Catherine Madewell Music

Catherine Madewell is a jazz saxophonist, woodwind player, composer, and educator, known to her colleagues as Cat. A South Jersey native, she developed a love for jazz at a young age, picking up the saxophone in fourth grade and setting her sights on a future in music.

She earned a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies and a Master of Arts in Teaching in Music Education from The University of the Arts, graduating summa cum laude. During her time there, she studied under renowned musicians Mark Allen, Tony Salicandro, Ron Kerber, and Larry McKenna, honing her skills as both a performer and educator. Her dedication and excellence in music earned her several prestigious honors, including membership in the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and the Uarts Michael Brecker Saxophone Award.

As a performer, Cat served as the lead alto saxophonist for The University of the Arts “Z” Big Band, a role that allowed her to collaborate with acclaimed musicians, including trumpeter Ingrid Jensen. She also had the honor of performing with The O’Jays during their induction into the Philadelphia Music Walk of Fame, further solidifying her experience on professional stages.

Currently, Cat is an active performer in the Philadelphia music scene. She plays saxophone for EBE, one of the region’s premier entertainment groups, and leads her own ensemble, the Cat Madewell Quartet, where she serves as both bandleader and saxophonist. In addition to jazz, Cat has built a strong career as a woodwind player in theater pit orchestras, performing with various theater companies throughout the Greater Philadelphia area.

A dedicated advocate for women in jazz, Cat was a founding member and composer for The University of the Arts Femme Ensemble, an all-female jazz group. Through this ensemble, she has worked to amplify the voices of women in jazz and create new opportunities for female musicians.

Beyond performing, Cat is a passionate and accomplished music educator. She completed her student teaching at Princeton High School, where she assisted with the nationally recognized Princeton Studio Band, gaining invaluable experience working with a highly regarded high school jazz program. She is currently the band director of the Cranbury School Jazz Band, which has earned numerous Superior rankings and section awards at jazz festivals across Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Under her direction, the Cranbury School Jazz Band and Jazz Combo both placed first at the 2024 National Jazz Festival. In addition, she teaches for The Philadelphia Jazz Orchestra, where she mentors young musicians and fosters a love for jazz in the next generation.

With a strong foundation in both performance and education, Cat continues to push boundaries as a musician and advocate. She is committed to expanding opportunities for women in jazz, developing young musicians.