kristina la marca - Marching Illini

dma, conducting – Teaching Assistant

Kristina La Marca is currently pursuing her Doctor of Musical Arts in Wind Band Conducting with a cognate in saxophone performance at the University of Illinois. She earned her Master’s degree in Wind Band Conducting from the University of Michigan and her Bachelor of Music Education in instrumental music education and saxophone performance from Indiana University.

Kristina studied conducting with H. Robert Reynolds, Stanley DeRusha, and Jason Fettig. She was an H. Robert Reynolds Conducting Fellow at the 75th Midwest Clinic and her studies have been supported by several accolades, including the Eli Lilly Teacher Creativity Fellowship Grant, the CBDNA Mike Moss Conducting Grant, and the WASBE Conducting Scholarship, learning from renowned global conductors such as Paavo Järvi, Mark Heron, Bjørn Sagstad, and Miguel Etchegoncelay. As an advocate for new music, Kristina frequently collaborates with living composers while dedicating her platform to projects that advance global inclusion and soft diplomacy through the arts.

Prior to pursuing graduate studies, Kristina taught for 11 years at the middle and high school levels in Indiana, Texas, and abroad, most recently serving as the Director of Instrumental Music at The American International School of Muscat, Oman. During her tenure, her students garnered recognition in regional and international honor bands across the United Arab Emirates, India, Scotland, Switzerland, and South Africa. Her jazz ensembles have collaborated with esteemed artists, including Emmet Cohen, Joey Tartell, and the Metta Quintet through JazzReach.

In the marching arts, Kristina’s ensembles have consistently been recognized as Bands of America Grand National, ISSMA state and UIL Area Finalists. She has also collaborated with various collegiate, DCI and WGI ensembles, including the Michigan Marching Band, Boston Crusaders, Oregon Crusaders, Rhythm X Winds, and System Blue leadership workshops, while actively serving as an adjudicator throughout the United States.

As a dedicated saxophonist, Kristina performs with diverse jazz and chamber ensembles and enjoys teaching at the Interlochen Arts Academy saxophone intensive. She has been influenced by notable mentors including Otis Murphy, Timothy McAllister, and Walt Puyear.

Beyond her musical pursuits, Kristina is a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer and a dedicated technical diver with Global Underwater Explorers.