About Catherine Madewell

Catherine Madewell is a woodwind player and composer in the Philadelphia area, known to her colleagues as Cat. Cat developed a love for jazz at an early age after hearing a recording of Charlie Parker, and in fourth grade began playing the saxophone. She received a Bachelors of Music with a concentration in Saxophone and a minor in Music Education from The University of the Arts in December of 2020, and is currently pursuing a Masters of Arts and Teaching also at The University of the Arts. Cat has studied with prominent musicians such as Mark Allen, Tony Salicandro, Ron Kerber, and Larry McKenna. Some of Cat’s biggest musical influences include Melissa Aldana, Esperanza Spalding, Hank Mobley, Sonny Stitt, and Cannonball Adderley. In her time at Uarts, Cat was the lead alto player for The University of the Arts “Z” Big Band. Through the “Z” Big Band she has had the opportunity to perform with one of her idols, trumpeter Ingrid Jensen. She has also performed with The O-Jays at their induction into the Philadelphia Music Walk of Fame. Cat is a founding member of The University of the Arts Femme Ensemble and composes for the all female ensemble regularly. She considers it to be one of her greatest accomplishments in her time as a student. Throughout her career as a woodwind player, she has played in the pit orchestras of several theater companies across the Philadelphia and South Jersey area. She is currently an instructor for the Philadelphia Jazz Orchestra. After college she plans on leading and developing a school band program, continuing to advocate for more women in jazz, and continuing to have an extensive career as a performer and composer.