Convention Participants

Biography
Pianist Magdalena Adamek serves as piano faculty in the Department of Music at Virginia Commonwealth University. She holds a Masters in Piano Performance from the Chopin Academy of Music, Warsaw, Poland, and a DMA from the University of Alberta, Canada. is equally dedicated to performing in the solo and chamber music settings. Her career includes recitals across Poland, Germany, Austria, Lithuania, France, China, USA, and Canada, with diverse repertoire that highlights works by Polish composers.
Heather Adelsberger maintains an active career as a pianist, organist, and conductor in the DMV area.
Jennifer Amox is the Chair and Associate Professor of Music Theory at Midwestern State University in Texas. Prior to this appointment, she taught flute and music theory at Henderson State University in Arkansas and band for North Little Rock High School.
Manny Arciniega has received a Master of Arts degree in Timpani and Percussion Performance from the Royal Academy of Music in London. Skilled in many areas of percussion, Manny?s performance opportunities vary from playing buckets on the Netflix Original TV Series House of Card (SE2Ep1) to appearing with world renown Koto player Masayo Ishiguro and master shakuhachi player John Kaizan Neptune.
Dr. Laura Armstrong is a faculty member of Mount St. Mary?s University and Frederick Community College, teaching clarinet, saxophone, and music fundamentals. She has performed recitals in the Mid-Atlantic region and as a soloist at the International Clarinet Association?s Clarinet Fest held in Ostend, Belgium in 2018. Also a member of the Peacherine Ragtime Society Orchestra, she performs in their tours throughout the US and can be heard on their most current album Jazzin? the Blues Away.
Internationally acclaimed flutist and Altus Performing Artist has premiered over 85 works for flute, recorded 5 solo CDs and performed on stages across the world as a flutist, integrative artist and masterclass presenter. She is professor at West Virginia University where she has the privilege of working with a studio of wonderful undergraduate through doctoral students. www.ninaassimakopoulos.info
Carla Auld is an award-winning flute soloist and chamber musician. Carla has performed at Carnegie Hall three times and has gone on to perform concertos and premier new works for the flute throughout the US and abroad. She attended Temple University, Philadelphia.
Jessica Banks is a flutist and teacher living in the Baltimore/Washington metro area. Prior to moving to Maryland, she served as Assistant Professor of Flute at Mississippi State University. She is a founding member of the Magnolia Trio (fl/ob/pn) which focuses on performing works by a diverse group of composers. Dedicated to improving access to advanced instruction for all flutists, Dr. Banks (@bachnbaseball) provides free resources on social media. More information at jessicaleebanks.com.
Piccolo specialist Christine Erlander Beard enjoys an active international career as a soloist, chamber artist and teacher with engagements throughout North and South America and Europe. An artist for Sankyo and Hernandez Flutes, her newest project #theflutistactivist initiative encourages composers to create music with social justice themes to inspire dialogue and social activism. A member of the Whole Musician team, she is Professor of Flute at the Univ of Nebraska at Omaha. christiebeard.net
Meghan Bennett is Assistant Professor of Flute at California State University, Fresno. Her primary teachers include Marianne Gedigian, Marina Piccinini and Jennifer Parker-Harley. She received degrees from The Univ. of Texas at Austin, Peabody Conservatory and the Univ. of South Carolina. www.meghanbennett.com
Laura Benning, flute, is a member of the Columbia Orchestra, Prince George's Philharmonic, member/manager of DCFlutes flute choir, and Rule of Three flute trio. She is the Director of the Mid-Atlantic Flute Convention, and was assistant program chair for the National Flute Association 50th Anniversary Convention in 2022. She has degrees in accounting and music from James Madison University, and works as the finance controller for her husband's special events company, All Stage and Sound.
Saxophonist, Daniel Berkey, hails from Chicago, IL and has been playing professionally since the age of 13. Under the tutelage of Nic Meyer and Greg Fishman, Daniel won several honors, most notably: a DownBeat Magazine outstanding soloist award and was selected as a Vail Jazz All Star. He currently lives in NYC where he attended The New School. He has performed with a wide range of musicians and bands, including The Four Tops, Mingus Band, Bobby Broom, Marquis Hill, and Dennis Carroll. He credits Sonny Rollins with having ?lit the flame of aspiration? within him.
Elisabeth Berry recently relocated to the Washington DC area from New York City. By day she works for a New York-based investment management firm. She holds her MBA from Columbia Business School. Elisabeth studied flute at the University of Cincinnati (CCM, B. Mus.), the University of California, Santa Barbara (MM), where she was a graduate teaching assistant, and in the Juilliard Pre-College Program. In her free time she enjoys adventuring in the outdoors, skiing the trails worldwide, rafting down the Grand Canyon and visiting family in Canada.
Rose Bishop is Instructor of Flute at St. Ambrose Univ., Coe College, Cornell College, and Kirkwood College. She serves as Principal Flute of the Southeast Iowa and Quincy Symphony Orchestras. Bishop has appeared as a guest soloist with several ensembles, including numerous university and municipal bands, in addition to enjoying various guest artist residencies at universities throughout the nation. Her solo debut album, Diversions, was released September, 2022. www.rosebishopflute.com
TERESA BOWERS served as Professor of Flute at the Sunderman Conservatory for 40 years, retiring in May. She has performed with the Sunderman Wind Quintet, Bowers-Hontz flute and guitar duo and DUO FRANCAIS flute and harp duo. She commissioned and edited Pipings,: New Music for Flute and Organ, published by Augsburg Fortress. She served as principal flute with the Mette Ensemble, Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, the Harrisburg Opera Orchestra and has performed with the Maryland Symphony.
Interdisciplinary flutist/composer Tessa Brinckman, described by critics as a ?flutist of chameleon-like gifts? and ?virtuoso elegance? (Gramophone) creates unique programs which blend technology, tradition, and contemporary geo-political themes. She has premiered over a hundred (commissioned more than twenty) new works, within many music ensembles and concert series all over the world. Projects in 2022 include a solo album (New Focus Records) and three new compositions. www.tessabrinckman.com
Michael Bukhman in Assistant Professor of Collaborative Piano and Chamber Music at Texas Christian University. DMA and MM, The Juilliard School. BM, Oberlin.
Jonathan Cannon is finishing his last year of study at UNLV for his DMA in clarinet performance. He received his MM at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee and BM at UNLV. Jonathan has been able to work with clarinetists Marina Sturm, Boris Allakhverdyan, Spencer Prewitt, Lee Livengood, and others. When he finds time outside of music, he can be found with his family and enjoying the outdoors.
Robert Cart, received his BM at DePauw Univ., his MM at Indiana Univ., and his DMA at U of Md. He has performed with Bernstein, Zinman, Raymond Leppard and has attended the Atlantic Music Festival, Tanglewood, and the Britten-Pears Festival. As soloist he has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Phillips Collection, Alice Tully Hal, and the Kimmel Center. He is a member of the Network for New Music (Philadelphia) and the Contemporary Music Ensemble (Atlantic Music Festival).
A strong advocate for contemporary music, Lisa Cella has performed all over the world. She commissions and performs works that expand the expressive and technical language of the flute to a broader audience. Through presentations, masterclasses, and festival teaching, she strives to encourage each new generation of flute players to explore and embrace contemporary music. She is a professor of music and chair of the department at UMBC.
Eun Suk Cha, D.M.A., a passionate pianist from South Korea, has concertized in renowned venues across the United States, Europe, and South Korea. She also has won a number of notable prizes from National Artists Competition, NY, and the Piano Society of Korea and Brahms Competition in South Korea.
Dr. Hui-Chuan Chen is on the piano faculty at UMBC. She received her D.M.A. in piano performance from Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Chen performs with Marina Piccinini and Demarre McGill. She also works regularly with the studios of Marina Piccinini and Sarah Frisof.
Jenny Cline, orchestral flutist and chamber musician, performs with the Monmouth and Plainfield Symphonies, UpTown Flutes, Quinception Wind Quintet, and the Cline/Cuestas Duo. She is on the faculty at NJ Workshop for the Arts, and her students achieve honors at local, state, and national levels.
Valerie Cowan is currently a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps. She began her career as an Army Musician in the regional bands playing flute in the 113th Army Band at Fort Knox, KY; the U.S. Army Europe Band and Chorus in Germany; and the 282d Band at Fort Jackson, SC. Prior to joining the Army, she earned her MM at Texas State University and BA's in both Music and English from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, TX.
Carlos Cuestas, guitarist, has performed on many different kinds of guitars in venues in the U.S. and abroad. Born in Colombia, he is the Development department at Carnegie Hall. He is currently pursuing his PhD in Ethnomusicology at City Univ. of New York.
Dr. Karlotta Davis is a double board certified Obstetrician-Gynecologist and Female Pelvic Medicine/ Reconstructive Surgeon who after retirement has begun pursuing a degree in Flute Performance at Metropolitan State University Denver. She is Professor Emerita from the University of Colorado School of Medicine.
Kevin Dayton is principal clarinetist of Sinfonietta Nova in Princeton Junction. He holds Bachelor?s and Master?s Degrees in Performance from Rutgers University-Mason Gross School of the Arts. He has participated in the Sarasota Music Festival, and the Imani Winds Chamber Music Festival, and has performed at such venues as Carnegie Hall, the Sarasota Opera House, and Riverside Church in New York City. He was on the faculty of Summer Music in Tuscany in Sarteano, Italy in 2018.
Christine Delbeau has performed in the nation?s most prominent concert venues, including the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, Weill at Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, Boston?s Jordan Hall, Philadelphia?s Verizon Hall, and she has performed to critical acclaim in recitals throughout the United States, Canada, France, Italy, and Malta. She has appeared on numerous occasions in collaborations with principal members of the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Jeff Dening is the owner of Jeff's Woodwind Shop in Baltimore, MD. Originally a concert saxophonist and doubler, Jeff is a technician with over 25 yrs in the field and more than 15 specializing in handmade flutes. His skills are in high demand with professional musicians throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region. Jeff is trained and certified in the installation of Straubinger pads, Muramatsu pads, and JS Gold pads. Jeff is also highly sought after in the repair and restoration of antique flutes.
Anamarie Diaz is a flutist, educator, arts administrator, performer, and entrepreneur in Richmond, VA. She is the founder of The Financial Flutist where she aims to educate classical musicians on personal finance and help them create a musical life through money management. Anamarie received a Bachelors of Arts in Music from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2015 and a Master of Music in Performance from the University of North Carolina Greensboro in 2019.
Natasha Dukan, piano, began her musical studies in her native city of Split, Croatia, where she won numerous national competitions. After appearing at the 1986 Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow, she went on to win first prize in an international piano competition in Stresa, Italy the same year. In 1996, she bagan study with Julian Martin at the Peabody Institute. She earned a Graduate Performance Diploma in 1998 and Artist Diploma in 2000. She is a member of the Nat'l Chamber Ensemble.
Dr. Rebecca Dunnell performs and teaches internationally in many settings. She studied under M. Moyse, S. Baron, H. Bennett, Susan Deaver, and Deb Egekvist. She freelanced in the New York area before earning her DMA at the UNC-Greensboro. Past-President of the Kansas City Flute Association, she served the NFA on the Pedagogy Committee for eight years and coordinated the Masterclass Competitions. She teaches at NWMSU and toured widely with the Zephyr Flute & Harp Duo.
TABATHA EASLEY is Associate Professor of Flute and Coordinator of Winds at Virginia Commonwealth University. Having performed on six continents, she has been a soloist with ensembles across the U.S. and in South America. She has performed with the Richmond, Williamsburg, and Virginia Symphonies and Broadway in Richmond?s Wicked. Ms. Easley is a past FSW board member and program chair. She was the first Alaskan to earn a doctorate from the Eastman School of Music. www.tabatheasley.com
Cuban flutist Joel Fabelo Gonzalez has developed his musical style by embracing diverse musical landscapes from the classical music repertoire to Latin-American Jazz & Cuban rhythms. Joel has performed and taught around the globe in countries throughout, Africa, Asia, Europe including the United States. His musical style combines the Classical Academic School with the Latin and Afro-Cuban rhythms.
Boston-based freelancer, Nicholas Fitton graduated from the Peabody Institute in 2021 with his MM degree in Piccolo Performance, having studied with Erica Peel. He completed his BM degree at Peabody with Marina Piccinini in 2015. Previous teachers include Bonita Boyd (Eastman), Judy Grant (Boston Flute Academy), Adam Workman (Flutistry Boston), & Doriot Dwyer (BUTI).
Nicholas Gatto has a Bachelor's degree from The College of New Jersey, and a Master's degree from Carnegie Mellon University. Nick is principal oboist of the Monmouth Symphony Orchestra, and also performs frequently with the Eastern Wind Symphony, Tim Keyes Consort, and St. Mary Chamber Orchestra. His oboe playing can also be heard on several recordings by contemporary jazz and R&B singer Will Downing. Nick is also Director of Music and Organist at Bartholomew Church in East Brunswick, NJ.
Dr. Mehrdad Gholami is an adjunct professor of flute at Texas A&M University ? Commerce and enjoys a full-time schedule of teaching and performing. A graduate of University of Tehran and TCU, Mehrdad has received fellowships from Atlantic Festival (2021) and Aspen Music Festival (2017-19). A sought-after pedagogue, Mehrdad has served as an adjudicator on panels for National Flute Association, Texas Flute Society and Texas Music Educators Associations. www.MehrdadGholami.com
Debbie Gilbert is a past president of FSW and the artistic director of the Woodbridge Flute Choir. She is also principal flutist with the Piedmont Symphony Orchestra and a 13-time winner in the NFA Professional Flute Choir. Competition. See www.woodbridgeflutechoir.org
Dmytro Gnativ, born in Sambir, Ukraine, is a third year doctoral candidate at the University of Miami, Frost School of Music. He is also on the faculty of Miami's Musicall conservatory. He has been an advocate for unknown Ukrainian music, and will continue his mission in discovering and sharing these works globally, including recently giving a solo recital of works by Ukrainian composers at Lithuania's X International ?iurlionis Music Festival with pianist Paulius Anderson.
Ai Goldsmith performed as a soloist/chamber musician in the USA, Canada and Europe, including BFS Convention, Canadian Flute Festival, concerts in Japan, etc. She was the featured guest artist at Sacramento Flute Festival, CSU Fresno Festival, and Univ. of Nevada, Reno Flute Day. Her album The Exquisite Allegories airs on radio stations in 18 countries. Ai teaches private lessons in California, masterclasses and workshops at universities, festivals and retreats, and coaches flute sectionals.
One of the world?s leading flutists on Latin American music, Marco Granados maintains an active career as an international concerto and recital soloist, and a master teacher. He has had recital debuts at Carnegie Hall in NYC and Wigmore Hall in London, and has appeared in summer festivals such as the Moab, Chautauqua, Colorado, Crested Butte and Caramoor International Music Festivals. As an international soloist, his concerts have taken him all over the world. Marco is an Altus Artist.
Eileen Grycky, professor of flute at the University of Delaware, is a recipient of the University's Excellence in Teaching Award. She performs with two ensembles-in-residence at UD: the Christiana Winds and the Tiger Lily Trio. Both the quintet and the trio have been active in commissioning many new works.
A versatile pianist, Stacie Haneline maintains an active recital career in symphonic, chamber, opera, vocal and instrumental repertoire. A passionate proponent of chamber music, she enjoys collaborating and programming many different musical and artistic genres and is particularly drawn to socially relevant projects. In addition to over two decades in Arts Administration, Haneline is on the faculty at the Univ of Nebraska at Omaha where she serves as the collaborative pianist. staciehaneline.com
Cellist Emma Hays Johnson is a chamber musician and instructor in the Baltimore/DC area. Emma has performed with the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, Apollo Orchestra, Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra, American Festival Pops Orchestra and Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra. She received two M.Ms in Performance from UMass Amherst and East Carolina University and her B.M. from George Mason University. She has studied with Edward Arron, Kenneth Law, and Emanuel Gruber.
Sammy Holloman is a flutist and educator whose passion for pedagogy drives her desire to foster safe creative spaces for artists to explore and pursue their craft. In her pursuit of her dream to teach future music educators, Sammy advocates for the next generation of teachers by giving students the tools to be successful. She has a strong desire to connect with others of different backgrounds and experiences through collaboration and aims to promote the works of living composers.
Ginny Hudson is Senior Instructor of Music-Flute at the Univ. of AR-Fort Smith. She earned her BA in Music from AR Tech Univ. and her MM in Flute Performance from the Longy School of Music. Her primary teachers were Karen Futterer and Robert Willoughby. She is a founding member of the Mockingbird Quartet, and has played with the Fort Smith Symphony and the Lowell House Orchestra. In 2019, Hudson performed as a soloist at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Convention.
Dr. Cate Hummel is a performing artist and clinician for Altus and Azumi flutes. She is Adjunct Professor of Flute at the Univ. of St. Francis in Joliet, IL. Cate had debuts on the Dame Myra Hess Series at the Cultural Center in Chicago and as a winner of the Artists International Young Artists Competition in Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. She maintains a private studio in the Chicago suburbs. She also created the widely read blog, Dr. Cate?s Flute Tips, at drcatesflutetips.wordpress.com.
Elizabeth Janzen serves as Associate Professor of Flute at Texas A&M Univ. Kingsville, 2nd flutist with the Victoria Symphony, TX, and flutist with the Vista Trio and Dark X Five. A native of Newfoundland, Canada, she pursued formal studies with Susan Hoeppner and Linda Chesis. She was the first flute fellow in Ensemble Connect, a post-graduate collaboration of Carnegie Hall and Juilliard, and has since had the opportunity to perform and teach across North America, Germany, Japan and Korea.
Raised in Austin, TX, Alice Jones is a musician whose multi-faceted career welcomes new listeners into the world of music. As a flutist, composer, teacher, and administrator, she pushes against the boundaries of what it means to be a musician, whose voices can be heard, and what success looks like. She was praised by Mario Davidovsky as ?the flute player who could really play? and Fanfare Magazine called her 2017 album with Ensemble 365 ?pretty music faultless... required listening.? Her composition projects include the #tinyefforts series, as well as recent commissions from Gaudete Brass, Decoda, Amity Trio, Millikin University, Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, and the Phoenix Orchestra (Boston). In 2020, she became the Assistant Dean of Community Engagement and Career Services at The Juilliard School, where she leads offices that deepen and expand students? artistry and community engagement through teaching and performance fellowships, grants, gigging services, school-wide programming, and educational events for the public. She also teaches entrepreneurship, pedagogy, and citizen-artistry at The Juilliard School, in addition to serving on the flute faculty in Juilliard?s Music Advancement Program, Montclair State University, and Luzerne Music Center. In 2018, she was named to the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs inaugural Leadership Accelerator cohort, a group of dynamic cultural leaders from traditionally underrepresented groups. She is a skilled fundraiser and strategic arts administrator, having led the Development Department at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music for four years. She also designed and curated three seasons of Parlour Room Sessions, an audience engagement-driven chamber music series which featured female and BIPOC musicians on stage in nearly every performance. Alice graduated from Yale University (BA), SUNY Purchase (MM, AD), and the CUNY Graduate Center (DMA). She lives in New York City, where, when she's not musicking, she?s likely walking her dogs or making ice cream.
Gwyn Jones performs regularly in the Metro-DC area in a range of small and large ensembles alike, spanning classical chamber, orchestral, jazz and musical theater genres. Gwyn holds her M.M. from Florida State U. and was a teaching fellow at the U. of North Texas.
Denis Karp is an active freelancer and frequently records in studio as a member of The Washington Winds. Mr. Karp is the flutist in The Charm City Winds and The Gallery Winds woodwind quintets. He is the co-founder and co-director of The Gallery Winds Chamber Music Summer Camp and has served as a chamber music coach for the Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestra. Mr. Karp teaches through a private studio, Prince George?s Community College, and the Baltimore School for the Arts TWIGS program.
David Kee is the heart of Musically Sound in New Castle, DE. After an early career in music education, he completed the band instrument repair program at what is now Minnesota State College Southeast in Red Wing. He created Musically Sound in 1982 and his work is now in demand around the country. David is certified by Straubinger, is a Haynes certified technician and has trained at Burkart Flutes. David has also completed specialized training and certification at Muramatsu in Japan.
A flutist, artist, improviser, and composer in the Seattle area, Leanna Keith (she/they) delights in creating sound experiences that make audiences laugh, cry, and say: ?I didn?t know the flute could do that!? She is dedicated to playing music by composers who are still living, and advocates for the usage of music as social activism. Leanna is the professor of flute at Cornish College of the Arts. www.leannakeithflute.com
Michelle Kiec, Dean Coll. of Visual & Performing Arts/Kutztown Univ., has performed with Harrisburg, W. Virginia, Kentucky, Opera Lancaster Orchestras, Aspen, Breckenridge Music Festivals and at CMS, NACWPI, ASR. MM, DMA degrees from the Peabody Conservatory and Bachelor from the State Univ. NY/Buffalo.
Katrina King Nicholson is a native of upstate New York with bachelor's and master's degrees from the Cleveland Institute of Music and a doctorate from the Shenandoah Conservatory. She is the winner of numerous competitions in the Rochester and Cleveland areas and has a special interest in music theory and historical performance. Dr. Nicholson is an active teacher and freelancer in the D.C. area. In her spare time, she enjoys trail runs, classic literature, and experiments in the kitchen.
Dr. Linda Kirkpatrick is the Director of Instrumental Music at McDaniel College, in Westminster, MD, where she teaches flute, flute choir, conducting, music literature, band and orchestra. Degrees include a Bachelor and Master of Music in Flute Performance from the University of North Texas, and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Flute Performance/Pedagogy and Instrumental Conducting from the University of Maryland. Published works include The Pedagogical Techniques and Methods of Flutist William Montgomery, 10 flute choir arrangements, and articles for the Flutist Quarterly and 2019 NFA Convention Chronicles. She is the director of Flute Cocktail, a regional flute choir, and Lower Realm, a low-voiced flute ensemble. She is a three-time winner of the National Flute Association?s Professional Flute Choir Competition, conducted flute choir reading sessions at the 2007 and 2009 NFA conventions and is a proofreader for the annual convention program book. For more information, visit lindakirkpatrick.com
Susanna Klein, Associate Professor of Music at VCU, has enjoyed a varied career as a violinist, educator and tech innovator. Her mission is to make your practice insightful and delightful. Author of the Practizma Practice Journal, she focuses on technology assisted practice and positive practice psychology. She teaches workshops on empowerment in the practice room and has written articles on the subject for Strings Magazine, The Instrumentalist, and American String Teachers Journal.
Matt Klumpp received a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from IUP, and a Masters in Piano Performance from Duquesne University. He has been actively performing both in and around Pittsburgh and on the national level for approximately 10 years. During his career he has served as an accompanist for renowned flutist Bernard Goldberg, is active in the jazz genre as will with artists such as trombonist Harold Betters.
Dr. Alicia Kosack teaches applied flute at York College of Pennsylvania and works with flutists of all ages and levels through their YCPrep. She performs as a soloist and chamber musician throughout the Mid-Atlantic region on both modern and baroque flute, and recently won 2nd place in the 2022 NFA Alto Flute Artist Competition. Alicia previously served as Vice-President of FSW and was the program chair for the 2007 and 2008 Mid-Atlantic Flute Fair.
Elizabeth Lantz is Artist/Teacher of Flute at Virginia Tech. She has performed and taught throughout the United States, Europe and Latin America. University of Southern California, M.M. She is a Yamaha Performing Artist.
Bora Lee is a sought after pianist in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area and has performed as a soloist with Seoul National Symphony Orchestra, Cantate Chamber Orchestra, Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra and Loudoun Symphony Youth Orchestra. Lee is also an experienced collaborative pianist, working as a staff collaborative pianist at the Aspen Music Festival and School, and the Great Mountain International Music Festival and School and is on faculty at Washington Conservatory of Music. Dr. Lee earned her Doctor of Musical Arts degree and Master of Music degree in Piano Performance at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and her Bachelor of Music degree from Yonsei University in Korea.
Christopher Lee is an Altus Flutes Artist, laureate of the AGIMUS International Competition, Canada Council for the Arts grant recipient, former Principal Flute of the Toronto Philharmonia. He has appeared in Canada, USA, UK, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Austria, Costa Rica, Honduras, Panama, Peru and Brazil.
Dr. Jasmin Lee is a native of Northern Virginia, starting piano at the age of five. She sustains a vibrant career as a collaborative and solo pianist. She currently serves as the Music Coordinator and Pianist/Organist at Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church. In addition to maintaining a private piano studio, Dr. Lee currently is the staff accompanist and teacher at the Suitland Center for the Visual and Performing Arts. Dr. Lee was recognized as a Prizewinner in the International Young Artist Piano Competition and a National Finalist at the MTNA Young Artists Piano Competition. She holds both Doctor of Musical Arts and Masters of Music degrees from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Pianist Sehee Lee has appeared as a collaborative pianist and chamber musician across the United States, Germany, Luxembourg, Mexico and Korea. She serves as Lecturer of Piano and Collaborative piano at Texas A&M University -Kingsville. She has previously served as collaborative artist in residence at multiple summer festivals including Bowdoin International Music Festival, Vianden Music Festival, and Killington Music Festival and is now piano faculty at the New England Music Camp in Maine.
Steven Lester grew up in central Georgia. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Flute Performance from Liberty University and loves to play in all varieties of ensembles, especially the Armonia Trio!
Pianist Katie Leung is a dedicated collaborative artist and chamber musician. A two-time winner of the Lillian Fuchs Chamber Music Competition, she joined the faculty of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in 2015. Katie Leung holds Bachelor?s degrees in both Piano and Flute Performance with highest honors from the University of Michigan, where she was a Stamps Leadership Scholar and James B. Angell Scholar, and a Master?s degree in collaborative piano from Manhattan School of Music.
Ryan Limanto is currently pursuing his Masters of Music in Flute Performance at West Virginia University under Prof. Nina Assimakopouolos. His past teachers include Prof. Sabina Shu-Chun Chiang, Marini Widyastari, Metta Faurizka Ariono and Muharam. He is currently the substitute piccolo and flutist of the Jakarta Simfonia Orchestra.
Daniel Lu - an electronics designer for space telescopes and planetary radars at NASA, Daniel is currently pianist and violinist with the Capitol City Symphony. Along with freelancing he is also a composer and sings with Congressional Chorus. His flute concerto was premiered with the Symphony earlier last year.
Brian Luce is Professor and Associate Director of the Fox School at the University of Arizona. He is a Yamaha Performing Artist and performs and teaches internationally. His recordings are heard on the New World, Naxos, Albany, Toccata Classics, Citadel, and Gault labels.
Rozalind MacPhail, electro flute looper, recording artist, educator, inspirational speaker and Gemeinhardt Artist. Has recorded 12 albums, written and recorded music for film and performed and toured internationally over the last two decades. www.rozalindmacphail.com
Lina Maria Marin is a pianist from Colombia where she earned a Bachelor's degree with honors in Piano Performance from the Conservatory of Tolima (Ibague-Colombia). She loves performing as a collaborative pianist, but also teaches piano and practices law as a lawyer.
Courtney Martin, member of the operations team with the US Army Field Band and former member of the West Point Military Academy Hell Cats and teaches locally in Maryland.
Dr. Angela McBrearty is Assistant Professor of Flute at Houghton College and holds a large private flute studio in Corning, NY where she conducts a flute choir and performs in the Crystallum Trio. She earned her DMA in Music Ed from the Eastman School of Music. Dr. McBrearty also teaches music history and theory at a local college. She blogs and teaches at DoctorFlute.com.
Julie McDonald has studied the past five years with Julianna Nickel at George Mason University for her MM and DMA degrees in flute performance. Currently she is writing her dissertation about the flute in the chamber music of Charles Ives. She also plays bassoon in GMU?s Wind Symphony and alto flute in the Woodbridge Professional Flute Choir, led by Debbie Gilbert. Most recently, Julie was hired as adjunct flute professor at Northern Virginia Community College.
Dr. Sarah McIver performs and teaches in the Baltimore/Washington region on flute, piccolo and baroque flute. She joined the faculty of Gettysburg College in 2021, where she is Adjunct instructor of flute, faculty member of the Sunderman Wind Quintet, and directs the Gettysburg Flute Choir. She is an active freelancer in the region, and serves as Secretary on the Flute Society of Washington Board of Directors.
Gareth McLearnon (UK) is an internationally renowned, multi-award-winning flutist. In demand as a soloist, recording artist, orchestral, chamber musician, he gives masterclasses around the world every year. He is a published composer and arranger, a Haynes Artist, Flute Tutor at the Yuri Bashmet Academies in Russia since 2013 and since 2009 - Principal Flute of the Heritage Orchestra in London.
Rebecca Metheny Mason is a flute coach at several middle and high school bands throughout NoVA, a private instructor, and is a member of DCFlutes. She earned her DMA under Carol Wincenc at SUNY Stony Brook, her MM under Tim Day at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and her BM under David Lavorgna at the Univ. of MD, Balt. Co. She has competed nationally and was a finalist in the FSW's Collegiate and Young Artist Competitions. Rebecca lives in Springfield with her husband and 3 children.
Dr Anna Meyer is Artist in Residence at Temple University, where she maintains a vibrant studio. Additionally, her passion for social justice fuels her work with promising young students through Play On Philly's Emerging Artist Coalition, which she manages. Anna is the author of The Monster Flute Method Book and Duo Etudes for Those Pesky Little Problems (Amazon). Her debut CD of flute and organ music - Fantasmagoria - is available on most digital platforms. www.aemeyer.com, www.lyraensemble.com
International prizewinner Danilo Mezzadri is a ACUE Distinguished Teaching Scholar and Professor of Flute at The Univ. of Southern Mississippi. He is principal flute with Gulf Coast and North Mississippi Symphony Orchestras. Danilo is artistic director of the International Flute Workshop in Italy and the Southern Flute Festival in Hattiesburg, MS. Creator of the Spider Log practice system, Danilo performs and lectures internationally.
Dawid Mzyk (Poland) has performed in Europe, Asia, and the US with Krakow Phil, Krakow Opera, Las Vegas Phil, Pan-European Phil, and collaborated with such conductors as: Krzysztof Penderecki, Hans Zimmer, Tan Dun and Alexandre Desplat. He is the winner of the National Solo Competition (Washington D.C); NY Golden Classical Solo Competition (Carnegie Hall); National Chamber Music Competition (Warsaw). Dawid is a Part-Time Faculty at Univ. of Nevada, Las Vegas while pursuing his doctoral degree.
Critically acclaimed clarinetist Christopher Nichols serves as Associate Professor of Clarinet at the University of Delaware?s School of Music where he instructs applied clarinet, clarinet ensemble, chamber music, pedagogy and literature, and performs with Christiana Winds, New Music Delaware and Tiger Lily Music. In demand as an artist clinician, Dr. Nichols has presented recitals and master classes at universities throughout the United States.
Julianna Nickel, professor of flute at George Mason University, performs as a soloist, chamber musician and orchestral musician across the country. More details can be found at www.julinickel.com
Bulgarian flutist Yana Nikol passionately embraces jazz and world music while expanding on her extensive classical training. She is currently residing in the Washington, DC area and spends most of her time participating in various projects and ensembles that incorporate a vast array of musical genres. She is also the creator and leader of Project Locrea - a multicultural music ensemble dedicated to creating and performing original compositions and contemporary arrangements of world folk songs.
Praised for her ?uniquely subtle gradation of tone,? Carolyn Hyun Ha Oh, former principal flutist of the Washington Symphony Orchestra, enjoys a versatile career as a performer and educator in the Washington DC area. She received her degrees in flute performance from the Peabody Conservatory (BM), Indiana University (MM) and the Catholic University of America (DMA), and has performed in such prestigious venues as Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, and Strathmore and has toured the U.S., Europe, and Africa as a soloist with the New England Symphonic Ensemble. Dr. Oh is an adjunct music professor of Montgomery College and serves as director of the MCYO (Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras) Junior and Senior Flute Choirs. A sought-after adjudicator for festivals and competitions, Dr. Oh also coaches students and maintains an active private studio.
Seungmin Oh, born in South Korea, has actively performed both as a soloist and as a sub-flutist in Symphony New Hampshire. She had her first US debut recital in Pittsburgh and more recently a recital as the Byron Hester Artist in Houston. She was also invited to perform at the Royal Albert Hall and she won numerous competitions worldwide. She obtained academic degrees from the Seoul National University, Carnegie Mellon University, and Peabody Conservatory?s Artist Diploma.
An accomplished pianist from a very early age, Kristy has had an impressive career as both a soloist and collaborator with numerous orchestras, operas, and universities. Kristy specializes in the particularly challenging works of brass accompaniment, working with such artists as Allen Vizzutti, Wiff Rudd, Martin Schippers, and Misa Mead. Based in Northwest Arkansas, Kristy is a teacher at the Arkansas Music Conservatory, serves as organist at First Presbyterian Church in Bentonville, and is principal keyboardist for the Artosphere Festival Orchestra. She can be heard in the albums ?Notes from the Underground,? ?Pa la Calle,? ?Mirrors,? and ?Impressions of France.?
Troy Paolantonio, flutist with the United States Army Field Band. DMA Catholic University of America, MM Univ. of South Florida, BM/BME Florida State University. Paolantonio has served in the United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps and 2ID Band in South Korea. He has been guest artist for the 2017 Kentucky Flute Festival and 2019 Hampton Roads Flute Festival, and served as program chair for the 2019, 2020, and 2021 Mid Atlantic Flute Conventions.
Dan Parasky holds music degrees from Boston University and Duquesne University. He is an adjunct faculty member at Duquesne University and Westminster College. Dan is a flute choir enthusiast that has conducted honors ensembles at both the Mid-Atlantic and National Flute Conventions. Mr. Parasky is serving as the Convention Flute Choir Coordinator with the NFA from 2021-2025 for their annual conventions and helped launch the first ever Convention Flute Ensemble Festival.
Juniper Parker is currently pursuing her Masters of Music in Flute Performance at West Virginia University under Professor Nina Assimakopouolos. She received her BM from Western Kentucky University, studying under Dr. Heidi ?lvarez. She was princial chair in WKU?s Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, and Symphonic band while there. Juniper has competed in several flute competitions, as well as attended Kentucky?s Governor?s School for the Arts, and performed in several masterclasses.
Greg Pattillo is recognized throughout the world for his redefinition of the flute sound. Greg was lauded by the New York Times as "the best person in the world at what he does." His groundbreaking performance videos on Youtube, showcasing "beatbox flute", have been viewed more then 50 million times. As an internationally acclaimed performer, educator, and clinician, Greg can be found both on the concert stage and on the streets, subways, and parks, sharing and preaching his sound. After earning his Masters degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music, Greg found work as the acting principal flute of the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra and became a founding member of the Collaborative Arts Insurgency in San Francisco.
Oboist and English horn player Anita Pawlak is a member of the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes, Chrystallum Trio, and Mark Twain?s Music Box Ensemble. In January 2007, she was a featured soloist on National Public Radio?s Pipedreams. Anita has also performed with the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra, Endless Mountain Music Festival Orchestra, and various regional chamber and orchestral ensembles. Anita holds a degree in music management from the University at Buffalo.
Upon graduating from the Berklee College of Music, Luke Penella entered into the world of flutes in 2005, training as a flute maker under Lillian Burkart and then in the related but different discipline of flute repair under Jeff Weissman. Amassing acclaim and loyal customers in New York City, Luke formed Luke Penella Woodwind Repair in 2020. He splits his work time between his home in NE Ohio and NYC. www.lukepenellawoodwindrepair.com
Marta Plominska is a part-time faculty at the University of Nevada Las Vegas where she is working on her Doctoral degree. Marta is the winner of South Carolina Flute Society YAC, Grand Prize Virtuoso International Competition, Flute Society of Kentucky YAC. Marta is an established international adjudicator. Highlights of her adjudicating positions are Stockholm International Competition Sweden, Muse International Competition Greece, MAP International Competition in CA, Silver State Competition.
Nan Raphael, former piccoloist with the US Army Field band, is currently piccoloist with The Washington Winds, International Flute Orchestra, Capitol City Symphony and Quintessential Woodwind Quintet. She has 5 albums, a book of piccolo excerpts and an article in the NFA Pedagogy Anthology vol. 2.
Anna Reitsma is a DMA student at WVU studying with Nina Assimakopolous. She is a freelance musician and has performed with the Greenville Symphony, Warren Philharmonic Orchestra and the Stambaugh Festival Orchestra. Follow on IG/FB @annareitsmaflute or visit annareitsmaflute.com
Dr. Emily Robinson, clarinetist with Patagonia Winds, maintains an active performance schedule, appearing with National Symphony Orchestra, National Philharmonic Orchestra, Opera On The James, and Avanti Orchestra. A former member of ?The President?s Own? United States Marine Band, she is a co-founder of Balance Campaign, a D.C. based contemporary music ensemble. She is on faculty at Holton-Arms Academy, International School of Music, and is a co-founder and faculty member at Woodwinds.
Dr. John Ross is on the faculty at Cottey College in Missouri and performs regularly throughout the country. He has performed with the Muncie and Tallahassee Symphony orchestras. He has studied with Joyce Catalfano, Thomas Godfrey, Francesca Arnone, Mihoko Watanabe, and Eva Amsler.
Matthew Ross currently holds the position of Associate Principal Flute in the Albany Symphony in New York. He resides in Washington, DC and performs frequently with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center. He holds Bachelor?s and Master?s degrees from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and was a fellow at The Orchestra Now at Bard College. His primary teachers were Randy Bowman, Marisela Sager, Joan Voorhees, and Heather Verbeck.
Cynthia Rugolo retired from "The President's Own" US Marine Band after twenty years as solo piccolo. As an active freelance musician in the Baltimore-Washington region since her retirement, she has performed with the National Symphony Orchestra, the Annapolis Symphony, the Maryland Winds, the US Air Force Band, DCFlutes, Quaternity, and Rule of Three.
Holly Saks, EdD is a teacher, editor, and musician in the New York Tri-State area. A teacher with 20 years experience both in and out of the classroom, she is interested in helping students become well-rounded by using an interdisciplinary approach to teaching. She is the principal flutist with the SUNY Orange Orchestra, Vice-President of the Sound Beach Community Band, and member of the Purchase Women's Leadership Network at SUNY Purchase. She studied with Harold Jones and Karen Griffin.
Willie Santiago is a passionate performer, educator, and administrator in Baltimore. As a performer, their skills range from playing early music on the traverso to experimental contemporary music. They received their M.M. in Performance from East Carolina University and B.M. in Music Education from Syracuse University. Willie studied with Kelly Covert, Christine Gustafson, and Lisa Cella. In addition, they held fellowships with the Contemporary Performance Institute and National Music Festival.
Denis Savelyev is a soloist, chamber and orchestral player. First-prize winner of the 2017 NYFC Competition, ?Rising Star '' at the 2021 Galway Flute Festival, and Young Artist of 2019 NFA. From Lviv, Ukraine, he earned BM at Gnesin Academy of Music in Moscow, MM at Mannes College and MM at The Orchestra Now, Bard College, New York. He performs and gives lessons around the world, loves to collaborate with artists and is passionate about teaching.
Double bassist Peter Seymour has performed with many of the world?s most highly acclaimed artists and ensembles, including the Cleveland Orchestra, New World Symphony, Houston Symphony, New York City Ballet, Iris Orchestraand the Colorado Music Festival. He was the recipient of the Downbeat Magazine Award for Best Jazz Soloist and has shared the stage with such luminaries as Wynton Marsalis, Roy Hargrove and Bobby McFerrin. Peter received a Bachelor of Music degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music and a Master's Degree in Bass Performance from Rice University where he was a student of Paul Ellison. He lives with his wife and two daughters in Brooklyn, NY.
Ashley Shank is a member of the music education faculty at Penn State where she also serves as the undergraduate recruitment coordinator. She is an active freelance flutist in North-Central Pennsylvania and a dedicated teacher, maintaining a small private studio. A founding member of the Flute New Music Consortium, she has served as the grants and finance chair since the group's inception.
Flutist Meghan Shanley Alger is a Maryland-based collaborative flutist. Her performance credits include the Kennedy Center, AMP by Strathmore, National Gallery of Art and Peabody Library, as well as Symphony Space and Carnegie Hall. Current projects include a debut album of living women composers, Making Waves, highlightighting the power of the archetypal feminine energy, with works by Pamela Z, Lunon, Socolofsky, and Nourbakhsh. As a teaching artist, Meghan is Adjunct Instructor of Flute at Harford Community College.
Holly Shogbesan began her flute studies at age 11 in her hometown St. Louis, Missouri and continued on to study at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee with Mary Louise Poor. She is currently finishing her Master's of Music Education at Longy School of Music. After receiving a BM in Music Education, Holly moved to Oakland, California where she began teaching music for organizations such as the Oakland Youth Chorus, Oakland Public Conservatory of Music, and San Francisco Arts Education Project. She currently teaches choir, band, and orchestra at Montera Middle School in the Oakland Unified School District. Outside of the classroom, Holly serves as secretary and education committee chair for Umoja Flute Institute and as an active alumni of Sigma Alpha Iota.
Lucy Snell performs & teaches in Waldorf, MD. Retired from the USAF Band, she is President of the Flute Society of Washington, and founder the Flute Choir of Southern Maryland & the Flute Magic! flute camp. She is Coordinator of the NFA Flute Choir Call for Scores Competition, & has performed in the NFA Professional Flute Choir. She holds Permanent Professional Certification from MTNA, and serves as Treasurer of Music Teachers Association of Charles County (MD). www.lucysnellflute.mtacc.org
Josh Snively is a clarinetist from Annapolis, MD. He is a second-year Master's student at the University of Delaware where he studies with Dr. Christopher Nichols. He holds a Bachelor's degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Clarinet Performance. When not performing with the Armonia Trio, Josh works as an instrument repair technician, specializing in woodwind repair.
Sydnee Stein-Lalwani is an active performer and arts board member in the Washington, DC area. A playing member of the Capital Wind Symphony, the Capital City Symphony and the Columbia Flute Choir, Sydnee has performed at The Kennedy Center, the White House, The Atlas Theatre in Washington, DC, and as a member of the 2019 NFA Professional Flute Choir in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her arts board work has included leadership as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Tysons-McLean Orchestra, as Treasurer of the Board for The Capital Wind Symphony and as the current Assistant Treasurer and former Treasurer of the Flute Society of Washington. Sydnee maintains an active flute studio in the Aldie, Virginia area and enjoys a crazy schedule of rehearsals, teaching and performing in the Greater Washington, DC area.
Yamaha Performing Artist and Fulbright Scholar Dr. Patricia Surman is the Associate Professor of Flute and Director of Woodwind Studies at MSU Denver. A twenty-first-century musician, Patricia has performed as a soloist and chamber musician in North and South America, Asia and Europe. A passionate and dedicated teacher, Patricia is committed to guiding her students through the process of discovering how to cultivate their own innate musical gifts with the flute.
Dr. Shauna Thompson is Associate Professor of Flute at Texas Christian Univ. She was previously Instructor of Flute at the University of Evansville and principal flute in the Evansville Phil. She currently serves as the NFA?s Assistant Competition Coordinator. BM- Texas Tech, MM and DMA- Cincinnati
A leading performer on the Chinese dulcimer, Chao Tian has toured throughout the world as leader of the Always Folk Ensemble, bringing her virtuosic talent on the dulcimer to more than 30 different countries. In addition to performing, Tian is a passionate advocate and lecturer for the promotion and preservation of Chinese traditional music. Through her work, she strives to create dialogues between Chinese traditional music and music from the rest of the world.
Flutist and VA native Aimee Toner is dedicated to relationship-building through music-making and expanding the scope and accessibility of the musical arts. She serves on the artist roster for the Lyric Chamber Music Society of New York. and has performed with the Glens Falls Symphony, the New Amsterdam Opera, and the Du Bois Symphony in principal flute and piccolo roles. Aimee graduated with a MM from the New England Conservatory and holds a degree in Ethnomusicology from Barnard College.
Alexei Ulitin is a post-doctoral scholar. A native of Kiev, Ukraine, Ulitin actively performs as a collaborativeartist and a soloist. He has worked as a member of the musical staff at several prestigious music festivals, including Aspen, Siena, and Northern Lights. He was a recipient of a New Horizons Fellowship at Aspen Music Festival for three years. Ulitin has served as an adjunct piano faculty member at Rowan University. He has won prizes in numerous competitions, including the 2014 Baltimore Music Club Competition, 2014 Wonderlic Piano Competition, 2013 Liszt-Garrison International Piano Competition, 2010 International Young Artist Piano Competition in Washington, D.C., and 2010 Music Teachers National Association competition.
Chloe Upshaw is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Flute Performance at West Virginia University under Professor Nina Assimakopouolos. Raised in the Pacific Northwest, Chloe is a freelance flutist, composer, and music educator. With the mission to nurture the mental health and well-being of musicians, Chloe promotes the use of sound exploration as a medium for mindful expression.
Dr. Michael B. Vercelli is the director of the World Music Performance Center at West Virginia University. Michael holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Percussion Performance with a minor in Ethnomusicology from the University of Arizona. Michael?s research focuses on the transmission and performance practice of percussive traditions of Africa and African Diaspora.
Martha Weber, bassoon, is delighted to be playing with Crystallum Trio. Ms. Weber taught public school band for 33 years and bassoon at Binghamton University for 16 years. Prior memberships include Binghamton Philharmonic, Tri Cities Opera, Cayuga Chamber Orchestra and Orchestra of The Southern Finger Lakes. Current ensembles include Downtown Singers, Fair Winds Woodwind Quintet and Trio as well as Festive Fagotti Trio and quartet, which she is the leader and founder.
Flutist Christina Webster maintains an active and varied career as orchestral musician, recital soloist, chamber player, and teacher, and has performed throughout the U.S. and Europe. She is Lecturer in Flute at Pittsburg State University, Principal Flute of the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra, Principal Flute of newEar Contemporary Chamber Ensemble, and Second Flute with the Wichita Symphony Orchestra. Principal teachers include William Bennett, John Boulton, Kate Hill, and Mary Posses.
Dustin White is particularly interested in the synthesis of new flute music by means of cultural exchange. His debut solo album released in 2021, Ri Ra (Mon Hills Records), explores the intersection of Western contemporary art music and Middle Eastern flute traditions. His principal teachers include Nina Assimakopoulos, Kenneth Andrews, and John Oberbrunner.
Dr. Laura Zabanal has performed and taught internationally in the U.S., Europe, and Central America. She is a Fife Instrumentalist in The U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, a content creator and copyeditor for KE Creative, and she performs and maintains a private flute studio in NOVA.
Aaron Ziegel (PhD, Univ. of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) is an Associate Professor of Music History and Culture at Towson University. He is scholar-in-residence with Opera Baltimore, and also gives pre-performance talks for Opera Delaware, Pro Musica Rara, and the Handel Choir of Baltimore. He performs frequently as a collaborative pianist, and has given solo recitals on piano, harpsichord, and fortepiano. Aaron has performed as a flute and piano duo with wife Audra Ziegel for over 20 years.
Audra Ziegel (MM, Univ. of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) is a freelance flutist and faculty member at the Peabody Preparatory. She presented solo performances at the 2018, 2019, and 2022 National Flute Association Annual Conventions. Audra has been a prize winner in numerous competitions including the Myrna Brown Competition, the NFA Convention Performers Competition, the Central Ohio Flute Association Young Artist Competition, and was a quarter-finalist in the NFA Young Artist Competition.
A native of Colchester, Vermont, Lauren Zwonik is currently pursuing her DMA at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas with world-renowned artist, Dr. John McMurtery. She is the first student awarded with the Graduate Assistantship in Arts Administration with the Las Vegas Philharmonic. She earned her MM at West Virginia University and BM at the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam.
Blending their classical training with an eclectic taste in musical styles, PROJECT Trio has made an impact on audiences of all ages. Bursting onto the scene with their landmark videos, right out of the internet generation, PROJECT Trio is a musical experience defining a new level of entertainment! PROJECT Trio is a musical experience not to be missed... Gramophone Magazine singled out the group as ?an ensemble willing and able to touch on the gamut of musical bases ranging from Baroque to nu-Metal and taking in pretty much every stylism in between,? while The Wall Street Journal hailed the Trio for their ?wide appeal, subversive humor and first-rate playing.? The New York Times has called beatboxing flutist Greg Pattillo ?the best in the world at what he does.? The Trio was forged out of a collective desire to draw new and diverse audiences by performing high energy, top quality music. Using social media to broaden their reach beyond the concert stage and classroom, the Trio has its own YouTube channel, which has over 85 million views and 100,000 subscribers, making PROJECT Trio one of the most watched instrumental ensembles on the internet. Combining the virtuosity of world-class artists with the energy of rock stars, PROJECT Trio is breaking down traditional ideas of chamber music. The genre-defying Trio is acclaimed by the press as ?packed with musicianship, joy and surprise? and ?exciting a new generation of listeners about the joys of classical and jazz music.?
The Armonia Trio is one of the premier graduate chamber ensembles at the University of Delaware. They are coached by members of UD's faculty woodwind trio in residence, the Tiger Lily Trio. The ensemble consists of three graduate performance students who came together to perform for the Mid-Atlantic region and abroad. Each member of the Armonia Trio brings a unique musical voice to their collaboration, and they join together to share the harmonious music that inspired their name.
The Crystallum Trio is a group of musicians who seek to curate music that exhibits these instruments in a wonderful panoply of sounds while also promoting a blend of the visual arts and music. The goal is to find and commission music that allows for visual realization of the music as well as an aural realization. The group is centered in the central New York area of Corning, New York.
The Flute/Cello Project is a collaboration started by flutist Willie Santiago and cellist Emma Johnson to explore contemporary music written for flute and cello. As collaborators, they have made it their goal to elevate the incredible contributions of diverse composers to the musical canon and explore an array of soundscapes as an ensemble. Willie and Emma explore landscapes ranging from traditional aesthetics to vast, experimental sonic fields.
The U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps proudly serves as one of the Army?s premier musical organizations. Dressed in uniforms patterned after the American musicians of the Revolutionary War, the unit provides musical support for official ceremonies and events in the Washington, D.C. area. The Corps? Historical Flute Ensemble performs repertoire from Baroque and Classical eras on one-keyed replicas of the 18th century. The Modern Flute Ensemble is a small performance team made up of members of the US Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps. As the military unit comprised of the highest number of flutists, it was established in 2018 in order to expand the musical capabilities of the unit and reach more audiences.
Tiger Lily Trio is a faculty-ensemble-in residence at the University of Delaware School of Music. Its members include Eileen Grycky, flute; Christopher Nichols, clarinet and Marie-Christine Delbeau, piano. The trio?s performances of contemporary literature by living composers have garnered it invitations to appear throughout North America and Europe.
West Virginia University's groundbreaking hybrid arts flute ensemble Elev-8* incorporates choreography, acting, and extended playing techniques into performances of works for five to ten flutes. The ensemble consisting of WVU flute students performs by memory and is under the direction of integrative performing artist and flutist Nina Assimakopoulos.
With ?absolute breathtaking precision, lovely long lines? (composer Catherine McMichael), Patagonia Winds is known for dynamic programming and a commitment to promoting works by living composers. The quintet has appeared at Strathmore Mansion, Lyceum, Hillwood, Horowitz Center, Musical Arts International, Takoma Park Arts, Chalice Concerts, Good Shepherd, Listen Local, NFA, and on a new CD of works by Garth Baxter. Commissions include pieces by Alexandra Molnar-Suhajda and Andrew John Kosinski.
Alice Judy is a private flute teacher and active freelance musician in Nashville, TN. She holds a BM in music performance and a BS in psychology from Middle Tennessee State University. Her primary teachers include Don Gottlieb and Deanna Little.
Anna Fenn is a fourth-year student at James Madison University earning her B.M. in Flute Performance and B.S. in Economics. She has been a member of JMU's Symphony Orchestra and Wind Symphony and played in the 2020 production of "Side Show." Anna was a member of the 2021 NFA Collegiate Flute Choir.
Anna Reitsma is a DMA student at WVU studying with Nina Assimakopolous. She is a private flute teacher and freelance musician. She has performed with the Greenville Symphony, Warren Philharmonic Orchestra and the Stambaugh Festival Orchestra. Follow @annareitsmaflute or visit annareitsmaflute.com
Ariel Collins is a senior at James Madison University pursuing a BM in Flute Performance and Music Industry studying with Dr. Beth Chandler Cahill. Collins was selected for the Frances Blaisdell Scholarship hosted by the National Flute Association in 2022.
Beth Chandler Cahill, professor of flute at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, enjoys an active career as a soloist, chamber musician, orchestral player, and teacher. Praised for her musical versatility and colorful sound, Dr. Cahill has performed and presented at festivals throughout the United States and abroad.
Beth Larsen enjoys an active career as an orchestral flutist and piccoloist, chamber musician and private teacher. She performs as 2ndflute/piccolo with the Southwest Florida Symphony, Palm Beach Opera Orchestra and 3rd flute/piccolo with the Naples Philharmonic, and the Sarasota Orchestra. She is a past winner of the Myrna Brown International Flute Competition, and holds a M.M. from CCM and B.M. from Florida State Univ.
Cara Dailey is a flutist in The United States Air Force Band in DC and First Prize winner of the 2016 NFA Piccolo Artist Competition. She currently teaches privately and freelances in NOVA. BM, Baylor Univ; MM, Northwestern Univ.
Caroline Church is pursuing a MM in Flute Performance at GMU with Julianna Nickel. She is earning a PK-12 Music Education Licensure Certificate and maintains her private studio, The Flute Studio of Fairfax. Caroline holds a BM from Appalachian State University studying with Dr. Nancy Schneeloch-Bingham.
Caroline Ulrich is principal flute of the Greenville Symphony, performs with the Spartanburg Philharmonic and subs with other regional orchestras. Dr. Ulrich is on faculty at Furman University teaching flute and chamber music.
Cassie Lipton is a student at the University of Virginia studying flute with Kelly Sulick. She's a Miller Arts Scholar, and was a participant of the National Flute Association Convention Collegiate Choir. In 2021, she was a winner of the Mid-Atlantic Flute Convention Masterclass Competition.
Chelsea Kaye Anderson is a piccolo soloist and flutist in Northern VA. She is Principal Flute of the Northern Neck Orchestra and performs piccolo with orchestras in VA, MD, and OH. Chelsea earned her MM in Piccolo Performance at the Peabody Conservatory under the tutelage of Laurie Sokoloff and Erica Peel. She holds BMs in Flute Performance and Music Education from the Ithaca College School of Music with Dr. Wendy Mehne. Chelsea is the director of the Northern Virginia Woodwind Academy.
Chelsea Kaye Anderson is a piccolo soloist and flutist in Northern Virginia. She is Principal Flute of the Northern Neck Orchestra and performs piccolo with orchestras in VA, MD, and OH. Chelsea earned her MM in Piccolo Performance from the Peabody Conservatory under the tutelage of Laurie Sokoloff and Erica Peel. She holds BMs in Flute Performance and Music Ed. from the Ithaca College School of Music where she studied with Dr. Wendy Mehne. Chelsea directs the Northern Virginia Woodwind Academy.
Chloe Upshaw is currently pursuing her D.M.A. in flute performance at West Virginia University, in the flute studio of Nina Assimakopoulos. Chloe earned her M.M. at the University of Tennessee, studying with Maria Castillo. She earned her BM at the University of Puget Sound, studying with Karla Flygare.
Christian Lampkin is on faculty at South Carolina State University as the Adjunct Professor of Flute and Music Appreciation. Chris is proud to be a founding member of the Umoja Flute Institute for flutists of African descent. He will begin his new appointment with the United States Air Force Band of MidAmerica in 2023.
Composition at the Peabody Institute. He has studied composition with Geoffrey Munger, Felipe Lara, Du Yun and Michael Hersch.
Deborah Tien is a flutist and educator residing in Alexandria, VA. She previously held the piccolo position with Johnson City Symphony (TN) for 8 seasons before her recent move to Virginia. She has also performed across the US, Europe, and Asia. MM, Florida State University.
Dr. Jeannette Marie Lewis is an adventurous flutist based in Ithaca, NY. She is a Lecturer in Music Performance at Ithaca College, Principal Flutist of the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra, Personnel Manager of the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra (CCO), and Operations Manager of the CCO Youth Orchestra.
Dr. Keith Hanlon, Flute technician at Flute Authority in Coralville, IA. Artist, and clinician for Trevor James Flutes, performs with the Derecho Wind Quintet and the Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra, Faculty at Brightpoint Community College. Co-founder of The Flute Examiner. DMA, West Virginia University.
Dr. Laura Zabanal has performed and taught internationally in the U.S., Europe, and Central America. She is a Fife Instrumentalist in The U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, a content creator and copyeditor for KE Creative, and she performs and maintains a private flute studio in NOVA.
Edward Smith started playing the flute in fifth grade band and started lessons with his private teacher in sixth. Edward has been in a local youth orchestra since 8th grade. He competed in NVMTA competition and won 1st for 7-8 and 2nd for 9-10 division. Edward also participated in the Luzerne Music Festival last summer.
Elizabeth Lantz is Artist/Teacher of Flute at Virginia Tech. She has appeared as soloist and chamber musician throughout the United States, Europe, and Latin America. She earned her M.M. from the University of Southern California and is a Yamaha Performing Artist.
Ella Si, a fifth grader at Wayside Elementary School, has been studying flute with Ms. Susan Brandt for one and a half years. She started participating in youth orchestras, including MCYO and PVYO, this year. Ella likes to read novels and listen to all types of music in her spare time.
From Orange, New Jersey, Eduardo Fajardo is a first-generation Salvadoran American flutist. He received his Bachelor of Music in December 2022 from George Mason University, where he studied with Julianna Nickel. Eduardo is a prize winner of the 2022 New Jersey Young Artist Competition.
Gianna Baker, age 17, lives in Wake Forest, North Carolina, and is a junior at Wake Forest High School. She began studying music at the age of 10, and studies privately with Dr. Carla Copeland-Burns. Additionally, Gianna performs in the Triangle Youth Philharmonic.
Jessica Yao is a 15 y/o freshman attending Richard Montgomery High School in Maryland. As a student of Dr. Carolyn Oh, she participated in many bands/orchestras, placed 3rd in the Yellow River Phil. Orchestra, and is currently part of MCYO. She enjoys reading and playing volleyball outside of music.
Joan da Silva Heit, FSW Junior Flute Choir coordinator. Previously served as the FSW HS and
Julie VanderLugt is a senior studying to earn a BM in Flute Performance. Some of her achievements include: first chair in the LU Symphony Orchestra and LU Wind Symphony, first chair at MasterWorks summer orchestra Festival, and piccolo player in the North GA District Honor Band.
Katie Rice Rogers is a fife instrumentalist in the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps. Originally a flutist, Katie studied with Randi Jean Bly, Dr. Beth Chandler Cahill, Trevor Wye, and Dr. John Bailey. She currently performs with the Columbia Flute Choir. Katie currently serves as the FSW Convention Competitions Coordinator.
Lucy Foshay, age 13, started playing the flute at 10 in school band and during lockdown on her own. She has taken one year of private lessons with Angela Kelly who has helped harness her potential, refining her skills and advanced techniques. Now she is a member of YOCVA, Flute ensemble & school bands.
Malinda Zhu is a student in the Magnet program at Eastern MS. Malinda does a variety of things like golf, swimming, oil painting, and flute. She always looks forward to coming home and playing the flute since the sound of it calms her and makes her forget all the stressful things that are happening.
Matthew Ross is the Principal Flute of the Albany (NY) Symphony, and also performs regularly with the Baltimore Symphony and National Symphony. He received his BM and MM from the Univ. of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and was a member of The Orchestra Now at Bard College.
Megumi Kadarusman is a sophomore flute performance major at James Madison University. Megumi is in the Wind Symphony and the Symphony Orchestra at her University and has been playing the flute for close to 10 years now.
Metropolitan Gamer Symphony Orchestra. She is excited to take on the role as Junior Flute
Nan Raphael, former piccoloist with the US Army Field band, is currently piccoloist with The Washington Winds, International Flute Orchestra, Capitol City Symphony and Quintessential Woodwind Quintet. She has 5 albums, a book of piccolo excerpts and an article in the NFA Pedagogy Anthology vol. 2.
Nicholas Fitton is Boston-based freelancer and graduated from the Peabody Institute in 2021 with his MM degree in Piccolo Performance studying with Erica Peel. He completed his BM at Peabody with Marina Piccinini in 2015. Previous teachers include Bonita Boyd, Judy Grant, Adam Workman, & Doriot Dwyer.
Nina Assimakopoulos, internationally acclaimed flutist and Altus Performing Artist has premiered over 92 works for flute, released 5 solo CDs and performed on stages across the world as a flutist, integrative sound artist and masterclass presenter. She is professor at West Virginia Univ. where she has the privilege of working with a studio of inspiring undergraduate-doctoral students. She thanks her teachers Peter Lloyd and Paul Meisen for their ongoing inspiration.
Noted as a flexible and versatile player, flutist Carla Copeland-Burns currently performs with the Greensboro, North Carolina, and Salisbury Symphonies as well as the North Carolina Opera, Carolina Ballet, and with the performer-composer collective Blue Mountain Forecast. She teaches at Duke University, Meredith College, and at the Clazz International Music Festival in Arcidosso, Italy.
Rebecca Needham (she/her) is a doctoral student in flute performance, pedagogy, and literature at James Madison University where she serves as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. She was the Colorado Representative in the 2021 MTNA Young Artist Competition and won the 2022 Colorado State University and VMTA Concerto Competitions. Rebecca served as an intern for the 2021 and 2022 NFA Conventions. Her teachers include Dr. Beth Chandler Cahill, Dr. Michelle Stanley, Dr. Karen Large, and Eva Amsler.
Sarah Casey is a freelance flutist and flute teacher in Baltimore. She also works as Box Office and Marketing Manager for The Columbia Orchestra, one of the most active community orchestras in the county based in Columbia, MD. Her primary teachers include Diana Morgan, Beth Plunk, Dr. Beth Chandler Cahill, and Alison Sincoff with additional studies with Janet Arms.
Shiyu Chen, a flutist and teacher with a passion for sharing the true and beautiful. Shiyu holds degrees from the Wuhan Conservatory of Music and is now gaining her Doctoral degree at Shenandoah University with Julietta Curenton. She studied with Xu Ge, dean of Wuhan Conservatory of Music in the department of String and Orchestra and also spent three years studying with international musician Jonathan Snowden. In her spare time, Shiyu enjoys nature, walking her dog, art, cooking and traveling.
Since 2014, Annika Seshadri has participated in Howard County Elementary and Middle School GT Bands, as well as county and statewide solo and ensemble festivals. In 2020, Annika was selected as principal flutist of the Maryland Junior All State Band.
Susan Bour, retired from the United States Marine Band, performs with Windward Passage Duo, flute and guitar duo. She is Adjunct Professor at Patrick Henry College, teaches privately, and is an active adjudicator.
Susan Carmichael-Kerry, Mid-Atlantic High School Flute Choir coordinator, is an active performer and teacher in Carroll County, Maryland. She earned with DMA at Shenandoah University, studying with international flutist Jonathan Snowden. Previous teachers include Frances Lapp Averitt, Rosalind Stack, and Joel Behrens. www.flutinggoat.com
Yifan Li is a junior at Poolesville High School. She started to learn the flute in fourth grade, and has continued throughout her middle and high school career. She has competed in competitions at the local and state levels, and has played in the Maryland Classic Youth Orchestra for many years.
Zoe Kim is a 6th grader at Patapsco Middle School. She started playing flute in 4th grade, and is now first chair in her Middle School Wind Ensemble. She looks up to her mom as a flutist. She studies with Denis Karp and enjoyed the Gallery Winds Chamber Music Camp this past summer.