University of North Texas 
Rico Allen
Teaching Fellow, Classical Saxophone
Ricardo “Rico” Allen II is an emerging performer and educator from Dallas, Texas. Through his passion for music education, he aims to foster the next generation of young musicians.
As an active performer, Rico has performed at various venues across the United States and Europe. In 2014, Rico traveled to New York City and performed at Carnegie Hall with the Tarleton State University Wind Symphony. In 2017, Rico was the baritone saxophone soloist for David Maslanka's Hell's Gate. Rico was selected to perform with both the World Adult Wind Orchestra Project and World Youth Wind Orchestra Project in Schladming, Austria from 2018-2023 where he has served as principal soprano/alto saxophone. Rico was the baritone saxophone soloist for the European premiere of Frank Ticheli's Acadiana. In 2023, Rico was selected along with the UNT Saxophone Ensemble to perform at the XIX World Saxophone Congress in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
Rico is currently on faculty at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music as Adjunct Instructor where he teaches Jazz Appreciation and Hip Hop History and Culture. Rico currently serves as Adjunct Lecturer for Saxophone at the University of Texas at Tyler where he also teaches Music Appreciation.
Rico has studied under Claude Parker, Greg Ball, Dr. Andrew Stonerock, Dr. James Bunte, Rick Vanmatre, Craig Bailey, and Dr. Eric Nestler. Rico's professional affiliations are Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity, North American Saxophone Alliance, Jazz Educators Network, and the Texas Music Educators Association.
More information can be found at www.ricoallen.com
Maxwell Borah
Teaching Fellow, Classical Saxophone
Tito Charneco
Teaching Fellow, Jazz Saxophone
Benjamin Facundo
Teaching Fellow, Woodwind Methods
Benjamin Facundo is known for his “masterful technique” and “effortless stage presence,” (MTNA Young Artist Competition). He fuses the classical saxophone sound with the vigor of the contemporary style. As an emerging artist, Facundo has performed on various stages in the United States, and Europe including the Navy Saxophone Symposium in Washington D.C and the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb, Croatia, and Schladming, Austria. He is a versatile saxophonist, performing with the University of North Texas Wind Symphony, Texarkana Symphony Orchestra, and the Texarkana Jazz Orchestra. As an advocate for chamber music and diversity, he co-founded the saxophone quartet Lotus where he currently holds the baritone saxophone chair. Lotus makes a point to perform works by underrepresented composers for each concert and competition cycle out of a shared goal of interpreting dynamic and compelling repertoire. Facundo is currently on faculty at Tarrant County College NE as an Adjunct Professor where he teaches History of American Music, Music Appreciation, Applied Clarinet, and Applied Saxophone and holds an active private studio in DFW. He is currently continuing his studies as a Woodwind Teaching Fellow at the UNT College of Music, where he is pursuing his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in saxophone performance with a related field in music business.
Mike Nguyen
Teaching Fellow, Classical Saxophone
Saxophonist Mike Nguyen is a performer, chamber musician, and educator in the Dallas Fort-Worth metroplex. He serves on the faculty of the University of Texas at Arlington, where he teaches applied saxophone, chamber music, coordinates the saxophone studio class, and directs the UTA Saxophone Choir. Nguyen maintains a vibrant private studio in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and cultivates performances for his students in modern urban venues. Under his direction, the UTA Saxophone Choir was selected to perform at the Texas Music Educators Association Convention in 2020. In addition to teaching, Nguyen is a committed performer, having recently performed John Williams' Escapades for saxophone and wind orchestra with the Dallas Asian Winds (an ensemble he co-founded). He is principal saxophone of the DAWind, the Allen Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Dallas Civic Wind Ensemble and is the tenor saxophonist for the Texas Dixieland Band. Nguyen holds a Bachelor of Music and Master of Music in Saxophone Performance from the University of Texas at Arlington, where he studied saxophone under professor Timothy Ishii. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts in Saxophone Performance at the University of North Texas, in the studio of Dr. Eric Nestler.
Mikayla Peterson
Teaching Fellow, Music Business
Mikayla Peterson is a saxophonist and educator based in Denton, TX. Originally from Wyoming, Mikayla became interested in performing from a very young age. In the sixth grade, she won the Stars of Tomorrow Competition in Rock Springs, WY after performing the Pink Panther from memory. This early musical milestone was a pivotal event in her life, and is the base of many of her accomplishments today. With a degree in music education from the University of Wyoming, her Master of Music degree from the University of North Texas, and now currently the degree of Doctor of Musical Arts she is pursuing, music has always been a significant part of her life.
An alumni of the University of Wyoming, Peterson has used the Bachelor of Music Education degree she earned to spread her appreciation of music in society to many students including children, adolescents, and adults. She aims to show all students how music can be beneficial in their lives after they graduate - regardless of their background. Mikayla was named the Presser Undergraduate Scholar of her class at UW, an award given to a recipient that shows a high level of academic and musical accomplishment and embodies the qualities of leadership and citizenship. She currently finds herself teaching in many scenarios; as a Teaching Fellow for the UNT Music Business program at the University of North Texas, a saxophone instructor in Denton Independent School District, as an elementary music teacher at Redeemer Montessori School in Irving Texas, and as Outreach Programming Coordinator of StringRise, a business that creates equity and removes barriers that keep underserved students from accessing string education.
As an active performer, Mikayla was named a National Finalist in the 2017 MTNA Young Artist Competition. She has performed for notable saxophonists including Claude Delangle, Dan Goble, and Erik Steighner. Peterson can be heard on the Wyoming Jazz Ensemble's first commercially recorded album, Wind's of the Snowys and was awarded first prize in the 2019 Dorothy Jacoby Concerto Competition at the University of Wyoming. During her Master of Music and Doctor of Music degree, Mikayla held the alto and tenor chair in the North Texas Wind Symphony and was a founding member of the Lotus Saxophone Quartet; a group looking to showcase contemporary works by living composers of diverse backgrounds. The Lotus Quartet was recently invited to perform for a masterclass with Dr. Timothy McAllister at the 43rd annual International Saxophone Symposium in Fairfax, Virginia. In December, Peterson will head to Las Palmas De Gran Canaria, Spain to perform at the 19th World Saxophone Congress with the UNT Saxophone Ensemble.
In addition to being a current doctoral student of Dr. Eric Nestler at UNT, Mikayla is pursuing a related field in Music Education and actively looks to expand her teaching and performing abilities. In the future, she hopes to own her own saxophone academy and will continue to teach and perform around the United States.
Dylan Pich
Teaching Fellow, Classical Saxophone
I am a saxophonist, composer, and music educator from Union, MO. In each of those roles, I strive to push myself to try new things. As a saxophonist, I have performed with various types of ensembles (including big bands, wind ensembles, jazz combos, pit orchestras, saxophone quartets, chamber winds, and saxophone choirs) and as a soloist. I enjoy discovering new music and often perform works that tend to be overlooked.
My compositions are often rhythmic, groovy, and a little weird. Humor, unique instrumentations, and the blending of genres are common among my original works. I have also arranged many tunes for pep band. Recordings of some of my original compositions can be found on YouTube and more can be found on my website!
Selected Works:
- Frision for alto saxophone and drumset
- Small Talk for two like saxophones
- Breakneck for band
- Village Suite for band
Teaching students of vastly different ages (from 7 to 90 years old!) on a handful of different instruments and composition has been an absolute pleasure for me. Individuality is the most important aspect of music education to me, and I work to ensure that my students receive instruction that aligns with their personal musical goals and makes sense to them. My passion for education is what drives me to continue pushing forward!
Currently, I hold the degree Master of Music in Saxophone Performance from Missouri State University where I studied with Randy Hamm. I also hold the degree Bachelor of Music Education and the Performer's Certificate from Southwest Baptist University where I studied saxophone with Jeff Waters. I have also studied composition throughout all three of my degree programs and am proud to say I have been a student of Renee Waters, John Prescott, Andrew May, and Hee Yun Kim.
The 2023-24 school year will be my first year as a Teaching Fellow at UNT and I am beyond excited to start working with the fantastic students here in Denton. I look forward to watching the next generation of saxophonists learn and grow!
Nigel Regan
Teaching Fellow, Jazz Saxophone
Zitian Wang
Teaching Fellow, Classical Saxophone
Zitian Wang's musical journey is a testament to transcending boundaries and embracing different cultures. As a Chinese student, Zitian has immersed himself in the world of classical saxophone, leaving his mark on stages around the globe. His initial musical pursuits began in China, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Classical Saxophone, laying the foundation for his musical journey. Seeking to further refine his craft, he embarked on a transformative adventure in Italy, pursuing a Master's degree under the expert tutelage of Dr. Marco Albonetti. This pivotal experience not only honed his skills, but also broadened his musical horizons. Currently, Zitian is pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree under the guidance of the esteemed Dr. Eric Nestler. This pursuit is a testament to his unwavering commitment to musical excellence and innovation.
Fluency in three languages - English, Italian and Chinese - underscores Zitian's global perspective, allowing him to seamlessly connect with audiences worldwide. Zitian's artistry as a saxophonist has graced stages across continents. From enchanting performances in Italy and China to captivating audiences in America，Australia and Costa Rica, his music transcends borders and resonates universally.