Karolina “Koko” Shrader is a sophomore from Helotes, Texas, pursuing her Bachelor’s in Instrumental Music Education as well as Saxophone Performance at the Eastman School of Music under Professor Chien-Kwan Lin.

She is currently a member of the Eastman Saxophone Project (ESP), and the Eastman Wind Orchestra. Outside of performing, she is passionate about music education, and works with the Eastman Community Music School as a student teacher of early childhood music.

Before studying at Eastman, she served as a drum major in the marching band, and participated in wind ensemble, symphony orchestra, saxophone ensemble, string quartet, jazz band, the Youth Orchestra of San Antonio, and the TMEA 6A All-State Band. Karolina was named an Outstanding Performer at the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest in 2023, and was named outstanding soloist at numerous jazz festivals. She previously studied with Dr. Gilbert Garza.

In addition to the saxophone, Karolina spent many years studying the violin. As a violinist, she has appeared as a guest soloist for the San Antonio Community Orchestra, and a featured soloist at the 2024 TMEA Convention as a part of the Invited Jazz Ensemble.