We Are the ECU Flute Studio
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We strive toward creative artistic expression through deeper discovery of the flute We work on literature in a wide range of musical styles and periods, with the ultimate aim of advancing our technique and musicianship to our full potential We are committed to practice to develop the ability to respond to new performance environments with grace and ease We train intensively as individuals and together to make ourselves employable as music professionals and performers We endeavor to enrich our world and to pass music on to others We invite you to join us! Experience the joy of making music and playing the flute! ECU Flute Studio grads have been hired in public and private school music programs including North Carolina, Virginia, Florida, Arizona and Maryland schools. They intern and work professionally as music therapists nationwide. Our flute graduates perform in orchestras, wind ensembles, rock bands and jazz bands with national and international outreach. They teach flute in universities and colleges and create their own private studios. ECU grads have gone on to win scholarships for graduate study at Mannes Conservatory, Cincinnati College-Conservatory, the Peabody Institute and New York University, among others. What is your dream? |
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Robert "Dale" Cox transferred in from Pitt Community College where he was working on his Associate of Arts degree in Fine Arts and expects to graduate in May 2021. He went to D. H. Conley High school and is from Greenville, NC. Dale is a Music Education and Performance Double Major. He is the recipient of the Rhonda J. Fleming Award from the Greenville Choral Society. He was a high school recipient of the Semper Fidelis Award for Musical Excellence and the John Philip Souza Award. He is the founder and conductor of an all community saxophone ensemble in Greenville NC.
“The reason why I am doing music and music education is that I like meeting others and teaching others. I like seeing the amount of growth from the beginning of the season (like in marching band) to the end. I love marching band. As a baritone player I would be very interested in joining Drum Corps International someday. I play flute because I really like the way it sounds, especially the lower flutes, bass and alto flutes, which are very rich in tone color and depth of sound. Flute is a very versatile instrument too with a lot of great repertoire.”
“The reason why I am doing music and music education is that I like meeting others and teaching others. I like seeing the amount of growth from the beginning of the season (like in marching band) to the end. I love marching band. As a baritone player I would be very interested in joining Drum Corps International someday. I play flute because I really like the way it sounds, especially the lower flutes, bass and alto flutes, which are very rich in tone color and depth of sound. Flute is a very versatile instrument too with a lot of great repertoire.”
Shiloh Waite graduated from Croatan High school and is from Newport, NC, where she studied flute privately with Ann Searle. She was the first prize winner of the Fuller’s Music Virtual Solo Competition in April 2020. Shiloh is currently majoring in music education.
“The main reason I’m doing music in college is that I’ve loved music since I was little, and my whole family is involved in it. I want to be a band director, because I love seeing the light in the students’ eyes when they get it.”
“The main reason I’m doing music in college is that I’ve loved music since I was little, and my whole family is involved in it. I want to be a band director, because I love seeing the light in the students’ eyes when they get it.”
Emma Kiriloff went to Central Bucks High School South, in Warrington, Pennsylvania. She moved with her family to North Carolina in July 2020, and she is currently majoring in music therapy. She likes to crochet when she has time and to play with her dogs.
“Music is pretty much everything to me. It especially helped me through some rough times in my life and helped me to become a stronger person, even with aspects of my life outside of music. I was told to play trumpet, but I decided on the flute instead. I always thought it sounded really pretty when I heard it in songs. It just felt like something in me said ‘play flute.’ I went with my gut feeling, and my gut said ‘flute.’’
“Music is pretty much everything to me. It especially helped me through some rough times in my life and helped me to become a stronger person, even with aspects of my life outside of music. I was told to play trumpet, but I decided on the flute instead. I always thought it sounded really pretty when I heard it in songs. It just felt like something in me said ‘play flute.’ I went with my gut feeling, and my gut said ‘flute.’’
Krysta Byrd is a graduate of North Pitt High School, where she played principal flute in bands directed by Aaron Kingsberry and Mark Klaich, both former ECU graduates. She was inducted into the National Honor Society in 2018 and served in the Health Sciences Academy as well.
“I feel like music gives me a different form of communication, since I’m so quiet. Growing up I was in youth choir in my church, and we did performances during Vacation Bible School, and that’s what got me into singing and other forms of music. I chose the flute in middle school because I liked the sound.”
“I feel like music gives me a different form of communication, since I’m so quiet. Growing up I was in youth choir in my church, and we did performances during Vacation Bible School, and that’s what got me into singing and other forms of music. I chose the flute in middle school because I liked the sound.”
Jessica Myrick graduated from Roanoke Rapids High School, where she performed with the marching band under the direction of former ECU graduate, clarinetist Laura Manning, and was the recipient of the Patrick S. Gilmore Award for Band. Jessica was also a member of the Art Club and studied flute privately with Alexander Busby. Jessica is now a sophomore music education major at ECU.
“It’s easier for me to study music and more enjoyable, whereas other subjects don’t inspire me to pursue them as much. Music make you feel good, and it’s a process of learning rather than memorizing. I wanted to play the flute ever since I was little. I saw it in shows, and when I had the opportunity to pick out an instrument, it was the one I chose.”
“It’s easier for me to study music and more enjoyable, whereas other subjects don’t inspire me to pursue them as much. Music make you feel good, and it’s a process of learning rather than memorizing. I wanted to play the flute ever since I was little. I saw it in shows, and when I had the opportunity to pick out an instrument, it was the one I chose.”
Sydney Neri is a sophomore music education major from Green Hope High School, under the direction of ECU grad Creighton Flowers, where she was also a member of the Tri-M National Music Honor Society. She participated in many community service programs through this group. She also enjoys crochet!
“I started music really young. For me music was a way to distract myself and take the focus off of other things, especially in middle school. I enjoyed the expressiveness of it, because you have to feel the emotion of the music in order to play with musicality. My little sister, who is wonderful, wanted to play the flute, and I sat in on her lesson once and thought it was really pretty, so after that we had lessons together.”
“I started music really young. For me music was a way to distract myself and take the focus off of other things, especially in middle school. I enjoyed the expressiveness of it, because you have to feel the emotion of the music in order to play with musicality. My little sister, who is wonderful, wanted to play the flute, and I sat in on her lesson once and thought it was really pretty, so after that we had lessons together.”
Congratulations to Juliano Dutra Aniceto. who has been awarded assistantships and scholarship for the Doctor of Musical Arts program at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, MD, for fall 2020. He will study with distinguished conductor Marin Alsop. Juliano is a conductor and flutist from Brazil, who has just graduated with the Master of Music in conducting at East Carolina University, where he had a teaching assistantship in conducting under Dr. Jorge Richter and studied flute with Dr. Christine Gustafson. Juliano studied flute at the Villa-Lobos School of Music in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil as well, taking lessons with Carlos Alberto Rodrigues and Eugenio Ranevsky, participating in flute masterclasses with Raffaele Trevisani and Danilo Mezzadri. As a conductor, Juliano has his bachelor’s degree from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, where he studied with Ernani Aguiar. He has studied conducting for a number of years with Claudio Cruz and has been a participant in masterclasses with Kenneth Kiesler, Isaac Karabtchevsky, Johannes Schlaefli, Osvaldo Ferreira and Kurt Masur. Professionally, Juliano has been Assistant Conductor of São Paulo State Youth Orchestra, Assistant for Operatic Productions in the São Pedro Theater and conducted orchestras including the East Carolina University Symphony Orchestra, São Paulo University Symphony, Orquestra Experimental de Repertorio, São Paulo State Youth Orchestra and São Pedro Theater Youth Orchestra, among others.
"I feel like the flute is a peculiar instrument because it seems really delicate but it requires a lot of internal work and emotional work. The music written for flute is really expressive. As a conductor who plays the flute, I think it is the best instrument to describe the use of the breath. Every time I think about playing the flute, I relate it to my singing experience. Vibrato on flute is closely related to vibrato in singing, especially operatic singing. Playing the flute is my way of singing, of being the voice of the music. It allows me to express the deep internal constructions and ideas in musical speech, because this is what matters to me most on stage. I want to share the music and the artistic experience with the audience.”
"I feel like the flute is a peculiar instrument because it seems really delicate but it requires a lot of internal work and emotional work. The music written for flute is really expressive. As a conductor who plays the flute, I think it is the best instrument to describe the use of the breath. Every time I think about playing the flute, I relate it to my singing experience. Vibrato on flute is closely related to vibrato in singing, especially operatic singing. Playing the flute is my way of singing, of being the voice of the music. It allows me to express the deep internal constructions and ideas in musical speech, because this is what matters to me most on stage. I want to share the music and the artistic experience with the audience.”
Cassie Baker has just graduated with her Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy. One of Cassie's favorite activities in her degree program was working with her geriatric music therapy clients this past fall. She also loved being a part of various ensembles at ECU, including the marching band, pep band, flute choir, symphony orchestra, and wind ensemble, where she held the principal position this semester. Cassie was the treasurer for her music fraternity, Sigma Alpha Iota, and loved being able to serve the school and community through this organization. Cassie looks forward to working with clients at Vidant hospital in Greenville, NC, as a music therapist in training and continuing to teach flute in the community. In her free time (that she doesn't have much of!), Cassie enjoys writing worship music, hanging out with friends, and going for walks in the park
"Because music speaks to everyone in a special and uniquely personal way, it has the power to move, to heal, to comfort and to give the strength to keep going. As a music therapy major, I would like to use the power of music to help heal other people.”
"Because music speaks to everyone in a special and uniquely personal way, it has the power to move, to heal, to comfort and to give the strength to keep going. As a music therapy major, I would like to use the power of music to help heal other people.”
Jessica Blanchet is a junior majoring in music education from Durham, NC. She was first chair in the C. E. Jordan Wind Ensemble all four years in High School and played alto saxophone in their jazz combo. Jessica was Principal Flute in the East Carolina University Symphonic Band last year and has recently joined the National Association for Music Education. She has a strong connection with family in Lafayette, LA, where she grew up until she was eight years old. When she has spare time, Jessica likes to paint. Her favorite medium is acrylic, though she enjoys watercolor, and she also likes to watch Netflix. We are so happy to have you return to us, Jess!
“Music runs deep in my family. All my cousins play instruments. I knew I wanted to teach music from late middle school and was definite by sophomore year of high school. I remember when I first said I wanted to play flute, my grandfather said, ‘it’s too hard, you want to play clarinet.’ I was in fifth grade, and I really remember that conversation. It was around Christmas time, and I had heard a flute duet playing Christmas music. I was driven to play flute, and that was a big motivator. I’ve enjoyed it ever since.”
“Music runs deep in my family. All my cousins play instruments. I knew I wanted to teach music from late middle school and was definite by sophomore year of high school. I remember when I first said I wanted to play flute, my grandfather said, ‘it’s too hard, you want to play clarinet.’ I was in fifth grade, and I really remember that conversation. It was around Christmas time, and I had heard a flute duet playing Christmas music. I was driven to play flute, and that was a big motivator. I’ve enjoyed it ever since.”
Congratulations to our wonderful (former) flute TA and MM grad in Multiple Woodwind Performance Alexander Busby! He has been hired as Assistant Band Director at Oviedo High School in Florida (close to Orlando and Disney World opportunities!) and has already moved to begin his new position. We rejoice with you, Alex and wish you tremendous good luck in your new position! We look forward to keeping in touch!
Alexander Busby earned the Bachelor of Music in Music Education, magna cum laude, from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Temple, TX (May 2018), and is currently a second-year graduate student pursuing the Master of Music in Multiple Woodwind Performance at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC. Alex has been published in the national professional instrumental magazine Flute Talk (March 2019) and most recently in The Flute View (September 2019). In January 2020 Alex won the Demarre McGill Masterclass Competition and performed in recital with Demarre at Charleston Southern University, SC. He is a national and international performer, having played widely in Texas and North Carolina as a freelance musician, often in pit orchestras for theater productions, at weddings, in churches and in concert halls in Shanghai and Suzhou, China, and in Taipei, Taiwan. A regular flute/piccolo player in the East Carolina University Symphony, Alex is currently serving as Principal Flute for the fall 2019 academic season and is the founder of the "Less Is More" woodwind trio. He has participated as a performer in extended programs of study at the University of Taipei (Taipei, Taiwan) and New York University Steinhardt School of Music (New York, NY). In addition to his current studies at East Carolina University, Alex is a graduate teaching assistant for woodwind pedagogy/methods, applied flute/saxophone, music history, and group piano. Most recently, he was selected as a Kosciuszko Foundation American, Center for Polish Heritage, scholarship recipient for 2019-2020. Outside of the realm of music, Alex enjoys homelife and travel with his wife Sarah, a nurse at Vidant Medical Center, and their two dogs, Ozzie and Perry.
“I play the flute because, who doesn’t love to play the melody? I think that music is one of the few avenues, where, if you’re feeling angry, upset or happy, or any other feeling, you can always turn around and make something beautiful out of it.”
Alexander Busby earned the Bachelor of Music in Music Education, magna cum laude, from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Temple, TX (May 2018), and is currently a second-year graduate student pursuing the Master of Music in Multiple Woodwind Performance at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC. Alex has been published in the national professional instrumental magazine Flute Talk (March 2019) and most recently in The Flute View (September 2019). In January 2020 Alex won the Demarre McGill Masterclass Competition and performed in recital with Demarre at Charleston Southern University, SC. He is a national and international performer, having played widely in Texas and North Carolina as a freelance musician, often in pit orchestras for theater productions, at weddings, in churches and in concert halls in Shanghai and Suzhou, China, and in Taipei, Taiwan. A regular flute/piccolo player in the East Carolina University Symphony, Alex is currently serving as Principal Flute for the fall 2019 academic season and is the founder of the "Less Is More" woodwind trio. He has participated as a performer in extended programs of study at the University of Taipei (Taipei, Taiwan) and New York University Steinhardt School of Music (New York, NY). In addition to his current studies at East Carolina University, Alex is a graduate teaching assistant for woodwind pedagogy/methods, applied flute/saxophone, music history, and group piano. Most recently, he was selected as a Kosciuszko Foundation American, Center for Polish Heritage, scholarship recipient for 2019-2020. Outside of the realm of music, Alex enjoys homelife and travel with his wife Sarah, a nurse at Vidant Medical Center, and their two dogs, Ozzie and Perry.
“I play the flute because, who doesn’t love to play the melody? I think that music is one of the few avenues, where, if you’re feeling angry, upset or happy, or any other feeling, you can always turn around and make something beautiful out of it.”
Congratulations to Nathan Graybeal, classical & jazz saxophonist, doubling on flute and clarinet. Nathan has been offered a major scholarship to the Jazz program at the University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, for the Master of Music in Jazz Performance for fall 2020 and has recently moved to Miami, FL. He won the 2018 ECU Concerto Competition, performing the Glazunov Concerto in 2019 with the ECU Symphony Orchestra. Nathan has performed with the North Carolina All-State Honors Band, Pembroke University’s All Star Jazz Combo and the Fayetteville Symphonic Band, among others. He holds a music scholarship at East Carolina University, with a double concentration in Music Performance and Jazz Studies under saxophone professor Dr. Jeff Bair. He is currently performing as principle saxophone of the ECU Wind Ensemble, lead alto of the ECU Jazz Ensemble A and as saxophonist for the ECU Billy Taylor Jazz Combo. He studies clarinet with Dr. Douglas Moore-Monroe and flute with Dr. Christine Gustafson. It has been a pleasure working with him, and we rejoice with him, looking forward to hearing all about his upcoming adventures!
“My first dream was to have my own cartoon show. I was into art and drawing and drew every day. I still have my comics. I joined the band because my older brother was in band. Originally I wanted to play drums, but we were required to play a wind instrument first. When it came time to switch, I wanted to stay with saxophone. The amazing YouTube videos I saw really made me want to play better. Great playing changes the atmosphere in the room. I want to stay true to my instrument. I didn’t think my parents would buy me a flute, but they did. My saxophone professor recommended that I learn flute too. I like that the flute is in C! It’s really interesting that it doesn’t need a reed, just lips blowing air at the perfect angle. Flute players all sound different from each other, and I love the individuality, the golden tone of a great player.“
“My first dream was to have my own cartoon show. I was into art and drawing and drew every day. I still have my comics. I joined the band because my older brother was in band. Originally I wanted to play drums, but we were required to play a wind instrument first. When it came time to switch, I wanted to stay with saxophone. The amazing YouTube videos I saw really made me want to play better. Great playing changes the atmosphere in the room. I want to stay true to my instrument. I didn’t think my parents would buy me a flute, but they did. My saxophone professor recommended that I learn flute too. I like that the flute is in C! It’s really interesting that it doesn’t need a reed, just lips blowing air at the perfect angle. Flute players all sound different from each other, and I love the individuality, the golden tone of a great player.“
Molly Griffin is currently a senior music education major at East Carolina University with flute as her primary instrument. She is Collegiate President of the North Carolina Music Educators Association, after serving as the secretary for the ECU NAfME chapter for three years. After serving a year as Vice President on the state board Molly is very excited to take on her new role as NCMEA President. Molly would love to meet new faces and get to know you, so feel free to reach out at at collegiate_president@ncmea.net
She has also been a Music Ambassador for the ECU School of Music for the past two years. Through her roles in these organizations Molly has been able to attend three NCMEA Conferences and Hill Day in Washington DC, as well as leading numerous clinics, lessons, and presentations in middle and high school bands across the state.
On top of her involvement with music education Molly has enjoyed being a member of the ECU Wind Ensemble for the past six semesters, for three of which she was principal flute. Molly has also enjoyed being a member of the ECU Marching pirates for three years, last year marching her second favorite instrument, trombone.
“I chose music education because it has the ability to bring people together despite differences in background. It gives everyone a level playing field. Sometimes people who don’t do as well in other areas find that they are really talented in music. For me, playing the flute has always been a stress reliever and something that is enjoyable and fun. It’s sometimes easy to forget when we are in school and busy with music skills and techniques courses why we started playing in the first place. I started because it brings me joy to play, even just for myself, but also for others.”
She has also been a Music Ambassador for the ECU School of Music for the past two years. Through her roles in these organizations Molly has been able to attend three NCMEA Conferences and Hill Day in Washington DC, as well as leading numerous clinics, lessons, and presentations in middle and high school bands across the state.
On top of her involvement with music education Molly has enjoyed being a member of the ECU Wind Ensemble for the past six semesters, for three of which she was principal flute. Molly has also enjoyed being a member of the ECU Marching pirates for three years, last year marching her second favorite instrument, trombone.
“I chose music education because it has the ability to bring people together despite differences in background. It gives everyone a level playing field. Sometimes people who don’t do as well in other areas find that they are really talented in music. For me, playing the flute has always been a stress reliever and something that is enjoyable and fun. It’s sometimes easy to forget when we are in school and busy with music skills and techniques courses why we started playing in the first place. I started because it brings me joy to play, even just for myself, but also for others.”
Venencia Harris comes to us from Wilson, NC, where she performed with her high school band and enjoyed playing the flute enough to make it the center of her university studies. She is now a senior majoring in music education and is Treasurer of the Beta Psi chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota Music Fraternity. Venencia is currently Principal Flute in the East Carolina University Symphonic Band and has also served in the ECU Marching Band piccolo section. When she has time, Venencia enjoys standup comedy and cartoons!
"From the beginning, music was a way to express myself, because I don’t do that a lot vocally. It makes me feel good when I can see the growth in my playing. I didn’t think I could sound the way I do now when I was younger, and it’s good to see all the progress I have made. I started flute in the fourth grade, when my school had a day where you can try out different instruments. They had a blowing device that showed whether your airstream was good, and I did well on it, so my teacher suggested I should play flute. When I was younger I enjoyed playing, but having my friends play with me was the reason I stayed with it. Now it’s something I can’t see myself not doing.”
"From the beginning, music was a way to express myself, because I don’t do that a lot vocally. It makes me feel good when I can see the growth in my playing. I didn’t think I could sound the way I do now when I was younger, and it’s good to see all the progress I have made. I started flute in the fourth grade, when my school had a day where you can try out different instruments. They had a blowing device that showed whether your airstream was good, and I did well on it, so my teacher suggested I should play flute. When I was younger I enjoyed playing, but having my friends play with me was the reason I stayed with it. Now it’s something I can’t see myself not doing.”
Samantha King graduated high school from Interlochen Arts Academy, one of the nation’s most prestigious arts boarding high schools, located in Michigan, where students from all over the world gather to learn and prepare the young artists for successful careers and academic excellence. While at Interlochen, Samantha studied under the direction of Nancy Stagnitta, as well as participating in flute masterclasses with Paula Robison, Christina Jennings, Jonathan Keeble, Judith Mendenhall and Mark Sparks. She enjoys being part of the Symphony Orchestra this semester and is continuing freshman year at East Carolina University. In her spare time, she likes to read, spend time with friends and enjoy nature. She is also deeply interested in Exercise Physiology.
“I like music mainly because I was always super-shy growing up. One day I decided to be in band because people came to my elementary school to let students try out band instruments. At the time I was in fifth grade, and I liked the flute because it was pretty! I didn’t even want to try any other instrument. Basically, I kept practicing because I really enjoyed it. Playing the flute has helped me to get out of my comfort zone and helped me then to try things I otherwise wouldn’t have done at that age. It’s really nice to see how people react when I play, and music brings so many emotions. Music is a language without words that anyone can understand.”
“I like music mainly because I was always super-shy growing up. One day I decided to be in band because people came to my elementary school to let students try out band instruments. At the time I was in fifth grade, and I liked the flute because it was pretty! I didn’t even want to try any other instrument. Basically, I kept practicing because I really enjoyed it. Playing the flute has helped me to get out of my comfort zone and helped me then to try things I otherwise wouldn’t have done at that age. It’s really nice to see how people react when I play, and music brings so many emotions. Music is a language without words that anyone can understand.”
Grace Krell is now a senior double-majoring in Biomedical Engineering and Industrial Engineering with a music minor. She was the winner of the East Carolina University Outstanding First Year Student Award in Spring 2019. Grace also won Second Place ($10,000) in the Pirate Entrepreneurship Competition in 2019. As First Place winner of the ECU Round of the Hult Prize for entrepreneurs for her SweetSip eco-friendly straws and was to travel to Peru a part of her award but has had to postpone this trip because of COVID-19 travel restrictions. Grace performed on General Recital in spring 2019 and has played with the audition-only ECU Symphonic Wind Ensemble, an unusual honor for a freshman. She will resume flute studies for her minor in fall 2020, and we look forward to having her with us again.
“When I was in second grade, my older brother got started in band, and my mother says I got pretty jealous. I wanted to start an instrument and began on the flute. We were in Pennsylvania with a great band director, and I fell in love with the flute. I realized the potential of what music could be through competing for honor bands, and I knew I had to continue playing music in college after we moved to North Carolina.”
“When I was in second grade, my older brother got started in band, and my mother says I got pretty jealous. I wanted to start an instrument and began on the flute. We were in Pennsylvania with a great band director, and I fell in love with the flute. I realized the potential of what music could be through competing for honor bands, and I knew I had to continue playing music in college after we moved to North Carolina.”
Kasey Oregon is a junior from Newport, NC, who came to East Carolina University in hopes of gaining a degree in both music education and flute performance. She studied flute for five years with Anne Searl and performed with West Carteret High School Band under ECU alum Andrew Wright. Kasey participated in All-District Band for four years and ECU Band Camp for two years. In addition, Kasey performed on flute and piccolo with the Eastern Youth Orchestra under the direction of Dr. John B. O’Brien during her junior and senior years of high school. She can currently be found in the piccolo section of the ECU Marching Pirates and has again won a position in the ECU Symphonic Wind Ensemble during fall placement auditions. Welcome back to ECU, Kasey, we are happy to have you!
“When I was about twelve years old and signing up for band, I chose the flute because I had heard it on the radio and from other places and thought it sounded pretty. That’s exactly why I chose it! Music is a way to express yourself that is often taken for granted, but it is the most important thing in life to me. I’m not completely sure what I want to do with my music yet, but at the moment I’m just seeing where it takes me.”
“When I was about twelve years old and signing up for band, I chose the flute because I had heard it on the radio and from other places and thought it sounded pretty. That’s exactly why I chose it! Music is a way to express yourself that is often taken for granted, but it is the most important thing in life to me. I’m not completely sure what I want to do with my music yet, but at the moment I’m just seeing where it takes me.”
Sophomore Ayshia Palmer comes to East Carolina University from Rocky Mount, NC, where she studied flute with Beth Kupsco and played in Northern Nash High School Symphonic Band. She has also participated in both All-County and All-District Bands. Ayshia is currently co-principal flute in the ECU Symphonic Band and frequently performs at her home church in Rocky Mount. She volunteers with Red Oak Elementary School music classes and has been awarded an academic scholarship by Chi Omega Fraternity. In her (very limited) free time, Ayshia likes to play tennis and enjoys traveling with her Church youth group. Welcome back to ECU, Ayshia!
“I feel like music expresses things I can’t say with words, and when I play I feel like the music can be interpreted in different ways. Everyone expresses music their own way. Flute to my mind is a delicate and pretty instrument that expresses a part of me that is delicate [editor’s remark: Ayshia plays with a very powerful, strong sound!]. I enjoy learning new things, and that is why I wanted to further my education in music, there’s always something to learn, and you’re never finished!”
“I feel like music expresses things I can’t say with words, and when I play I feel like the music can be interpreted in different ways. Everyone expresses music their own way. Flute to my mind is a delicate and pretty instrument that expresses a part of me that is delicate [editor’s remark: Ayshia plays with a very powerful, strong sound!]. I enjoy learning new things, and that is why I wanted to further my education in music, there’s always something to learn, and you’re never finished!”
Kimberly Smith is a senior majoring in music education. She is also a student in the ECU Honors College and a recipient of the Maynard Scholarship. As a recipient of the Maynard scholarship, she participates in several College of Education events throughout the year and is an Apple Ambassador. As a music major she has enjoyed performing with several ensembles on campus, including the Flute Choir and the ECU Symphony Orchestra, and this semester she is excited to perform as solo flutist with the ECU Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Kimberly is the Vice President of ECU’s chapter of the collegiate National Association for Music Education. Last year she joined Sigma Alpha Iota, a female fraternity on campus dedicated to serving and promoting music in the community. Outside of school, she enjoys serving as the activities committee chair at her church, volunteering at the Humane Society of Eastern Carolina, and working at her new job. On the rare occasion that she has free time, she enjoys watching movies, spending time with friends, and taking spontaneous road trips!
“I love playing the flute because it is a constant challenge and something I can always work on. There is always something I can improve on in my playing, and as with any art form, the world of music is constantly developing, so there is always something new to learn.”
“I love playing the flute because it is a constant challenge and something I can always work on. There is always something I can improve on in my playing, and as with any art form, the world of music is constantly developing, so there is always something new to learn.”
Erica Staats is a junior music education major who played flute in Chocowinity Middle School Band and later Southside High School Marching Band. Erica is currently a third-year member of the ECU Marching Pirates and the Tar River Community Band. She is also a member of the Iota Nu chapter of Tau Beta Sigma music sorority. Erica loves music that has an expressive flow and likes to research the pieces on which she is working. She loves beautiful sunsets and is fascinated by turtles. When she has time, she loves to get away to the beach or go shopping.
“I chose music because of the way it makes me feel. Music is my emotional getaway, my personal escape. When I get to know a piece and something about the composer, it opens up the meaning of the piece and shows me another world. If I can give that to someone else, if I can give another person that emotional getaway and help them connect to music by showing them the meaning of the work and its background, it will bring joy to me as a future educator.”
Balli Viracola joined the ECU Flute Studio as a sophomore and has since chosen to minor in music. She is currently in her junior year in business and performs on flute and piccolo with the ECU Symphonic Band. Balli has also performed with the NewMusic@ECU program and in the ECU Flute Studio.
In addition, Balli has served in the Marching Pirates and the ECU Flute Choir. In high school she helped teach the lower level band classes at Rolesville High, NC, and was a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Balli is working as an assistant manager at Trade-It! and spends what little free time she has with her friends and her cat, Roxie! We’re so glad to have you, Balli!
"I began playing music as a mini-getaway from life. From there I continued to play music because I found my forever passion and forever family with my fellow musicians. I chose the flute at age 11 because when I was given the opportunity to try one out, I instantly fell in love with the sound, style and chicness of the instrument."
In addition, Balli has served in the Marching Pirates and the ECU Flute Choir. In high school she helped teach the lower level band classes at Rolesville High, NC, and was a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Balli is working as an assistant manager at Trade-It! and spends what little free time she has with her friends and her cat, Roxie! We’re so glad to have you, Balli!
"I began playing music as a mini-getaway from life. From there I continued to play music because I found my forever passion and forever family with my fellow musicians. I chose the flute at age 11 because when I was given the opportunity to try one out, I instantly fell in love with the sound, style and chicness of the instrument."
July 11, 14, 16, 18 1:00 - 3:00 pm Virtual 2020 ECU Band Camp Flute Camp, Introductory session and three online flute camp sessions inviting grades 6-12, open to 2020 ECU Band Camp flutists whose registration was cancelled due to COVID-19! Open also to all young flutists who register through ECU flute professor Dr. Christine Gustafson at gustafsonc@ecu.edu; featuring ECU MM woodwinds grad Alexander Busby--activities including warmups, chamber music playing, performance and masterclasses, with advanced sessions and coaching for university level auditions. Tuition Free!
Comments from the 2020 ECU Virtual Flute Camp:
“This was a great experience for [my child] and I appreciate all the help and support that you provided . . . to make [them] a better flutist.”
“Thank you so much for organizing and providing this. [My child] enjoyed it so much! Looking forward to Band Camp next summer.”
“[My child] has really enjoyed the session and has been practicing more than normal. I kinda wish it would continue.”
“Thank you so much for accepting me into this flute camp! I had so much fun today! I look forward to seeing you again on Thursday”
--We so appreciate all the kind words, and we hope to see everyone at the 2021 ECU Band Camp next summer! The Flute Camp was a pleasure to provide, since Band Camp was cancelled due to COVID-19! We found ourselves inspired by all the young talent!
--Christine Gustafson, ECU flute faculty
Comments from the 2020 ECU Virtual Flute Camp:
“This was a great experience for [my child] and I appreciate all the help and support that you provided . . . to make [them] a better flutist.”
“Thank you so much for organizing and providing this. [My child] enjoyed it so much! Looking forward to Band Camp next summer.”
“[My child] has really enjoyed the session and has been practicing more than normal. I kinda wish it would continue.”
“Thank you so much for accepting me into this flute camp! I had so much fun today! I look forward to seeing you again on Thursday”
--We so appreciate all the kind words, and we hope to see everyone at the 2021 ECU Band Camp next summer! The Flute Camp was a pleasure to provide, since Band Camp was cancelled due to COVID-19! We found ourselves inspired by all the young talent!
--Christine Gustafson, ECU flute faculty