My Flute Journey
Sixth Grade Band
I started playing the flute in sixth grade beginning band. I originally thought I wanted to play the trombone, but my arms were to short to reach the full length of the slide and I was sent over to the woodwind table. I made my first sound on the flute and that's where it all started.
First Solo & Ensemble
I enjoyed practicing and playing the flute, but when I got to middle school I was placed as last chair in the lowest band. I began taking flute lessons and my teacher gave me the tools that I needed to quickly advance and learn my first solo for the Solo and Ensemble Contest. By the end of middle school, I was the first chair flute of the top band.
Marching Band
Before starting high school, I learned that participating in the marching band was a requirement to stay in the band at my school. Without any musicians in my family, I had no idea what marching band would be like! After the first day of practice, I wasn't sure if I wanted to stick with it. I decided to give it a year and ended up in marching band for the next eight years straight.
High School
Before my sophomore year of high school, my family moved away to Kentucky. I joined a new band program where I was presented with opportunities to compete for region and all-state honor bands. Although there wasn't a flute teacher in my new area, I worked very hard to teach myself the skills I needed to eventually make the All-State Band.
College Marching Band
I always tell students, "If you love sports, college marching band is the place to be!" At a large school like the University of Kentucky, that meant trips to NCAA basketball tournaments and nationally televised football bowl games. Although I went to college four hours away, my family always enjoyed opportunities to catch me on TV.
UK Flute Studio
At the University of Kentucky, I double majored in Music Performance and Music Education.
Graduate School
After graduating from the University of Kentucky (and spending a few months as a substitute teacher), I moved to Tallahassee, Florida to begin my Master's degree in Flute Performance. I was thankful to be awarded a Graduate Teaching Assistantship which covered my tuition and gave me college teaching opportunities.
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