Davidson College Jazz Ensemble: Alexa Tarantino The Jazz Ensemble is excited to welcome saxophonist Alexa Tarantino to the Duke Family Performance Hall. An award-winning musician, composer, and educator, Alexa’s high-octane energy and original compositions establish her individual voice which shines through as a dynamic performer and educator. Tarantino was recently named one of the top five alto saxophonists of 2019 by the JazzTimes Critics’ poll and nominated as a Rising Star - Alto Saxophone by Downbeat Magazine’s 2020 and 2021 critics’ poll.