The Inside Story: Heidi Radtke and CONVERGENCE

What is music but a convergence of story, people, and place? It’s a question that Heidi Radtke’s debut album CONVERGENCE for soprano, alto, and tenor sax asks earnestly, an elegant meshing of the heartbeats behind the sounds of eight living composers, strung together by the laughter and conversation woven into each exploration, and the saxophone’s ability to tell its tale.

Today, Heidi is our featured artist in the “Inside Story,” a blog series exploring the inner workings and personalities of our composers and performers. Read on to learn her advice on feeling music on a deeper, physical level, and how she became an avid morning person…

Take us on a walk through your musical library. What record gets the most plays? Are there any “deep cuts” that you particularly enjoy?

I started to really get into listening while I was a student worker in the music library at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. They have an amazing LP collection and as a student employee I was able to check out records every week. I bought my first record player in the summer of 2004 and have been collecting vinyl ever since. Jazz recordings take up the bulk of my collection, with solid representation by Wayne Shorter, Gene Ammons, Eddie Harris, Benny Golson, Brother Jack McDuff, and Keith Jarrett. I also have quite a bit of Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Tom Waits, and a disproportionately large collection of Lou Rawls LPs. One album that I keep coming back to is Arbour Zena by Keith Jarrett. It features saxophonist Jan Garbarek (a personal favorite) and bassist Charlie Haden backed by members of the Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra. It’s just a beautiful album and always makes me want to grab my saxophone and start creating.

What emotions do you hope listeners will experience after hearing your work?

When I perform, my primary goal is to entertain and provide cathartic release for listeners. As an audience member, my favorite performances are ones where I can easily relax and lose myself in listening. I’m drawn in by compelling performers that truly commit to their performance and play music that reflects their soul. These ideals frame my own performance goals. I want listeners to leave refreshed, inspired, and open to receiving new ideas and perspectives.   

What musical mentor had the greatest impact on your artistic journey? Is there any wisdom they’ve imparted onto you that still resonates today?

I was so fortunate to be able to do my undergraduate and graduate saxophone studies with Professor Debra Richtmeyer at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I could not have asked for a better role model for musical excellence, professionalism, passion in performance, and compassion in the teaching studio. Professor Richtmeyer taught me how to find my own voice, play from the heart, and stressed the importance of doing the work. One of my favorite skills that I learned from her was to dance with my music. She emphasized the importance of cognisant physical movement while practicing. When you feel the musical line in your body while also singing through the phrase on your instrument, you cultivate a sense of agency that allows for a whole other level of artistry. I still practice this way and I absolutely teach this way. 

What were your first musical experiences?

My very first musical experiences all involved singing in church, but as soon as I joined the band in the 6th grade all I could think about was the saxophone. I had a really wonderful band director in middle school, Mr. Steve Hartman. He created such a positive environment for learning and I’m still so thankful that I was in his class. As soon as I was able, I took my saxophone back to church and performed regularly during Sunday services. Playing in church is still one of the most fulfilling activities I experience as a performer. 

What are your other passions besides music?

While music does take up the bulk of my daily life, I absolutely love to get outdoors. Living in North Carolina is such a treat. I could spend an entire day walking through the woods or hiking 5 miles to see a waterfall. It’s also great to drive a couple hours to the Atlantic coast and take a stroll on the beach. I really enjoy antiquing and thrift store shopping. I binge read Terry Pratchett novels, and I geek out on space documentaries with my cat, Zoot.

Where and when are you at your most creative?

You would not have thought it if you knew me as a teenager, but in my adult life, I have absolutely embraced being a morning person. There is something about the quiet and simplicity of the early morning hours that seem to foster my creative process. Most days, I get started well before sunrise with a hike or a run. There are some great trails near my home in North Carolina that are simply serene and provide the perfect environment for my mind to wander. Some of my best project ideas, teaching strategies, written papers, and even ideas for phrasing music have come into focus during this morning routine.