April 2, 2025
The Butler School of Music celebrated a remarkable achievement at this year’s Plowman Chamber Music Competition, securing three prestigious awards. Saxophone quartet Zed claimed both the Gold Medal and the Audience Prize, while saxophone quartet 4116 took an Honorable Mention.
The Zed quartet, which consists of Marina Sakellakis, Jacob Feldman, Connor O’Toole, and David Bennette, all students of the Butler School of Music, was coached by Butler Saxophone Professor Stephen Page.
The saxophone quartet 4116 also from Butler also earned notable recognition, taking home an Honorable Mention. This result places them in a distinguished second position, as the competition does not award a second prize. 4116—named after the quartet's favorite rehearsal room—includes Ethan Ashley, Ben Kaplan, Inbo Shim, and Joseph Lowery, all also from the Butler School of Music.
The Plowman Chamber Music Competition, which has been running since 2006, provides musicians with the opportunity to perform before a panel of nationally selected judges for cash prizes, including a $5,000 grand prize, as well as an invitation to perform during the following season of the Odyssey Chamber Music Series.
Held in Columbia, Missouri, the competition invites approximately 15 ensembles to participate in the semi-final round, followed by a formal Finals Concert.
This year’s success marks a continued tradition of excellence for Butler’s students in the field of chamber music.