Alumni Spotlight

Two recent graduates of the Montclair State University Woodwind Doubling master’s program are making waves on stage—both on Broadway and across the country.

Tessa Dolce has been busy performing in some of Broadway’s biggest productions, currently substituting in The Lion King, Death Becomes Her, and Gypsy. In addition to her work on Broadway, she has also performed at the renowned Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey.

Alex Lemma is currently on the road, playing an impressive array of woodwinds—including bassoon, flute, clarinet, and saxophones—in the first national tour of the Tony Award-winning musical Kimberly Akimbo.

Both Tessa and Alex studied under the guidance of Keri Ann DiBari, Harry Searing, Wendy Stern, and Chad Smith during their time at Montclair State. They are shining examples of the success and versatility that the Woodwind Doubling master’s program was designed to foster.

The Montclair State Woodwind Doubling masters’ program, created and coordinated by woodwind artist Chad Smith, is a specialized hands-on training program preparing students for careers in concert, Broadway, recording and woodwind teaching.  During their 2 years, students have the opportunity to study 4 instruments with the specialists on each instrument.  The program was implemented in 2019 and since then has attracted students from across the nation and abroad.  Graduates of the program are now playing on Broadway, regional theatre, national tours and teaching woodwinds at prolific music schools in the tri-state area. 

For more information about this program contact Chad Smith, smithchad@montclair.edu