jazz at Lincoln Center, Music China in Shanghai.
Wenbo world premiered Jeffery Gao's Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM), Even William’s operatic/film/electroacoustic pieces, and Quartet for Saxophone by Brian Raphael Nabors, whose works have been featured in major symphonies and music festivals worldwide. As a conductor, his repertoire spans work by Mozart, Stravinsky, and Grainger, performed by chamber orchestras and saxophone ensembles under his baton.
Wenbo's debut album, Reflection, was released in December 2022. It features Kalyanamitra, an original electronic smooth jazz composition; Chaconne in G Minor from the Baroque period by Tomaso Vitali; the Romantic transcriptions of violin virtuoso Pagnini’s Caprice no. 24; contemporary saxophone solo composition Bab Boujloud; the saxophone premiere of the choral piece If Tomorrow Is the Next Life; and two covers of folk and cinematic music. The album is an introspective exploration of how intention shapes a musician's approach to music, showcasing the versatility of the saxophone as an instrument and the limitless nature of music creation.
As a music educator, Dr. Yin served as a woodwind specialist at the University of Cincinnati (UC) Marching Band, undergraduate saxophone studio teaching assistant, assistant director of the UC Bearcat Jazz Band, saxophone faculty and lecturer at the CCM Preparatory Department. He is a member of the North American Saxophone Alliance, Music Teachers’ Association of California, and Music Teachers National Association.
Dr. Yin obtained his Bachelor of Music from the Ithaca College School of Music in New York, Master and Doctor of Musical Arts in Saxophone Performance with cognates in Jazz and Wind Conducting at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). His mentors include Dr. James Bunte, Rick VanMatre, Craig Bailey, Dr. Scott Belck, Bill Tiberio, and Dr. Steven Mauk.
In harmony with his musical journey, Wenbo is also a Tai Chi practitioner and instructor who teaches private and group classes locally in Northern California and internationally. He has also developed a course on Tai Chi for Musicians, which he offers through workshops at various institutions.
Professional Highlights
Selected Teaching Experiences:
Faculty, One Heart Institute, 2023, 2024, 2025
Associate Director, University of Cincinnati Bearcat Jazz Band, 2022
Undergraduate Saxophone Studio Teaching Assistant, CCM, 2020
Woodwind Specialist, University of Cincinnati Bearcat Bands, 2021-22
Lecturer and Saxophone Instructor, University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music Preparatory Department, 2019 - 22
Selected Awards:
Laureate, Carnegie Hall Gala Audition, 2024
First Prize Winner, Advanced Category, Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition, 2022
Finalist, CBS Celebration of Music Competition, 2018
Semi-Finalist, North American Saxophone Alliance Quartet Competition, 2016
Professional Affiliations:
• North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA)
• Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC)
• Music Teachers National Association (MTNA)
Program Fee
Residential
1-week Programs: $1600 | Educator or Group Rate: $1500/person
Residential rates include all the following during your program:
Tuition,
A single occupancy room,
Three nutritious and delicious vegetarian meals every day, and
Integrated mindfulness and wellness practices (check Program Features for details).
Limited scholarships available; check your eligibility at Application.
Non-Residential
For local residents, please inquire non-residential options via info@oneheartinstitute.org
For more information, see: Schedule, Scholarships, 2025 Summer Facilities
The Saxophone Immersion Program is a part of the larger summer music and mindfulness programs we offer. The experience is enriched by daily mindfulness practices (Taiji, meditation, holistic lifestyle), one-on-one and group classes, individual practice time, plant-based diet, and a supportive community.
Contact Us
info@oneheartinstitute.org | 707-376-8731