David Bennette

David Bennette is a saxophonist, educator, and chamber musician currently based in Evanston, Illinois, where he is pursuing a Master of Music in Saxophone Performance at Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music under the mentorship of Taimur Sullivan.

Originally from Texas, Bennette recently completed his Bachelor of Music Studies at the University of Texas at Austin. During his undergraduate studies, he was a member of the acclaimed University of Texas Wind Ensemble, where he was featured as a soloist in the consortium premiere of Second Nature by Viet Cuong with Zed. He also travelled with the ensemble to Carnegie Hall, as part of the 50th year celebration of the ensemble. Bennette has also made appearances with the University of Texas Symphony Orchestra, being the tenor saxophone soloist on the world premiere of the orchestral version of Omar Thomas’ Come Sunday.

Bennette is the baritone saxophonist of Zed, an Austin-based saxophone quartet he co-founded in 2023. The group quickly gained national attention, winning First Prize at the 2025 MTNA Chamber Music Competion, Plowman Competition, and silver medals at both the 2024 Fischoff Chamber Music Competition and the 2024 NOLA Chamber Fest. The quartet has performed at prestigious events such as the Navy Band International Saxophone Symposium, North American Saxophone Alliance Biennial Conference, Chamber Music America Conference, and the Texas Music Educators Association Convention.

In addition to performing, Bennette is deeply committed to music education and community outreach. With Zed, he has led residencies and masterclasses at institutions including Louisiana State University, UT San Antonio, Texas A&M International University, and the University of New Orleans. As an educator, he has served on faculty at the Young Saxophonist’s Institute in Dallas and worked as a marching technician with the L.V. Berkner High School Band in Richardson, Texas.

Bennette has performed in masterclasses for renowned saxophonists such as Joseph Lulloff, John Nichol, Matthew Younglove, Christopher Creviston, SFC Matt Evans, and SSG Chance Stine. His primary teachers include Taimur Sullivan, Dr. Stephen Page, Dr. Calvin Wong, and Roy Allen.