Patty Saunders
DMA, Instrumental Conducting
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Conductor of the Concert Band
Patty Saunders is pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts in instrumental conducting at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) where she studies with Jonathan Caldwell. At UNCG, she conducts the Concert Band and assists with all other aspects of the UNCG Bands.
Prior to coming to UNCG, Patty completed a master’s degree in instrumental conducting from the University of Cincinnati – College Conservatory of Music (CCM) with Kevin Holzman where she conducted the Wind Symphony, Wind Ensemble, Chamber Winds, and Brass Choir and was involved in ensemble recordings. She also holds undergraduate degrees in saxophone performance and psychology from the University of Kentucky and in biochemistry from Virginia Tech. She spent many years serving in her community working with non-profit music organizations as well as collaborating with groups including the Lexington Philharmonic and University of Kentucky choirs. Passionate about connecting with audiences, she seeks to be intentional about representation and accessibility in her programming while creating a positive ensemble culture.
Patty is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and the College Band Directors National Association. She strives to learn a new word every day, loves hiking with her family and dog, Ginger, and takes her coffee black, with no room for cream or sugar.
Molly Allman
MM, Instrumental Conducting
Graduate Assistant
Molly Allman is pursuing her Master of Music degree in instrumental conducting at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG), where she studies with Dr. Jonathan Caldwell and serves as a music education graduate teaching assistant. In this role, she supports the mission of the UNCG School of Music through teaching and service to the music education area. Prior to her graduate studies, Molly taught band and choir for three years in the North Carolina public schools.
Molly is a member of Sigma Alpha Iota and the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), and she previously served as president of the North Carolina state affiliate of NAfME Collegiate. In that role, she traveled to Washington, D.C. in 2019 to meet with legislative representatives and advocate for the importance of arts funding in schools.
Molly aspires to build a career in higher education, where she hopes to mentor the next generation of musicians. Outside of academics, Molly enjoys exploring new music, engaging in community service, watching Red Sox baseball, and spending time with her family and pets.
Jaden Brown
MM, Instrumental Conducting
Graduate Assistant
Jaden Brown is currently pursuing a master’s degree in instrumental conducting at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG), where he studies with Dr. Jonathan Caldwell. At UNCG, he serves as the assistant conductor for the Concert Band and assists with other ensembles and undergraduate conducting courses.
Prior to his graduate studies, Jaden earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from Western Carolina University. During his time at WCU, he studied trumpet with Dr. P. Bradley Ulrich for three years and participated in the Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and Trumpet Ensemble. He also performed for three seasons with the Pride of the Mountains Marching Band, serving as trumpet section leader for two of those years.
Jaden has spent the past two summers as an instrumental music fellow at the North Carolina Governor’s School, where he supported the development of talented high school musicians from across the state.
He is a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and the National Association for Music Education. Outside of music, Jaden enjoys spending time outdoors, has a love for animals of all kinds, and hopes to one day have a family of pet ferrets.