Saxophonist, woodwind specialist, and composer Amanda Gardier is a prominent figure in the DMV jazz scene. Described as “an artist with a distinctive voice and vision" (Jazziz), Gardier is an alto saxophonist who juxtaposes the calmness of lush harmonies and cyclical melodies with the intensity of complex rhythms and fiery improvisation. Her 2024 recording, Auteur: Music Inspired by the Films of Wes Anderson, puts forth a "propulsive show" (Downbeat) that features deeply melodic original compositions that "use cinema as a starting point and [run] with it" (Nashville Scene). Before the release of Auteur, Gardier “claim[ed] a space among rising saxophonists” (Downbeat) with her 2020 release, Flyover Country, and made “a debut with a lot of something for everyone” (All About Jazz) with 2018's Empathy. In addition to her work as a bandleader, Amanda is a current member of the US Navy Band Commodores jazz ensemble in Washington DC, where she is regularly featured as a soloist and woodwind doubler.

 

As a side musician, Gardier has performed with Ingrid Jensen, Dave Stryker, Jon Cowherd, Dan Weiss, Wayne Wallace, Dave King, Wes "Warmdaddy" Anderson, Jamie Baum, the Glenn Miller Orchestra, DIVA Jazz Orchestra, the Buselli-Wallarab Jazz Orchestra, and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. She has also been a featured performer on five releases by the Charlie Ballantine Group—Vonnegut, Life is Brief: The Music of Bob Dylan, Where is My Mind?, Providence, and Green.

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As an educator, Amanda served as the instructor of jazz saxophone at Ball State University, jazz saxophone faculty at the Indiana University Summer Saxophone Academy, band director and after-school jazz program director at Zionsville West Middle School, and teaching assistant at Birch Creek Music Performance Center. 

 

Amanda holds a bachelor’s degree in music education and a master’s degree in jazz studies from Indiana University.

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