CWU alumna’s singing group wins third Grammy Award

A critically acclaimed vocal ensemble featuring Central Washington University music alumna Amanda Taylor won its third Grammy Award at the February 1 ceremony in Los Angeles.

For the third year in a row, Taylor (‘13) and her bandmates from säje — Erin Bentlage, Sara Gazarek, and Johnaye Kendrick — won the Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals category, this time for “Big Fish,” a project they worked on with producer Nate Smith.

“We remain entirely grateful for, and motivated by, the love and support we have felt from so many of YOU — thank you for being a part of our journey!” the members of säje said on their Instagram page following their latest win.

The Seattle-based singing group won a 2025 Grammy for Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals for their single “Alma,” and received their first recognition in the same category in 2024 for a song titled “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning.” They were also nominated in 2021 and 2023.

The group congratulated Smith on winning his second Grammy while singing the praises of Taylor, who they called “the mastermind behind our contribution.”

Since her time at CWU, Taylor has become an internationally known composer, arranger, performer, studio singer, and teacher. Her passion for mentoring young vocalists led to the launch of Wicked Pigeon, a vocal arranging company that writes accessible, fresh arrangements for young jazz ensembles. 

säje will be in Seattle later this month, with five performances at Jazz Alley from February 26-28. Ticket information can be found on the group’s website, sajevoices.com.