The Flute Society of Washington is saddened to announce the passing of Life Member Sharyn Byer on January 15, 2021, from pancreatic cancer. Sharyn was an active and shining light in our organization for decades. Sharon had a long, active, and varied career as performer, teacher and flute choir director in the DC area. At any flute convention, local or national, Sharyn could always be found hauling her contrabass flute from one rehearsal to another, glasses perched atop her head and a smile on her face.
We cherish Sharyn’s smile, her musicianship, grace, beauty, class and devotion. As a tribute to Sharyn’s legacy, a scholarship to cover annual FSW membership dues for a select number of deserving students has been established in Sharyn’s name. Her mentoring of flutists fostered a feeling of connection. Sharyn would always say, “It's more than just a flute choir. It's a family.”
The 2023-2024 Sharyn Byer Scholarships have been granted. The scholarship will open in September 2024.