2023 Graduates
Melody Kinney graduated in May of 2023 with a BME inVocal/General Music Education. She is gainfully employed as a 1st year Choral Director at Oakland High School in Murfreesboro. While at MTSU, participated in Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Flute Choir, Women’s Chorale, Orchestra, Schola Cantorum, and she was a Drum Major for the Band of Blue. Aside from music, Melody participated in campus ministry, the honors college, and was a member of the MTSU Blue Elite tour guide team. She graduated from Oakland High School in 2019, where she was a Drum Major for 3 years. She participated in Mid-State and All-County bands for 6 years, was a member of the Ethos Youth Symphony for 4 years, and participated in Governors School for the Arts in 2018.
Ashley Conser graduated in May of 2023 with a degree in Tourism & Hospitality Management with minors in Music, French, and Business. She was a member of the Band of Blue, Blue Elite MTSU Tour Guides, Student Society for International Education, and the Honors College.
2022 Graduates
Cassedy Caudill graduated MTSU in the Spring of 2022 with a degree in Instrumental Music Education. She moved to Maury County and is now the new music teacher at Santa Fe Unit School, and teaches all grade levels, K-12. She has started a Rock Band boasting 30 members, a pep band, and a choir, and continues to show off her flute beatboxing to her students.
Jessica Gadue is a flutist and educator in Murfreesboro, TN. She graduated with a BM in Music Education this past May after spending four years with the MTSU flute studio! Jessica currently resides in Rutherford County and continues teaching flute to private students in the Middle Tennessee area. In addition, she maintains the position of Administrator and Grant Manager at a local nonprofit, Greenhouse Ministries.
Jessica lends immense credit and appreciation to her time with Dr. Deanna Little and the MTSU flute studio as it supported her in the building of necessary organizational and communication skills. She looks forward to utilizing the resources gained from her time in the flute studio to further the art and tradition of quality music education.
Jessica lends immense credit and appreciation to her time with Dr. Deanna Little and the MTSU flute studio as it supported her in the building of necessary organizational and communication skills. She looks forward to utilizing the resources gained from her time in the flute studio to further the art and tradition of quality music education.
K. Kessler is a graduate student at Middle Tennessee State University, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music and minors in Art and History from Shorter University. Their instructors have included Steven Keith, Dr. John Reams, and now Dr. Deanna Little. Kessler has been playing the flute for eleven years and piccolo for seven. They are a member of the Epsilon chapter of the Pi Kappa Lambda music honor society and received the Outstanding Senior in Music award from Shorter University. Kessler also has experience playing in pit orchestras for both opera and musical productions, favorites being Into the Woods, Children of Eden, and Gilbert and Sullivan’s Patience.
Robin Scheufele
2021 Graduates
Christine Barham is an active freelance flutist and private teacher in the Middle Tennessee area. Christine performs in a variety of settings, including solo recitals, church services, weddings, and community events. In her collegiate career she has performed with the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Winds, and Flute Choir. She is the second-place winner of the Flute Society of Kentucky's 2020 Collegiate Artist competition, and a two-time winner of the National Flute Association’s Collegiate Flute Choir competition (2017 and 2018). This garnered her the honor of collaborating with artists such as Kelly Vie, Jim Walker, and Project Trio. She has also performed in masterclasses for William Bennett, Tabitha Easley, Bart Feller, Ai Goldsmith, Erik Gratton, Timothy Hagen, Nicole Riner, and Mimi Stillman. She is an alumnus of the 2015 Tennessee Governor's School for the Arts where she returned to serve as a counselor in the summers of 2018, 2019 and 2021. Christine graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with degrees in Flute Performance and Music Industry with a minor in Recording Industry. Her primary instructors include Julie Ditzel and Deanna Little.
Allie Kirkman is a graduate student in MTSU's Accountancy program. She was awarded a GA in the accounting department. Her summer internship was in Chattanooga with Elliot Davis. Allis has accepted a full time position with Elliot Davis upon completion of her Masters and will begin in January 2023. She graduated in May of 2021 from MTSU with her Bachelors of Business Administration in Accounting and a Music minor. She was a member of the MTSU Band of Blue and was section leader of the flute section for two years. She was been involved in Symphonic Band as flute and piccolo player as well as the MTSU Flute Studio and flute choir. She completed her upper division jury in Spring 2019. Allie became a member of Beta Alpha Psi accounting honor society and became an inductee of the Beta Gamma Sigma business honor society. She was the recipient of the MTSU Emerging Professional Accounting Scholarship, and the Accounting Alumni Appreciation Day Scholarship.
Diane Liu graduated with a degree in Music Industry and a minor in Recording Industry. She had the opportunity to be a part of the MTSU Study Abroad Spring '20 Program, where she studied in Athens, Greece. Some classes she took were History of Western Art Music II, Recording Studio Techniques, Sound Design, and Making Music with Computers. Diane hopes to obtain a job as music editor, where she chooses music for films and shows!
Jordan Morack graduated with a degree in Jazz Studies under the direction of his saxophone teachers, Don Aliquo and Miguel Alvarado. While Jordan primarily studies jazz, he nurtures his passion for classical performance through the study of the clarinet and flute with Dr. Todd Waldecker, and Dr. Deanna Little.
Ginny Shingleton graduated with a Performance Major from MTSU. She is now pursuing a MM in Flute Performance from Boise State University in Idaho where she is the recipient of a Full GA and studies with Dr. Nicole Molumby. Ginny was selected in 2021 as a performer for the Advanced Masterclass Competition at the Florida Flute Association's Virtual Convention.
2020 Graduates
Alice Judy is a flutist and freelance performer in the Nashville area. A Kentucky native, Alice is a 2015 alumnus of the Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts and a 2016 graduate of Louisville’s Youth Performing Arts School. In her collegiate career, Alice has performed as principal flutist with the MTSU Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra, as well as in several chamber ensembles and as a member of the MTSU Flute Choir. She was selected in 2017 and 2018 to perform at the National Flute Association’s convention in the Collegiate Flute Choir, and was chosen in 2019 to attend Marrowstone Music Festival. She has performed in masterclasses for Ai Goldsmith, Bart Feller, Jill Felber, Marianne Gedigian, and William Bennet, among others. Alice graduated in December 2020, Summa Cum Laude, with degrees in flute performance and psychology. Her primary flute instructors include Donald Gottlieb and Deanna Little.
Libby Targett graduated with her MM in Flute Performance in May 2020. She was the Winner of a 2019 Blue Ribbon Teachers Award (Nahsville Public Education Foundation). Libby graduated from Rowan University in New Jersey with her Bachelor’s in Music Education in 2013. She currently teaches at Goodlettsville Middle School as the Middle School Band Director.
Samantha Graham was a Music Industry major at MTSU. She doubled on Flute and Tuba. Sam was a 2020 NFA Collegiate Flute Choir Competition Winner. She won a position in a US Marine band and is now stationed in Hawaii. She did not finish her BM at MTSU but we consider her one of our own!
2019 Graduates
Allison Cooper graduated from MTSU in May 2019 with a degree in Music Industry and Audio Production. She attended Colerain High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she studied under Kirsten Grimsley. Allison was selected to perform with Ohio University Honor Band (2014-2015), the Ohio Music Education Association’s Honor Band (2015) and was also awarded the Semper Fidelis Music Award (2015). Allison also plays the transverse Chinese flute (Dizi) and the Chinese end-blown flute (Xiao). She was a founding member of Middle Tennessee State University’s Chinese Music Ensemble and studied Chinese flute for three years under Dr. Mei Han, Zhusong Du and Zengguang Li. Allison has also spent time as a recording musician, performing both Traditional Chinese literature and Western composers, such as Piazolla. As an audio engineer, she experiments with electro-acoustic performance and composition along with traditional studio production.
|
Jane Adele (Janadel) Scott is from Lawrenceburg, Tennessee and graduated from Lawrence County High School in 2011. There she played flute and piccolo in her school marching band, the Big Gold Machine, and was section leader her senior year. She studied general subjects and private instruction flute with Sarah Beth Hanson at the University of Tennessee at Martin for one year. Afterward she attended Columbia State Community College where she received her associate degree of fine arts with an emphasis in music. She has studied flute with Rebecca Murphy on and off for the past five years, both in private lessons and now in private instruction for with the university. She is currently in her fourth semester at MTSU and is a composition major, studying with Dr. Paul Osterfield in the composition studio. Last semester she studied composition with Dr. Yoomi Paick where she did the majority of her work on her first composition, A Dying Snail, a five movement character piece depicting the narrative of a snail that dies and comes back to life. It is to be performed this October in Hinton Hall as part of the composition studio student recital.
|
Sage Tichenor graduated with double major in Audio Production and Music Industry in December 2018 from MTSU. She's been playing flute since she was a kid and picked up a passion for production early in high school when she started analyzing her favorite albums. She moved to Nashville in 2015 to study at MTSU. During her time here, she has volunteered for many festivals in the Nashville and Kansas City area. She has performed flute on tracked and live songs with some friends, and has recently obtained a microphone, amp, and pedal board so she can start performing electric flute. As an audio engineer, Sage is the FOH engineer for an event called Bonhoeffer's, and has worked for the Wilson County Fair, Uncle Dave Macon Days, Hoedown on the Harpeth, and many others. Sage continues to build her performance and engineering resume, and today she works as an audio engineer for Soundcheck Nashville, a company that provides rehearsal space and other services to artists.
|
2018 Graduates
Allison Centobene graduated with honors as a Music Industry major with a minor in Recording Industry Management from Middle Tennessee State University. During her collegiate career, Allison performed in the MTSU Wind Ensemble and MTSU Symphonic Band, the MTSU Flute Choir, MTSU Symphony Orchestra, MTSU Women’s Chorale, the Azure Winds, a select woodwind quartet/quintet, and in the Kokopelli Native American Flute Ensemble, based out of Memphis, Tennessee. She was also a finalist in the MTSU School of Music Solo Artist Competition in 2017.
Allison is a member of Pi Kappa Lambda, a music honor society, and is an alumna of Delta Omicron International Music Fraternity. She currently holds a position at the Center for Popular Music on MTSU's campus, cataloging sheet music.
Allison is a member of Pi Kappa Lambda, a music honor society, and is an alumna of Delta Omicron International Music Fraternity. She currently holds a position at the Center for Popular Music on MTSU's campus, cataloging sheet music.
Becca Luther graduated from MTSU with an Exercise Science major minoring in music. She has been playing flute since 6th grade. Becca graduated from with distinction from Blackman High School in Murfreesboro, TN. She studied with Kerry Shaffer her sophomore and junior year of high school, and studied with Rebecca Murphy her senior year of high school. Currently, she is studying with Deanna Little. Becca was in the Mid-State Band her junior and senior year of high school. She also went to Europe with the Tennessee Ambassadors of Music the summer before her junior year of high school, and wishes to return in the near future. Her senior year she was lucky enough to make the All-State Band. Becca is currently playing in MTSU’s Symphonic Band, as well as Flute Choir.
|
2017 Graduates
Tabitha Atchley is a senior music education major at MTSU. She graduated from Eagleville High School in 2011. She has been playing the flute since 5th grade and has been in numerous ensembles including MTSU band of blue, Symphonic band, flute choir, concert band, and concert orchestra. She is currently the section leader of the flutes in band of blue. She was the woodwind instructor for Eagleville High School in 2012. Tabitha has participated in masterclasses with Heather Small, Eric Lamb, and Claudia Anderson. Tabitha has studied with Kristen Fry, and is currently studying with Dr. Deanna Little. Apart from being in ensembles, Tabitha is a member of Delta Omicron, an international music fraternity. Her future plans include receiving a bachelor of music degree, and finding a job.
Alyssa Baranski is a senior Music Performance and Music Industry major at Middle Tennessee State University. She has won numerous awards for her flute playing including 1st prize in both the Flute Society of Kentucky's Collegiate Artist competition and the South Carolina Flute Society's Collegiate Artist Competition. She earned a position in the Nashville Collegiate Orchestra during the summer of 2016 and has been an intern with the Artistic department of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Alyssa spent the 14-15 academic year abroad in England where she studied with Trevor Wye in his 'The Flute Studio'. In high school, Alyssa participated in the Chattanooga Flute Choir, the Chattanooga Youth Symphony, Chattanooga Area Home School Band, the Tennessee All-East Blue Band, and the Tennessee All-State Band. At MTSU, she plays in as many ensembles as she can including the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Flute Choir, and chamber groups. Alyssa has studied with Greig Shearer (Hartford Symphony Orchestra), Nora Kile (Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra), Trevor Wye, and currently studies with Dr. Deanna Little. More about Alyssa can be found on her website: http://alyssabaranskiflute.weebly.com
Morgan Coleman is a senior music education major at MTSU. She has studied under Brittney Butler, Josephine Dennys, Allie Tarwater, and Melissa Grey. She also placed in the all-east bands competition for three years. Also, she was first chair flute player at Seymour High School. Morgan is also a recipitent of the John Phillip Souza award. Along with these attributes, Morgan strives to be a music educator.
Jacob Farmer is a flutist based in the Nashville and greater Middle Tennessee area. As a solo performer and chamber musician, Jacob performs in a variety of settings including solo recitals, weddings, church services, and chamber performances.
During his collegiate career, Jacob has participated in Middle Tennessee State University’s Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Band of Blue, Symphony Orchestra, Concert Chorale, Flute Choir, and various chamber groups. He has also been selected to play in masterclasses for people such as: Marianne Gedigian, Barthold Kuijken, Bart Feller, Jill Felber, and Amy Porter.
Jacob received a degree in Flute Performance and Music Industry at Middle Tennessee State University in May and is currently working towards a masters in Computer Information Systems and Analytics. He previously studied with Ruth Ann McClain and currently studies with Dr. Deanna Little. As an active performer, Jacob is a current member of a flute choir, a woodwind quintet, a symphony orchestra, and other chamber ensembles. He is the recent winner of the 2017 Mid-South Flute Society College Masterclass Competition, South Carolina Flute Society’s Masterclass Competition, and Southern Flute Festival Masterclass Competitions, winner of the 2018 Nashville Summer Orchestral Institute Concerto Competition, and winner of the 2018 Rocky Ridge Summer Music Festival Chamber Music Competition. Jacob is an alumnus of Phi Mu Alpha music fraternity and the Pi Kappa Lambda music honor society. Check out his website at https://jacobfarmerflute.com.
During his collegiate career, Jacob has participated in Middle Tennessee State University’s Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Band of Blue, Symphony Orchestra, Concert Chorale, Flute Choir, and various chamber groups. He has also been selected to play in masterclasses for people such as: Marianne Gedigian, Barthold Kuijken, Bart Feller, Jill Felber, and Amy Porter.
Jacob received a degree in Flute Performance and Music Industry at Middle Tennessee State University in May and is currently working towards a masters in Computer Information Systems and Analytics. He previously studied with Ruth Ann McClain and currently studies with Dr. Deanna Little. As an active performer, Jacob is a current member of a flute choir, a woodwind quintet, a symphony orchestra, and other chamber ensembles. He is the recent winner of the 2017 Mid-South Flute Society College Masterclass Competition, South Carolina Flute Society’s Masterclass Competition, and Southern Flute Festival Masterclass Competitions, winner of the 2018 Nashville Summer Orchestral Institute Concerto Competition, and winner of the 2018 Rocky Ridge Summer Music Festival Chamber Music Competition. Jacob is an alumnus of Phi Mu Alpha music fraternity and the Pi Kappa Lambda music honor society. Check out his website at https://jacobfarmerflute.com.
Tiffany Jih is a senior music minor at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She is currently studying with Deanna Little. Tiffany was a member of the Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra at MTSU for 2 years where she was a concerto competition winner and a member of the Belle Aire Church Orchestra for 2 years. She participated in All-Midstate Band and Rutherford County Honor Band throughout high school. Tiffany was selected for Tennessee Governor's School for the Arts in 2012 and has placed in the High School Division Flute Festival solo competition at MTSU and Bach Fest solo competition in Murfreesboro. She has participated in the MTSU Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and Symphonic Orchestra, and was selected for the National Flute Association Collegiate Flute Choir in 2014 and 2015.
Eric Luminais graduated as a flute performance major from Eastern Illinois University in 2015 who originally grew up in the Chicago area. Most notably, he performed Otar Gordeli’s Concertino for Flute and Orchestra with the Eastern Symphonic Orchestra in addition along with various other successful competitions through the NFA. He performed with the Eastern Wind Symphony and Eastern Symphonic Orchestra throughout his time at EIU. He was an active member, and vice president, of the Xi Upsilon Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha as well as a member of the National Flute Association. Additionally, he had the privilege of studying in Salzburg, Austria for one semester. He is currently a Flute Performance graduate student at MTSU and serves as an orchestral graduate assistant.
Megan McKinney from MTSU with a BM in Flute Performance in 2016. During her collegiate career, Megan performed in the MTSU Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Flute Choir, and various chamber ensembles. In 2014, she was selected for the National Flute Association Collegiate Flute Choir. She also performed in masterclasses for Erik Gratton, Mary Stolper, Kate Lukas, Goran Marcusson, Molly Barth, George Pope, Gina Sebastien, Celine Thackston, and Lisa Garner-Santa. Before her time at MTSU, she was principal flutist in the Curb Youth Symphony for two years and a member of the Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra for 3 years where she was a concerto competition winner. She also participated in the Tennessee All-State Band/Orchestra for 3 years. She was selected for Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts in 2011 where she was an Honors Recital winner. In 2012, she was a state winner, division winner, and national finalist in the MTNA Senior Woodwind Soloist Competition. Megan is currently a Content Services Coordinator at Naxos of America and a freelance musician in the greater Nashville area.
Check out her website at http://mmm6t5.wix.com/meganmckinney.
Check out her website at http://mmm6t5.wix.com/meganmckinney.
2016 Graduates
Brittany Howard finished her master's degree in flute performance with Dr. Deanna Little. Originally from Marietta, Georgia, she spent the last several years in Statesboro, Georgia at Georgia Southern University where she received a Bachelors of Music, specializing in Flute performance, in May of 2013. In her time at GSU, Brittany served as piccoloist for the GSU Southern Wind Ensemble. Principal flute, piccolo, and Music Librarian for the Georgia Southern Symphony. Flute and piccolo for the GSU opera, as well as playing in the GSU Flute Choir and GSU Southern Woodwind Quintet. She also taught and performed locally including several musicals and operas at the Averitt Center for the Arts. Brittany is currently a graduate teaching assistant with both the MTSU Band of Blue and Woodwind department, and is teaching and performing in the Murfreesboro area.
David Jung is a flute performance graduate at Middle Tennessee State University. David graduated with honors from Houston High School in Germantown, Tennessee. He studied with Myung Kim for seven years and now studies with Deanna Little. Throughout high school, David was selected for the All-West Band, All-State Band, University of Memphis Honor Band and Memphis Youth Symphony. He attended the Sewanee Summer Music Festival in 2010 and Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts in 2011.
2015 Graduates
Laura Hall
is a senior music minor and psychology major at MTSU. She studied flute with Lisa Schroeder, Jean-Marie hull, and currently Dr. Deanna Little. Laura graduated from Columbia central high school and was the flute section leader in the marching band as well as first chair in the wind ensemble.
is a senior music minor and psychology major at MTSU. She studied flute with Lisa Schroeder, Jean-Marie hull, and currently Dr. Deanna Little. Laura graduated from Columbia central high school and was the flute section leader in the marching band as well as first chair in the wind ensemble.
2014 Graduates
Megan Baldwin
received her Bachelor of Music Education degree from MTSU in May of 2014. She was the salutatorian for the class of 2010 at Coffee County Central High School in Manchester, Tennessee. She’s been playing flute since the 6th grade and has been in numerous ensembles including the MTSU Band of Blue, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, flute choir, and chamber groups. She is currently the section leader for the flutes in the Band of Blue and has also served as the assistant section leader. Megan was a music counselor for the Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts and is currently the flute instructor for Coffee County Central High School. She also maintains a private flute studio. Her future plans include receiving a bachelor’s degree in music education, finding a job, and receiving her Master's degree.
received her Bachelor of Music Education degree from MTSU in May of 2014. She was the salutatorian for the class of 2010 at Coffee County Central High School in Manchester, Tennessee. She’s been playing flute since the 6th grade and has been in numerous ensembles including the MTSU Band of Blue, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, flute choir, and chamber groups. She is currently the section leader for the flutes in the Band of Blue and has also served as the assistant section leader. Megan was a music counselor for the Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts and is currently the flute instructor for Coffee County Central High School. She also maintains a private flute studio. Her future plans include receiving a bachelor’s degree in music education, finding a job, and receiving her Master's degree.
Heather Loree Finchum
graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor's of Music Education major from MTSU. Heather is from Nashville, TN and graduated from McGavock Comprehensive High School. Besides playing the flute she has been a part of the Symphonic Band, Flute Choir and is also starting her fourth year as Drum Major for the MTSU Band of Blue. Apart from being in ensembles Heather is a member of Delta Omicron, an International Music Fraternity, and is currently serving as the Secretary. Heather plans on becoming a middle school band director and sharing her love for music to her students.
graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor's of Music Education major from MTSU. Heather is from Nashville, TN and graduated from McGavock Comprehensive High School. Besides playing the flute she has been a part of the Symphonic Band, Flute Choir and is also starting her fourth year as Drum Major for the MTSU Band of Blue. Apart from being in ensembles Heather is a member of Delta Omicron, an International Music Fraternity, and is currently serving as the Secretary. Heather plans on becoming a middle school band director and sharing her love for music to her students.
Shannon Renee’ Moore
is a senior flute performance major at Middle Tennessee State University. Her teachers have included Deanna Little, Sarah Beth Hanson, and Patricia George. Shannon has attended Flauti al Castello in Italy in 2013, the Sewanee Summer Music Festival in 2010, 2011, and 2012 (in 2012 she played principal flute in Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloe), the Hot Springs Music Festival as an Arts Administration Apprentice in 2012, and the Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts in 2009. She has also participated in masterclasses with Leone Buyse, Alexa Still, Sergio Pallottelli, and Erik Gratton. Shannon published an article in Flute Talk Magazine in October 2011, and appeared on the cover for the January 2013 issue. At MTSU, she performs as principal in the Symphony Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble, and also is a member of many chamber ensembles. She toured Costa Rica and Panama as the only freshman flutist of the Wind Ensemble in 2011. She has also played alongside her teacher, Deanna Little, in the Sewanee Symphony. After graduating from MTSU, Shannon plans on obtaining a graduate degree in music performance, followed by pursuing a career as an orchestral flutist.
is a senior flute performance major at Middle Tennessee State University. Her teachers have included Deanna Little, Sarah Beth Hanson, and Patricia George. Shannon has attended Flauti al Castello in Italy in 2013, the Sewanee Summer Music Festival in 2010, 2011, and 2012 (in 2012 she played principal flute in Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloe), the Hot Springs Music Festival as an Arts Administration Apprentice in 2012, and the Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts in 2009. She has also participated in masterclasses with Leone Buyse, Alexa Still, Sergio Pallottelli, and Erik Gratton. Shannon published an article in Flute Talk Magazine in October 2011, and appeared on the cover for the January 2013 issue. At MTSU, she performs as principal in the Symphony Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble, and also is a member of many chamber ensembles. She toured Costa Rica and Panama as the only freshman flutist of the Wind Ensemble in 2011. She has also played alongside her teacher, Deanna Little, in the Sewanee Symphony. After graduating from MTSU, Shannon plans on obtaining a graduate degree in music performance, followed by pursuing a career as an orchestral flutist.
Rebecca Eubanks Murphy
holds a Bachelor of Music degree in performance from Louisiana State University. She studied there with Everett and Jeane Timm, and she has studied more recently with Dr. Rita Linard at the University of Texas - San Antonio and Jean Robinson of the San Antonio Symphony Orchestra. She is currently pursuing a graduate degree with Dr. Deanna Little of Middle Tennessee State University.
Ms. Murphy served as principal flute with the San Antonio Wind Symphony from 2003 to 2011, where she was a concerto soloist in 2011. She has also performed as a substitute flutist with the San Antonio Symphony Orchestra, the Mid-Texas Symphony Orchestra and the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra. She was principal flute with the Cornerstone Orchestra and the San Antonio Municipal Band where she was a concerto soloist in 1992. She was a member of the San Antonio Woodwind Quintet from 2005 to 2011. She has performed as a soloist, master class clinician and flute ensemble director in San Antonio and throughout Texas.
In addition to performing, Ms. Murphy has taught flute lessons for 25 years. Her flute studio is well respected throughout the San Antonio area, consisting of students who have been successful at the All-State level and who have been accepted to several major music conservatories. She also has been a flute instructor at several San Antonio schools. She was co-founder of the Fiesta Flute Choir and served as its conductor from 2006 to 2009. For the past several years, Ms. Murphy has been an adjudicator for the Texas Music Educators Association.
Rebecca is also an accomplished equestrienne. She has shown Arabs, Saddlebreds and Miniatures to many titles. She and her current horse, H.R. Kottinsox, are world champions.
holds a Bachelor of Music degree in performance from Louisiana State University. She studied there with Everett and Jeane Timm, and she has studied more recently with Dr. Rita Linard at the University of Texas - San Antonio and Jean Robinson of the San Antonio Symphony Orchestra. She is currently pursuing a graduate degree with Dr. Deanna Little of Middle Tennessee State University.
Ms. Murphy served as principal flute with the San Antonio Wind Symphony from 2003 to 2011, where she was a concerto soloist in 2011. She has also performed as a substitute flutist with the San Antonio Symphony Orchestra, the Mid-Texas Symphony Orchestra and the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra. She was principal flute with the Cornerstone Orchestra and the San Antonio Municipal Band where she was a concerto soloist in 1992. She was a member of the San Antonio Woodwind Quintet from 2005 to 2011. She has performed as a soloist, master class clinician and flute ensemble director in San Antonio and throughout Texas.
In addition to performing, Ms. Murphy has taught flute lessons for 25 years. Her flute studio is well respected throughout the San Antonio area, consisting of students who have been successful at the All-State level and who have been accepted to several major music conservatories. She also has been a flute instructor at several San Antonio schools. She was co-founder of the Fiesta Flute Choir and served as its conductor from 2006 to 2009. For the past several years, Ms. Murphy has been an adjudicator for the Texas Music Educators Association.
Rebecca is also an accomplished equestrienne. She has shown Arabs, Saddlebreds and Miniatures to many titles. She and her current horse, H.R. Kottinsox, are world champions.
Anna Laura Williams
received her Bachelor of Music Education degree in May of 2014 from MTSU. Anna Laura was the 1st place winner of the 2010 MTSU Flute Festival High School Solo Competition. She graduated Valedictorian from Riverdale High School in May 2010. Anna Laura was selected for the Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts where she performed in the 2009 Honor’s Recital and NPR WPLN’s “Live in Studio ‘C’”. She was also accepted to the 2009 Tennessee Governor’s School for Prospective Teachers. During 2010, Anna Laura was 2nd chair in the TMEA All-State Band, 3rd Chair in the MTSBOA Gold Band on flute, placed 5th Chair in the MTSBOA Silver Band on tuba, was 3rd Chair in the MTSBOA Mid-State Orchestra, placed 1st Chair in the Rutherford County High School Honor Band on both flute and tuba, was the 2010 recipient of the RHS Patrick S. Gilmore Band Leadership Award, and was section leader of the flute and tuba sections at Riverdale. Her 2010-2011 ensembles at MTSU include Wind Ensemble, Flute Choir, Woodwind Quintet, and Band of Blue. Anna Laura has studied privately under the direction of Dr. Deanna Little and Tawana Box. In the Fall 2010/Spring 2011 semesters at MTSU, Anna Laura performed in masterclasses with Bradley Garner and Danilo Mezzadri. In Fall 2010, she had a private lesson with Jennifer Gunn of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Upon completing her undergraduate studies, Anna Laura Williams plans to pursue a doctoral degree in flute performance. (Photo used by permission - Loveless Fine Photography).
received her Bachelor of Music Education degree in May of 2014 from MTSU. Anna Laura was the 1st place winner of the 2010 MTSU Flute Festival High School Solo Competition. She graduated Valedictorian from Riverdale High School in May 2010. Anna Laura was selected for the Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts where she performed in the 2009 Honor’s Recital and NPR WPLN’s “Live in Studio ‘C’”. She was also accepted to the 2009 Tennessee Governor’s School for Prospective Teachers. During 2010, Anna Laura was 2nd chair in the TMEA All-State Band, 3rd Chair in the MTSBOA Gold Band on flute, placed 5th Chair in the MTSBOA Silver Band on tuba, was 3rd Chair in the MTSBOA Mid-State Orchestra, placed 1st Chair in the Rutherford County High School Honor Band on both flute and tuba, was the 2010 recipient of the RHS Patrick S. Gilmore Band Leadership Award, and was section leader of the flute and tuba sections at Riverdale. Her 2010-2011 ensembles at MTSU include Wind Ensemble, Flute Choir, Woodwind Quintet, and Band of Blue. Anna Laura has studied privately under the direction of Dr. Deanna Little and Tawana Box. In the Fall 2010/Spring 2011 semesters at MTSU, Anna Laura performed in masterclasses with Bradley Garner and Danilo Mezzadri. In Fall 2010, she had a private lesson with Jennifer Gunn of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Upon completing her undergraduate studies, Anna Laura Williams plans to pursue a doctoral degree in flute performance. (Photo used by permission - Loveless Fine Photography).
Jarrelle Wolff
graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor's of Music Education major from MTSU. She is from Chattanooga, TN and attended Hixson High School. Jarrelle was very active in high school, her favorite activity being marching band where she was the Drum Major for 3 years. Jarrelle has participated in several ensembles at MTSU such as; MTSU Band of Blue, Symphonic Band, Flute Choir, Pep Band, and the World Percussion Ensemble. She is a member of Delta Omicron, International Music Fraternity where she is currently serving as 2nd Vice President. In the Band of Blue, Jarrelle is currently serving as Co-President and the Baritone Section Leader for 2012. In spare time, Jarrelle enjoys watching a playing basketball, painting, and playing music of any sort.
graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor's of Music Education major from MTSU. She is from Chattanooga, TN and attended Hixson High School. Jarrelle was very active in high school, her favorite activity being marching band where she was the Drum Major for 3 years. Jarrelle has participated in several ensembles at MTSU such as; MTSU Band of Blue, Symphonic Band, Flute Choir, Pep Band, and the World Percussion Ensemble. She is a member of Delta Omicron, International Music Fraternity where she is currently serving as 2nd Vice President. In the Band of Blue, Jarrelle is currently serving as Co-President and the Baritone Section Leader for 2012. In spare time, Jarrelle enjoys watching a playing basketball, painting, and playing music of any sort.
2013 Graduates
Jennifer Diaz is currently the Executive Director for the Society for Music Theory. Previous positions include serving as Education Director for the Eugene Symphony (Oregon); Audience Development Coordinator for The Friends of Chamber Music of Kansas City; and Community Outreach and Audience Development Coordinator for the Jacobs School of Music. She has worked with several nonprofit organizations in various volunteer capacities, including the National Flute Association, Greater Portland Flute Society, and the Artist Series of Tallahassee.
Jennifer earned a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance from Middle Tennessee State University and Masters degrees in Arts Administration and Flute Performance from the Florida State University. She lives with her husband, Frank, and daughter, Madison, in Bloomington, Indiana.
Jennifer earned a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance from Middle Tennessee State University and Masters degrees in Arts Administration and Flute Performance from the Florida State University. She lives with her husband, Frank, and daughter, Madison, in Bloomington, Indiana.
Aleesha Hillis
received a Bachelor of Music degree in Instrumental Music Education from Middle Tennessee State University. Aleesha studied private instruction under Dr. Deanna Little at Middle Tennessee State University. Aleesha has participated in many ensembles including the MTSU Wind Ensemble, MTSU Symphonic Band, MTSU Band of Blue Marching Band, MTSU Women’s Chorale, and MTSU Flute Choir. She has been flute section leader of the MTSU Band of Blue Marching Band, as well as holding various leadership positions within the MTSU flute studio. Aleesha has received the Outstanding Achievement in Instrumental Music Education award and the Senior Honor Student award from Middle Tennessee State University. In the summer of 2012, Aleesha was selected as a fellowship student for the Art of Wind Band Teaching conducting symposium at the University of Minnesota, where she studied with Craig Kirchhoff, Jack Stamp, Jerry Luckhardt, and Elizabeth Jackson. Aleesha participated in a music internship with the Warren County school system, where she worked with middle and high school students. She completed her student teaching placements at Wilson Central High School in Lebanon, TN and Blackman Middle School in Murfreesboro, TN. Aleesha has also performed for the Governor of Tennessee, Bill Haslam, for the event "A Season to Remember."
Aleesha has participated in masterclasses for Eva Amsler, John Bailey, Holly Hoffman, Morgan Williams, and Eric Lamb.
Aleesha attended Warren County High School in McMinnville, TN under the direction of Mr. Duane Farnham. Prior to MTSU, she took private lessons from Mrs. Sarah (Ball) McVey. In high school, Aleesha received the John Phillip Sousa Award her senior year, received the Integrity award her junior year, and attended the Festival of Winds and Percussion at TTU. After graduating high school, Aleesha received the KFC Scholars scholarship for $20,000, along with a music scholarship to Middle Tennessee State University.
Aleesha has been married for five years and currently lives in McMinnville, TN. She and her husband are expecting their first child in April of 2014. Aleesha is the county school band director in the Warren County School system. Aleesha teaches instrumental music at Dibrell Elementary, Centertown Elementary, Eastside Elementary, and Morrison Elementary. Aleesha also helps out with Warren County High School and Warren County Middle School. Her inspirations are her mother and her grandmother because they have always been very supportive of her dreams.
received a Bachelor of Music degree in Instrumental Music Education from Middle Tennessee State University. Aleesha studied private instruction under Dr. Deanna Little at Middle Tennessee State University. Aleesha has participated in many ensembles including the MTSU Wind Ensemble, MTSU Symphonic Band, MTSU Band of Blue Marching Band, MTSU Women’s Chorale, and MTSU Flute Choir. She has been flute section leader of the MTSU Band of Blue Marching Band, as well as holding various leadership positions within the MTSU flute studio. Aleesha has received the Outstanding Achievement in Instrumental Music Education award and the Senior Honor Student award from Middle Tennessee State University. In the summer of 2012, Aleesha was selected as a fellowship student for the Art of Wind Band Teaching conducting symposium at the University of Minnesota, where she studied with Craig Kirchhoff, Jack Stamp, Jerry Luckhardt, and Elizabeth Jackson. Aleesha participated in a music internship with the Warren County school system, where she worked with middle and high school students. She completed her student teaching placements at Wilson Central High School in Lebanon, TN and Blackman Middle School in Murfreesboro, TN. Aleesha has also performed for the Governor of Tennessee, Bill Haslam, for the event "A Season to Remember."
Aleesha has participated in masterclasses for Eva Amsler, John Bailey, Holly Hoffman, Morgan Williams, and Eric Lamb.
Aleesha attended Warren County High School in McMinnville, TN under the direction of Mr. Duane Farnham. Prior to MTSU, she took private lessons from Mrs. Sarah (Ball) McVey. In high school, Aleesha received the John Phillip Sousa Award her senior year, received the Integrity award her junior year, and attended the Festival of Winds and Percussion at TTU. After graduating high school, Aleesha received the KFC Scholars scholarship for $20,000, along with a music scholarship to Middle Tennessee State University.
Aleesha has been married for five years and currently lives in McMinnville, TN. She and her husband are expecting their first child in April of 2014. Aleesha is the county school band director in the Warren County School system. Aleesha teaches instrumental music at Dibrell Elementary, Centertown Elementary, Eastside Elementary, and Morrison Elementary. Aleesha also helps out with Warren County High School and Warren County Middle School. Her inspirations are her mother and her grandmother because they have always been very supportive of her dreams.
Emily Jones
holds a degree in Instrumental Music Education from Middle Tennessee State University. Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee; in high school she was a member of the John Overton High School Marching Band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble. While on the road to her life at MTSU she along the way became a Gold Scout with the Girl Scouts of America (which is the highest rank in the program). Here at the University she has been participating with the MTSU Band of Blue, Pep Band, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and the MTSU Flute Choir. Within some of these ensembles she shares her love for the tuba as well as her flute counterpart. She has performed in master classes with Celine Thackston and Sarah Busman. She is also a member of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity sharing with other lovely ladies her love of music. In her free time she likes to escape to her imagination with books, drawings and her crochet creations. And lastly, she enjoys clearing out her mind with the gaming world, friends, and family.
holds a degree in Instrumental Music Education from Middle Tennessee State University. Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee; in high school she was a member of the John Overton High School Marching Band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble. While on the road to her life at MTSU she along the way became a Gold Scout with the Girl Scouts of America (which is the highest rank in the program). Here at the University she has been participating with the MTSU Band of Blue, Pep Band, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and the MTSU Flute Choir. Within some of these ensembles she shares her love for the tuba as well as her flute counterpart. She has performed in master classes with Celine Thackston and Sarah Busman. She is also a member of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity sharing with other lovely ladies her love of music. In her free time she likes to escape to her imagination with books, drawings and her crochet creations. And lastly, she enjoys clearing out her mind with the gaming world, friends, and family.
Mara Miller
Mara Miller is a flutist and young creative based in Nashville, TN. She received her bachelor's degree in flute performance at Middle Tennessee State University with Dr. Deanna Little and then made her home for two years in Cedar Falls, Iowa as she pursued a master of music degree at the University of Northern Iowa with Dr. Angeleita Floyd. Shortly following graduation, Mara studied modern flute music while attending the inaugural, semester-long studio program of Robert Dick in New York City (2015).
Mara enjoys a variety of art forms in addition to flute, including photography, voice, and writing. In 2015, she combined her passions for both music and photography and was invited to perform flute works and present a collection of her photography at the National Flute Association Convention. She currently serves as the Alto Section Representative and PR Assistant of Sonus Choir, a Nashville-based acapella choir with a focus on performing the works of modern and living composers. She is also a contributing writer for The Flute View Magazine, where she tackles culturally relevant topics in the flute community such as diversity, the #MeToo Movement, and the use of flute in mainstream music.
Mara currently serves as the Development & Operations Coordinator of Chatterbird Ensemble and works in the PR & Marketing department at Naxos of America.
Mara Miller is a flutist and young creative based in Nashville, TN. She received her bachelor's degree in flute performance at Middle Tennessee State University with Dr. Deanna Little and then made her home for two years in Cedar Falls, Iowa as she pursued a master of music degree at the University of Northern Iowa with Dr. Angeleita Floyd. Shortly following graduation, Mara studied modern flute music while attending the inaugural, semester-long studio program of Robert Dick in New York City (2015).
Mara enjoys a variety of art forms in addition to flute, including photography, voice, and writing. In 2015, she combined her passions for both music and photography and was invited to perform flute works and present a collection of her photography at the National Flute Association Convention. She currently serves as the Alto Section Representative and PR Assistant of Sonus Choir, a Nashville-based acapella choir with a focus on performing the works of modern and living composers. She is also a contributing writer for The Flute View Magazine, where she tackles culturally relevant topics in the flute community such as diversity, the #MeToo Movement, and the use of flute in mainstream music.
Mara currently serves as the Development & Operations Coordinator of Chatterbird Ensemble and works in the PR & Marketing department at Naxos of America.
Maureen Moeller
is a graduate of MTSU with a B.M. in Flute Performance. She is currently pursuing her Master of Arts degree in Flute Performance at Eastern Illinois University where she studies with Dr. Rebecca Johnson.
Born in Germany, she still speaks her native language fluently. After moving to Tennessee at the age of seven, she graduated from McNairy Central High School in Selmer, TN. During that time, she was involved with the University of Tennessee at Martin Honor Band for seven years, All-West for four, and the Ole Miss Honor Band for one. She previously studied with Sarah Beth Hanson of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Dr. Jessica Dunnavant (baroque flute), and Dr. Deanna Hahn-Little of Middle Tennessee State University.
During her time at MTSU, Maureen was involved in the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Band of Blue, Flute Choir, and various chamber ensembles. She was the recipient of the Outstanding Achievement in Woodwind Performance award in 2013, runner-up in the mock orchestral audition of MTSU’s 2012 Flute Festival, and soloist in the MTSU’s Chamber Orchestra, performing Howard Hanson’s Serenade, Op. 35 in Spring 2012. In May 2011, she traveled with the MTSU Wind Ensemble to Costa Rica and Panama for a teaching/performing tour. Maureen was also chosen as a performer in the Rome Festival Orchestra. She has had lessons with and played in masterclasses for Eva Amsler, Rebecca Powell Garfield, Angeleita Floyd, Patricia Surman, Erik Gratton, Celine Thackston, Morgan Williams, and Alexa Still.
is a graduate of MTSU with a B.M. in Flute Performance. She is currently pursuing her Master of Arts degree in Flute Performance at Eastern Illinois University where she studies with Dr. Rebecca Johnson.
Born in Germany, she still speaks her native language fluently. After moving to Tennessee at the age of seven, she graduated from McNairy Central High School in Selmer, TN. During that time, she was involved with the University of Tennessee at Martin Honor Band for seven years, All-West for four, and the Ole Miss Honor Band for one. She previously studied with Sarah Beth Hanson of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Dr. Jessica Dunnavant (baroque flute), and Dr. Deanna Hahn-Little of Middle Tennessee State University.
During her time at MTSU, Maureen was involved in the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Band of Blue, Flute Choir, and various chamber ensembles. She was the recipient of the Outstanding Achievement in Woodwind Performance award in 2013, runner-up in the mock orchestral audition of MTSU’s 2012 Flute Festival, and soloist in the MTSU’s Chamber Orchestra, performing Howard Hanson’s Serenade, Op. 35 in Spring 2012. In May 2011, she traveled with the MTSU Wind Ensemble to Costa Rica and Panama for a teaching/performing tour. Maureen was also chosen as a performer in the Rome Festival Orchestra. She has had lessons with and played in masterclasses for Eva Amsler, Rebecca Powell Garfield, Angeleita Floyd, Patricia Surman, Erik Gratton, Celine Thackston, Morgan Williams, and Alexa Still.
Chelsea Short
is a Senior Instrumental Music Education major at MTSU. She graduated from Beech High School where she was very involved in the choral and band programs through performing, directing, and conducting. While in high school she attended the Southeast Chamber Institute and Festival of Winds and Percussion at Tennessee Tech. After graduation, Chelsea attended Tennessee Tech where she performed in The Golden Eagle Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphony Band, Concert Band, University Orchestra, Bryan Symphony Orchestra, Flute Choir, Concert Choir, and various chamber ensembles. While attending TN Tech, she received the honor of first chair flute player in the All-Collegiate honor band at the 2010 TMEA conference. Chelsea served as Vice President and Fundraising Chair of CMENC and served as Treasurer, Fundraising Chair, and Historian of Mu Phi Epsilon. Chelsea has studied conducting with Joseph Hermann and flute with Ken Ozimek and Roger Martin. In 2011, Chelsea transferred to MTSU where she is currently studying flute with Deanna Little. She is a member of MTSU's Symphony Band, Chamber Winds, and Concert Orchestra. She plans to graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Music Education and later pursue a Master's degree in Conducting.
is a Senior Instrumental Music Education major at MTSU. She graduated from Beech High School where she was very involved in the choral and band programs through performing, directing, and conducting. While in high school she attended the Southeast Chamber Institute and Festival of Winds and Percussion at Tennessee Tech. After graduation, Chelsea attended Tennessee Tech where she performed in The Golden Eagle Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphony Band, Concert Band, University Orchestra, Bryan Symphony Orchestra, Flute Choir, Concert Choir, and various chamber ensembles. While attending TN Tech, she received the honor of first chair flute player in the All-Collegiate honor band at the 2010 TMEA conference. Chelsea served as Vice President and Fundraising Chair of CMENC and served as Treasurer, Fundraising Chair, and Historian of Mu Phi Epsilon. Chelsea has studied conducting with Joseph Hermann and flute with Ken Ozimek and Roger Martin. In 2011, Chelsea transferred to MTSU where she is currently studying flute with Deanna Little. She is a member of MTSU's Symphony Band, Chamber Winds, and Concert Orchestra. She plans to graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Music Education and later pursue a Master's degree in Conducting.
Christen Vann
is a senior at MTSU pursuing a degree in K-6 Elementary Education and a Minor in Music. She attended Moore County High school and studied flute privately with Tish Dunn of Franklin until beginning her college career. She was a member of the 2006, 2007, and 2008 All Mid-State Band and Orchestra, the 2007 and 2008 All-State Band, attended the 2006 session of Tennessee's Governor's School for the Arts, and was a member of the 2007 National High School Flute Choir at the National Flute Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Christen won 2nd prize at the 2007 MTSU Flute Festival High School Soloist Competition and went on to win 1st prize in 2008. At MTSU, she has participated in the Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Flute Choir, Orchestra, and Chamber Winds as well as some smaller chamber groups. In the spring of 2010, Christen, Abi Coffer, Jenny Davis, Lindsey Brison, Eric Griffin, and bassist Jay Yaskin recorded a CD of jazz standards arranged by Trevor Wye as well as performed with the group at multiple events. In May of 2011, Christen went on tour with the MTSU Wind Ensemble to Costa Rica and Panama. In addition to her flute studies, Christen is also actively involved in the Honors College at MTSU as a Buchanan Fellow and the Honors Studies Association. She completed her undergraduate thesis, "Schools in the Middle: A Case Study of Similar Schools", which she successfully defended in November 2011.
is a senior at MTSU pursuing a degree in K-6 Elementary Education and a Minor in Music. She attended Moore County High school and studied flute privately with Tish Dunn of Franklin until beginning her college career. She was a member of the 2006, 2007, and 2008 All Mid-State Band and Orchestra, the 2007 and 2008 All-State Band, attended the 2006 session of Tennessee's Governor's School for the Arts, and was a member of the 2007 National High School Flute Choir at the National Flute Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Christen won 2nd prize at the 2007 MTSU Flute Festival High School Soloist Competition and went on to win 1st prize in 2008. At MTSU, she has participated in the Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Flute Choir, Orchestra, and Chamber Winds as well as some smaller chamber groups. In the spring of 2010, Christen, Abi Coffer, Jenny Davis, Lindsey Brison, Eric Griffin, and bassist Jay Yaskin recorded a CD of jazz standards arranged by Trevor Wye as well as performed with the group at multiple events. In May of 2011, Christen went on tour with the MTSU Wind Ensemble to Costa Rica and Panama. In addition to her flute studies, Christen is also actively involved in the Honors College at MTSU as a Buchanan Fellow and the Honors Studies Association. She completed her undergraduate thesis, "Schools in the Middle: A Case Study of Similar Schools", which she successfully defended in November 2011.
2012 Graduates
Roya Farzaneh
is a graduate of MTSU with a BM in Flute Performance. She is currently pursing a Master's degree in Performance at The University of Akron while studying with George Pope. At UA, Roya is a member of the Symphony Orchestra and several ensembles. While at MTSU, Roya participated in the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Flute Choir, and many other groups. During her sophomore year, Roya was selected as one of the two flute players from MTSU to attend the All-Collegiate honor band at the TMEA conference. In the summer of 2011, Roya was selected to perform and participate in the Wildacres Flute Retreat. In 2012, Roya received first place in the collegiate division of the BachFest competition in Middle Tennessee and was selected as a counselor at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp where participated in the Festival Band and taught flute sectionals. In the summer of 2013, Roya will be touring Europe with the BLFAC's International Symphony. She has participated in masterclasses with Goran Marcusson, Eva Amsler, Brad Garner, Jennifer Gunn, Mary Stolper, Alexa Still, Eric Lamb, Molly Barth, and many other great flutist. Roya has studied with Deanna Little and Celine Thackston. Visit Roya's website: http://royafarzanehflutist.weebly.com/ |
Jessica (Jessy) Fine
is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University who majored in Instrumental Music Education. In her time at MTSU, Ms. Fine has participated in ensembles ranging from Band of Blue to woodwind quintets. As a member of Delta Omicron International Music Fraternity, Ms. Fine is active in service projects benefiting both the MTSU School of Music as well as the local community. After completing a Bachelors of Music in the spring of 2012, Ms. Fine intends to continue her education with a Masters in Education Administration and Doctoral work in Education and Leadership Administration. Ms. Fine aspires to be a high school band director and one day work in school administration. Outside of music, Ms. Fine gives campus tours, is a member of various honor societies, and serves as a student ambassador and an “I’m One” spokesperson for the university. When she isn’t participating in activities with the School of Music or with campus organizations, Ms. Fine spends her free time with friends, family, her beautiful puppy dog, and obsessing over everything to do with Vera Bradley. For more information about Ms. Fine, check out her full bio on the Middle Tennessee State University website at http://www.mtsu.edu/one/jfine.shtml |
Isaac Jones
is a music education graduate of MTSU. Isaac started taking piano in 3rd grade and absolutely loved it; however, he felt that somehow his life was incomplete. After much experimentation with varied instruments, and coming to the conclusion that they just weren’t for him, he came across an old antique flute. He immediately came to the conclusion that he had finally found what he needed to make his life complete. Years and a good bit more silver gadgetry later, he still plays the piano, but feels that the day he decided to take up the flute was indeed a day that fortune was smiling down upon him (or at least in his general direction). While the shiny silver flutes monopolize his practice time these days, he still covets the feel of the antiquated wood and tarnished keys of his flutes from the dark ages from time to time. |
Melissa Keeling
graduated from MTSU with a MA in flute performance. She is currently pursuing a DMA at CUNY and studying with Robert Dick. While at MTSU, she performed as principal flutist with the Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble. In 2009, she appeared as a soloist with the Bowling Green-Western Symphony Orchestra, and in 2011 with the MTSU Chamber Orchestra. Melissa was the first undergraduate to present research at the Flute Society of Kentucky Festival in 2010. Melissa is a member of sonyq, an experimental electric flute and guitar duo, and their first solo album, sänik, was released October 2010. She is a member of Pi Kappa Lambda (National Music Honor Society), the National Flute Association, and the Flute Society of Kentucky. She has participated in master classes with Michel Debost, Keith Underwood, Mary Kay Fink, Brad Garner, and abroad with Rhonda Larson in Italy. Melissa has studied with Heidi Álvarez and Deanna Little. Visit Melissa's websites: www.flutebymelissakeeling.com www.sonyq.net |
Kallie Rogers
is a graduate of MTSU with a Master’s degree in flute performance. She is currently pursuing a DMA in flute performance from the Florida State University where she studies with Eva Amsler. In May 2010, she received her Bachelor’s degree in instrumental music education from Western Kentucky University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. In the summer of 2011, she was a staff member with the Blue Lake International Exchange Program, touring Germany, Holland, and France with the Southern Winds concert band. She has studied with Deanna Little and Heidi Pintner-Álvarez. Visit Kallie's website: www.kallierogersflute.webs.com |
2011 Graduates
Jenny Davis is a flutist based in Memphis, TN and Columbia, SC where she is pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Flute Performance at the University of South Carolina. She is the Artistic Director of Memphis-based Blueshift Ensemble, one half of experimental duo if.else, and frequently performs with groups such as the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Memphis Repertory Orchestra, and Luna Nova Ensemble. At USC, she is a Graduate Teaching Assistant for the flute studio. She serves on the Board of Directors of Sonosphere Inc., the Mid-South Flute Society, and the Carolina Flute Guild. In addition to her work as a flutist, Jenny is a performance coordinator at Crosstown Arts in Memphis, Tennessee and co-organizer of the Continuum Music Festival.
Jenny has been selected as a finalist in competitions such as the James Pappoutsakis Flute Competition, the Flute Society of Kentucky Young Artist Competition (1st place), Central Ohio Flute Association Young Artist Competition (3rd place), South Carolina Flute Society Young Artist Competition, the Byron Hester Solo Flute Competition, and semifinalist in the Texas Flute Society's Myrna Brown Competition and Raleigh Area Flute Association. Jenny is involved with regional and national flute associations and has performed at NFA Conventions in Washington D.C., Minneapolis, and Orlando. She has also presented workshops at festivals, including a workshop on starting a successful private studio at the 2016 Mid-South Flute Festival. In past summers, Jenny has been invited to perform at the National Music Festival and the contemporary chamber music festivals New Music on the Point in Vermont, the Cortona Sessions for New Music in Italy, and Luna Nova’s Belvedere Chamber Music Festival in Memphis. This summer she will be a fellow at the Bang on a Can Summer Festival at MASS MoCA. Jenny is an enthusiastic advocate of new music and enjoys collaborating with composers on new works for flute and other chamber ensembles. While in Boston, Jenny studied the art of teaching as the Boston Flute Academy's Teaching Assistant. She was mentored by flutist Judy Grant as she worked with students of all ages and levels, teaching masterclasses, conducting ensembles, and presenting workshops on a wide variety of topics. Jenny also served as Graduate Teaching Assistant at BU directing the Boston University Flute Ensemble. Jenny holds degrees from Middle Tennessee State University (B.M.), Boston University (M.M.) and additional flute study at The Studio with Trevor Wye in England. Her primary teachers include Jennifer Parker-Harley, Linda Toote, Deanna Little and Trevor Wye. When Jenny is not playing the flute, she enjoys studying the Alexander Technique, riding her bike, baking, and traveling. |
Lauren Jolley
is recently graduated with a music education degree. She enjoyed playing in the MTSU Flute Choir and Symphonic Band, and was a baritone section leader in the Band of Blue. She teaches drum majors at Ravenwood High School, and is also a mentor in the MTSU Next Step Program, which is a program that helps foster kids transition into college life. She also enjoys painting and playing with her son, Christian. |
2010 Graduates
Lindsey Brison
is 2010 graduate from Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in flute performance. She studies with Dr. Deanna Little. She has been a member of the MTSU Symphony Orchestra for three years and is currently a member of the Wind Ensemble. She also participates in the MTSU Flute Choir and a Woodwind Quintet. Lindsey won the Music Teachers National Association Competition for the Junior High Division in the fall of 2002. She was selected to play at the Honors Concert as a participant at the 2004 Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts. Lindsey took first place honors in the high school division of the Kentucky Flute Festival in January 2005, and received an Honorable Mention in the High School Division at the 2005 Middle Tennessee State University Flute Festival and Mid-South Flute Festival She was a member of the 2005 Bands of America Honor Band in the Rose Bowl Parade. She has participated in master classes with Susan Hoeppner, Trevor Wye, Clifford Benson, Mary Karen Clardy, and Paul Edmund-Davies. In the Spring of 2008, she performed in concert with pianist Mac Frampton. |
Abi Coffer
An alumna of Middle Tennessee State University, Abi currently serves as principal flutist of both the Sewanee Symphony Orchestra and the Nashville Praise Symphony. In addition to being named prize winner of the 2012 NFA Young Artist Competition (Las Vegas), Abi has been nationally recognized through winning competitions including the Northern Iowa Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition (2011), Mid-South Flute Festival’s Young Artist Competition (2010), Middle Tennessee State University’s Outstanding Achievement in Woodwind Performance Award (2009), BachFest (2009), Flute Society of Kentucky’s Young Artist Competition (2009), Austin Peay State University’s Young Artist Competition (2006), and the NFA High School Soloist Competition (2006). An active freelance and chamber musician, Ms. Coffer also enjoys teaching. She has a private flute studio, and currently serves as Visiting Instructor at Sewanee, the University of the South, and Middle Tennessee State University where she teaches Woodwind Methods and Introduction to Music courses. Abi received her B.M. in Flute Performance from Middle Tennessee State University where she studied with Dr. Deanna Little, and her M.M. from the University of Northern Iowa where she studied with Dr. Angeleita Floyd. Other primary instructors include Norma Rogers, Tadeu Coelho, and Diane Davich-Craig. |
Megan (Jackson) Glosson graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor's degree
in Instrumental Music Education from Middle Tennessee State University in December, 2010. She taught middle school band in Middle Tennessee for 7 years before making a slight career switch in 2018. Glosson currently works as an Educational Product Designer with Learning At The Primary Pond and maintains a side hustle by freelance writing for several online publications. She resides in Murfreesboro, Tennessee with her two daughters and fluffy cat, Bruce. You can learn more about Megan Glosson by visiting her website, http://meganglosson.com/. |
Sarah McVey
is a flutist specializing in Performance. She returned to MTSU to pursue the master’s degree after being awarded the Bachelor of Music summa cum laude in Instrumental Music Education in 2006. Her primary flute instructors have been Dr. Deanna Little, Dr. Andrea Graves and Dr. Elaine Harris. She is in her first year as general music teacher and choir director for West and Hickory Creek Elementary Schools in McMinnville, Tennessee. She has also taught three years in Warren County as a band director. Sarah teaches flute privately in Coffee and Warren counties and has conducted the MTSU Flute Choir, as well as flute choirs for the Mid-South Flute Association and the MTSU Flute Festival. She also performs frequently as a freelance musician in southern Middle Tennessee. She is married to MTSU School of Music alumnus Jason McVey (B.Mus., ‘05; M.A., ‘08). In her spare time she enjoys gardening, playing piano, cooking, and reading, reading, reading. She loves spending time with her baby, Bella the Bloodhound, and is looking forward to the new addition to her family in March, Baby McVey! |
2008 Graduates
Katie Howard
is December 2008 graduate of MTSU. Katie was a winner in the 2007 Masterclass Performers Competition and played for Bonita Boyd, won the Kentucky Collegiate Artist Competition in 2006, performed at NFA and won the MTSU High School Soloist Competition in 2004, and attended the 2003 Governor’s School for the Arts. Her past teachers include Tish Dunn and Norma Rogers. Other than playing the flute, she enjoys reading, dancing, and spending time with family and friends. Katie is beginning her first year as a masters student at UMKC on a full scholarship. |
Lindsay Kuhn
is a 2008 graduate of MTSU with a degree in flute performance. She has been playing the flute for ten years and her instructors include Deanna Hahn-Little and Ruth Ann McClain. Lindsay has been an active participant in many ensembles including the Memphis Youth Symphony, MTSU’s Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Winds, Flute Quartet, and Flute Choir. While in high school, Lindsay performed in a wide variety of competitions, including MTSU’s High School Soloist competition where she won fist place, The Memphis Youth Symphony’s Concerto Competition where she received honorable mention, The Nashville Symphony’s Curb Concerto Competition, and Orpheum Star Search in Memphis, TN where she was a finalist two years in a row. As a college student, Lindsay has participated in master classes with Marianne Gedigian, Roger Martin, and Stephanie Rea, and she has taken lessons with Katherine Kemler, Tom Robertello, Jim Walker, and Leone Buyse. Lindsay plans on attending graduate school after she receives her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance. Lindsay is currently in her second year of her masters with a graduate assistantship at Ohio University. |
Lindsay Seagroves
is a 2008 graduate of MTSU with her degree in music education. Lindsay's past teachers include Tish Dunn, Norma Rogers, and Shelley Binder, and she has participated in masterclasses with Tadeo Coelho, Mary Ann Archer, Roger Martin, and Kate Prestia-Shaub. When she's not busy at school, Lindsay enjoys making her own jewelry and spending time with her kitten, Izzy. Lindsay is currently finishing her masters in conducting at MTSU. |
Elissa Stuart
is a 2008 graduate of MTSU with a degree in flute performance. She has participated in masterclasses with Roger Martin, Marianne Gedigian, Linda Pereksta and Susan Milan. In high school, she was awarded the 2004 John Philip-Sousa Band award for her contributions to the program. In her spare time, Elissa enjoys watching and going to football games. |
2007 Graduates
Sarah Busman is the Arts Education Manager for the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, where her primary initiatives are the Artists In Schools granting programs and Mini Grants. She is also the principal flutist of the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. Prior to working at the Arts Council, Sarah taught at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke for 9 years, graduating many wonderful flutists, teachers, and scholars. She is the founder of Darkwater Festival, which celebrates women in music through scholarship, performance, and new music. Sarah holds a BM from Middle Tennessee State University (2007) and an MM from the Peabody Conservatory of Music. She lives in Fayetteville, NC with her husband Joshua Busman (also an MTSU Music grad!), her two little boys, Arthur and Simon, and her tripod hound dog Foster.
|
Jamie Adams-Westerhoff is a 2001 Music Industry. She has held several positions working with the Tennessee Medicaid population for the past 20 years, most notably in her current role as Quality Manager for UnitedHealthcare Community Plan where she has worked for 14 years. In addition to her role in healthcare, Jamie is an instructor at Jump for Joy Dance Studio in Gallatin, Tennessee. She has taught children and adults ballet, tap, jazz and musical theatre dance for over 15 years. Jamie still plays her flute any opportunity she gets!
|
Jamie Adrian (1999) was a Music Industry major and continued her studies with a Masters is Arts Administration from The University of Akron in 2002. She worked in the nonprofit arts field in the Baltimore/DC area for a number of years before deciding to be a stay at home mom. Over the past 10 years, she continued to run a small flute studio in Westminster, MD and has recently returned to the workplace in the Foundation Office at Carroll Community College. In her free time, you can find Jamie, her husband Steve, and children Lucas (15) and Juliet (13) traveling around the globe.
Jennifer Uhl earned a Bachelor of Music Industry ('99) and a minor in Recording Industry from Middle Tennessee State University. She continued her education with graduate studies in Arts Administration at The University of Akron. She moved back to Murfreesboro in 2003 and spent 5 years as the Marketing & Development Associate with the Nashville Chamber Orchestra. Jennifer is now the Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives and Information Systems at the Discovery Center. She credits her time in the MTSU flute studio with developing her creativity and ability to multitask. She is very disappointed that not one of her three amazing children (25, 19, 17) went into music, but is immensely proud of the adults they are becoming nonetheless. When she's not working, Jennifer enjoys traveling, hiking and tabletop games.
|
Lisa Melick is an Altus Flutes performing artist and clinician. She is the founder/flutist of the internationally renowned flute and guitar duo, Noteworthy Duo, releasing two Latin American CDs and touring extensively throughout the United States and South America. Equally at home on flute, alto flute, bass flute and piccolo, Lisa has been described as an “…exceptionally fine musician who can play anything with pizzazz, precision and feeling…” (Michael Daugherty, composer).
Lisa holds flute performance and pedagogy degrees from University of Iowa (D.M.A.), where she was awarded the prestigious Iowa Performance Fellowship, the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University Long Beach (M.M.) and Middle Tennessee State University (B.M.). Dr. Melick has served on the music faculty at University of Nevada Las Vegas, California State University San Bernardino, Vanguard University of Southern California, Golden West College, and Cerritos College. Her students have won distinguished awards for flute performance, and many have gone on to professional careers in music. Currently, Lisa lives in Las Vegas with her beautiful, energetic, eight-year-old daughter, Izzy. She maintains a thriving online/in-person flute studio, often performswith the Las Vegas Philharmonic, and is the Owner and CEO of her online/in-person Life Coaching Business. As a Life and Relationship Coach, Lisa helps people overcome toxic relationships by giving them the tools to gain their power, peace, and purpose back! Lisa combines her experience as a Certified Enneagram Coach, Reiki Master, and Doctor of Music, to provide a complete holistic experience with lasting results. www.lisamelick.com |
Dr. Jessica Dunnavant is Adjunct Artist/Teacher of Flute at the Vanderbilt University Blair School of Music, where she teaches Baroque flute, flute lessons for Blair Academy and coaches chamber music. She keeps a large private studio going in the Nashville area, and she is second flute in the Jackson Symphony in West TN. After graduating from MTSU in 1998, she earned a M.M. in Flute Performance from Florida State with Charles DeLaney in 2000 and a D.M.A. from the University of Maryland College Park with William Montgomery in 2004. Before returning to Tennessee in 2009, Dr. Dunnavant taught for a year each at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Florida State University and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. She has also taught a variety of classes and lessons for MTSU and Belmont. Lately she has been editing the Flute Examiner newsletter and she is a board member and core performer with Music City Baroque, Nashville’s original early music ensemble.