In the PSO since: 2022
Lives in: Barrington, NH
At what age did you start playing the instrument you play in the PSO?
I started playing the flute when I was 8 years old and just entering third grade. I dabbled with piccolo in high school but didn’t really get serious about it until I was in my undergrad.
Did you learn another instrument first? If so, which one?
Flute was my very first instrument. I’ve learned other instruments since then, including the various types of flute (piccolo, alto, bass, and baroque flute), piano, oboe, and irish tin whistle.
Why did you choose your current instrument?
I was so excited to join the school band in fourth grade and wanted to begin on an instrument as soon as possible. We still had my mom’s flute from when she was in high school so I started learning on that and played that instrument all the way up until high school. While that flute barely plays now, I still have it and cherish it!
How long have you played with the PSO?
Just over a year and a half. I joined the orchestra in winter of 2022 as a substitute flute/piccolo and the following season I became a full member of the orchestra.
Do you play with other groups? If so, which ones?
I also play with the New Hampshire Philharmonic, am a substitute piccoloist for various orchestras in New England, and I’m a freelancer playing for various gigs and events as they come.
What do you like about playing with a symphony orchestra?
I love the depth and the harmonies of the orchestra! It’s so much fun to work as a team passing melodies and harmonies from one section to the next and bringing the audience along for the ride. Sitting in the woodwind section puts you right in the middle of everything so you can really get swept away in the sound. It’s enough to give you goosebumps.
What is your favorite piece to play on your instrument?
This is such a tough question! I’m not sure I can pick a favorite, but I can say that my favorite pieces to perform are all composed after the turn of the 20th century. I focused on New Music in grad school and am particularly drawn to the music of George Crumb and Kazuo Fukushima. Both composers are brilliant in their use of tone and timbral colors, gestures, and silence to convey different emotions and pictures within the music. They both utilize the flute extremely well and show the full depth of the instrument. I also love Poulenc and Hindemith though!
Tell us about your musical education.
I received my Bachelor’s in Flute Performance from the University of Southern Maine studying with Jean Rosenblum and my Master’s in Flute Performance from UMass Amherst studying with Christopher Kreuger. I also took piccolo (and irish flute!) lessons in grad school from Ellen Redman who is the piccoloist of the Springfield Symphony in Springfield, MA.
How do you spend your time outside of the PSO?
I teach flute and piano at Manchester Community Music School, Concord Community Music School, and in my private home studio, as well as the Flute Section of the Woodwind Methods class at UNH. I love creating things with my hands and am an avid knitter, sewer, baker and DIYer. Recently I’ve been really into learning how to do home improvement and I’m happy to say I now know how to tile my own bathroom floor. I also have two young sons who keep me very busy!
Beyond musician, do you serve in any additional role(s) with the PSO?
I joined the staff of the PSO in 2022 and am now the Operations Manager. I’m responsible for the logistics of concerts and events, communication with vendors and contractors, and a whole slew of other fun behind-the-scenes work. It’s been a pleasure to work alongside people who are so passionate about the well-being and future growth of the orchestra.
