Mario Montes Lara

Teaching Fellow, Jazz SaxophoneMario Montes Lara, dressed in a suit, holds an alto saxophone in his professional headshot

Mario Montes is a saxophonist, educator, arranger, and composer dedicated to the development and promotion of jazz. Originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, he has built a career that combines the creation of musical projects with a strong connection to Mexican music and the language of jazz. His work as a composer and arranger has received several awards in Mexico, recognizing compositions written for both symphony orchestra and jazz orchestra.

Mario is currently pursuing his doctoral studies in music at the University of North Texas (UNT). During the 2025-2026 academic year, he was a member of the renowned One O'Clock Lab Band, serving as the lead alto saxophonist. During this period, he participated in the recording of two albums with the ensemble. He has also had the opportunity to study with acclaimed jazz saxophonist Brad Leali, further enriching his development as a performer and musician. 

In Mexico, he is the director and founder of Big Band Jazz Chihuahua, an ensemble with which he received the Premio Jóven Jazz 2024. He is also director of FIJAN (Festival Internacional de Jazz Armando Núñez), where he works to promote and strengthen jazz in Mexico. As the creator of Jazzteño, he explores the fusion of jazz and norteño music and has recorded four albums with the project. 

Mario currently combines his work as a performer, director, arranger, composer, and educator with a commitment to strengthening the jazz scene in Mexico and developing projects that connect jazz with the Mexican musical identity.

Kirill Pudavov

Teaching Fellow, Jazz Saxophone

Xuanzhou Wang

Teaching Fellow, Classical Saxophone 

Xuanzhou Wang, dressed in a tux, holds his soprano and alto saxophones in his professional headshotXuanzhou Wang is a saxophonist and educator from Henan, China. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Saxophone Performance at the University of North Texas, where he studies with Professor Eric Nestler and serves as a Saxophone Teaching Fellow. He previously earned his Master of Music degree in Saxophone Performance from the University of North Texas with a perfect 4.0 GPA and his Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Performance from Zhengzhou University in China. During his undergraduate studies, he studied with Zeyu Feng and with Professor Yusheng Li of the Sichuan Conservatory of Music. 

As an active and versatile saxophonist, Xuanzhou performed at the 20th World Saxophone Congress in Harbin, China. He was also invited to present a saxophone masterclass at the Xi'an Conservatory of Music and a chamber music recital in Taiyuan, China. Throughout his studies, Xuanzhou has presented multiple solo recitals and chamber music concerts and has been actively involved in wind ensemble rehearsals and performances, gaining extensive experience in solo, chamber, and large-ensemble settings. 

At the University of North Texas, Xuanzhou has received the College of Music Competitive Scholarship and a Toulouse Graduate School Scholarship. During his undergraduate studies, he received the First-Class Scholarship for Outstanding Graduates and the Academic Excellence Scholarship, consistently ranked first in his performance examinations, and won second prize in the Henan Provincial Instrumental Music Competition. In addition to performing, Xuanzhou has experience teaching saxophone and music theory. He is committed to integrating performance, musical collaboration, and teaching while continuing to broaden his artistic perspective as a performer and educator.

Jinkai Li

Teaching Fellow, Classical SaxophoneJinkai Li holds an alto saxophone in his professional headshot

Chinese saxophonist Jinkai Li is currently in his third year of the Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) program in saxophone performance at the University of North Texas (UNT), where he studies with renowned saxophone pedagogue Eric Nestler. He earned his Master of Music degree from UNT in 2023 and his Bachelor of Arts from Dalian Art College in China, where his teachers included Heyong Yu, Cheng Zhang, Heng Wang, and Wei Zhang.

An active performer, Li has presented multiple solo recitals as part of his doctoral studies. His graduate recital included major repertoire by Canfield, Ryo Noda, Henri Tomasi, and Karel Husa. Equally committed to chamber music, he has been a member of the UNT Saxophone Quartet since 2022 and previously played in the Dalian Art College Saxophone Quartet. In 2019, his entrepreneurial classical saxophone quartet project received a performance grant, and the ensemble earned a gold award at the "Charm China" tour competition. Li has also performed extensively in wind bands and orchestras, including the UNT Wind Ensemble, Wind Orchestra, and Concert Band. 

With a strong dedication to teaching, Li serves as a Teaching Fellow at UNT, guiding undergraduate students in individual lessons and quartet coachings. Since his undergraduate years, he has mentored over 50 students ranging from teenagers to adults, developing flexible pedagogical approaches that address each student's unique level and needs. 

Born in Yantai, Shandong, and educated in Dalian and the United States, Li brings a cross-cultural perspective that bridges North American pedagogical systems with the artistic traditions of his home region. He continues to pursue excellence in performance, teaching, and cross-cultural exchange.

Cameron Montgomery

Teaching Fellow, Classical SaxophoneCameron Montgomery, dressed in a tan suit, holds an alto saxophone in his professional headshot

Cameron Montgomery is a saxophonist, educator, and performer dedicated to the development of both classical and jazz music. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Music Education and a Master's degree in Saxophone Performance from Lamar University, where he studied saxophone with Rick Condit and Dr. Logan Banister. He is currently pursuing his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Saxophone Performance at the University of North Texas. 

As a performer, Cameron has performed with the Symphony of Southeast Texas and in a variety of jazz, classical, and choral ensembles. He has developed proficiency on flute and clarinet for jazz band and musical theater performances. His diverse performance experiences have allowed him to explore a wide range of musical styles while continuing to develop his artistry as a saxophonist. 

As an educator, Cameron has worked with students from elementary school through college in private lessons, masterclasses, and school programs. His teaching focuses on developing strong fundamentals while encouraging creativity, confidence, and individual musical expression. Cameron is passionate about helping students grow as musicians and fostering a lasting appreciation for music.

Henry Cao

Teaching Fellow, Classical SaxophoneHenry Cao's smiles in a tux with a red tie in his professional headshot

Passionate and innovative, Henry Cao is a saxophonist who always strives to perform with the utmost personality and conviction. Henry originated as a regular high school band student in BC, Canada, and moved on to begin studying saxophone performance with Dr. Julia Nolan at the University of British Columbia. During his undergraduate studies, he quickly earned the reputation of a "soulful soloist" and a "reliable ensemble member." He later completed his master's studies at the University of Iowa with Dr. Kenneth Tse, and is currently working on his DMA degree at the University of North Texas under the instruction of Dr. Eric Nestler. At UNT, Henry also serves a Saxophone Teaching Fellow, and is responsible for teaching a studio of undergraduate students. 

Henry was awarded first place in his age category at the Canadian Music Competition in 2021, and the Bellagrande International Music Competition in 2020. He earned the "Honorable Mention" award at the UBC Concerto Competition in 2022, and was listed as a finalist at both the International Saxophone Academy Young Artist Competition in 2023 and the UNT Concerto Competition in 2025. Henry has a strong belief that the mission of an artist is to manifest any imagination from one's headspace to the world with minimal distortion and reduction. Achieving such a goal requires impeccable techniques and innovative interpretations to work in conjunction. 

As an educator, Henry is welcomed for his analytical approach to technical and musical problems that students may face. He values patience and critical thinking as the most important assets to foster in students through their time together. Outside of UNT, Henry has taught private lessons at several institutions in Vancouver, Canada, as well as at elementary/high schools in Texas. He presented masterclasses at the Xi'an Conservatory of Music in 2025 and the Shenyang Conservatory of Music in 2026.