We Are the ECU Flute Studio
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Experience the thrill of playing the flute at a professional level! Degree plans include: Flute Performance Music Education Music Therapy (optional music minor) Performer's Certificate (non-degree program) Guided Instruction You will receive weekly private lessons, play works in progress for weekly Flute Studio performance classes, and participate in Orchestral Excerpt Classes, where major excerpts from the great orchestral works used in professional auditions are studied and put into practice in ensemble placement auditions every semester. Musical Opportunities Students will be encouraged to participate in competitions, both at the state and national levels, and to compete with themselves in a nurturing environment that puts the music first. Students will also have opportunities for international performance (see Taiwan Study Abroad page) Achieve your Musical Goals! 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. ECU Flute Studio grads have been hired as faculty to serve in public and private school music programs in North Carolina, Virginia, Florida, Arizona, Maryland and Texas school systems. They also intern and work professionally as music therapists nationwide. Recent Guest Artist Masterclasses and Performances KELARIZ KESHAVARZ, Fall 2024 (guest artist) ECU Flute Symposium Guest Artists (see Events) CAROL WINCENC, Spring 2024 JULIETTA CURENTON 2023 ALEKSANDR HASKIN 2022 TIMOTHY HAGEN 2019 and More! |
Click on photos for captions!
Mission
To inspire and be inspired to creative artistic expression through deeper discovery of the flute. To explore the flute literature in a wide range of musical styles and periods, with the ultimate aim of advancing our technique and musicianship to our full potential with a deep commitment to effective practice. To develop our ability to respond to new performance environments with grace and ease. To train intensively as individuals and together to make ourselves employable as music professionals and performers on the flute. To enrich our world and to pass music on to others. |
FALL 2025 INCOMING FRESHMAN CLASS and GRAD TA ARRIVING SOON!
Watch this page for more news and exciting updates!
Watch this page for more news and exciting updates!
Current Students
Farhad (Hossein) Ebadollahi
Graduate Teaching Assistant for the ECU Flute Studio Farhad Ebadollahi comes to us from Tehran, Iran, and is working toward the Master of Music in flute performance. Born in Tehran, Iran, Ebadollahi studied privately during his undergraduate years under under Professor of Flute Majid Sinaki. He later obtained the bachelor's and master's degrees in flute performance from the University of Tehran, working with Azin Movahed for the Master of Music degree. He has performed professionally with orchestras including the Austrian Cultural Forum Tehran (ÖKFT), and in the Tehran Flute Choir since its founding in 2014. He performed as soloist for the Carmen Fantasy with the Tehran Flute Choir and toured with them twice in Austria and Switzerland, in 2018 and 2019, including Vienna, Graz, and Zürich. He has performed together with flutists Matthias Ziegler and cellist Kian Sultani. Before coming to the US, Ebadollahi taught applied flute at Kusha Music Center and was adjunct faculty at the University of Applied Science and Technology in Tehran. He has perfomed widely in Tehran and other cities in both Iran and Austria. He has recorded music of Iranian composers Alireza Mashayekhi, Nader Mashayekhi, Amin Sharifi Soheil Shirangi and Reza Mortazevi and has released multiple albums of music. He has performed in masterclasses for Matthias Ziegler, Barbara Giesler-Haase, Nolwen Bargin and Furuk Karimi. He came to the US in August 2024 to earn an American master's degree. He has performed as Principal Flute with the ECU Symphony Orchestra and the ECU Symphonic Wind Ensemble. He has also performed with the Iris Woodwind Quintet and professionally in Eastern North Carolina, including Solo Flute for the ECU Opera Orchestra premiere of Mark Taggart and Ann McCutchan's collaboration, Gal Young 'Un.
Graduate Teaching Assistant for the ECU Flute Studio Farhad Ebadollahi comes to us from Tehran, Iran, and is working toward the Master of Music in flute performance. Born in Tehran, Iran, Ebadollahi studied privately during his undergraduate years under under Professor of Flute Majid Sinaki. He later obtained the bachelor's and master's degrees in flute performance from the University of Tehran, working with Azin Movahed for the Master of Music degree. He has performed professionally with orchestras including the Austrian Cultural Forum Tehran (ÖKFT), and in the Tehran Flute Choir since its founding in 2014. He performed as soloist for the Carmen Fantasy with the Tehran Flute Choir and toured with them twice in Austria and Switzerland, in 2018 and 2019, including Vienna, Graz, and Zürich. He has performed together with flutists Matthias Ziegler and cellist Kian Sultani. Before coming to the US, Ebadollahi taught applied flute at Kusha Music Center and was adjunct faculty at the University of Applied Science and Technology in Tehran. He has perfomed widely in Tehran and other cities in both Iran and Austria. He has recorded music of Iranian composers Alireza Mashayekhi, Nader Mashayekhi, Amin Sharifi Soheil Shirangi and Reza Mortazevi and has released multiple albums of music. He has performed in masterclasses for Matthias Ziegler, Barbara Giesler-Haase, Nolwen Bargin and Furuk Karimi. He came to the US in August 2024 to earn an American master's degree. He has performed as Principal Flute with the ECU Symphony Orchestra and the ECU Symphonic Wind Ensemble. He has also performed with the Iris Woodwind Quintet and professionally in Eastern North Carolina, including Solo Flute for the ECU Opera Orchestra premiere of Mark Taggart and Ann McCutchan's collaboration, Gal Young 'Un.
Keilie Perry
Graduate Teaching Assistant 2025-2027 Keilie Perry was born in “Music City,” Nashville, TN, and moved with her family to the Charleston, SC, area where she grew up. She began playing the flute in her sixth-grade band and continued through middle and high school. She studied Wildlife Biology at Charleston Southern University with a music minor with applied flute studies under Dr. Regina Helcher Yost. Keilie found her passion in the flute and flute playing over time. She decided to continue working toward a performing career in flute and auditioned for the Master of Music in performance at ECU, where she is now pursuing her advanced degree. She is currently performing with the ECU Symphony Orchestra and the ECU Symphonic Wind Ensemble.
Chantile Gibson
is a junior in Music Education. She is a native of Greenville, NC, where she attended J. H. Rose High School. Chantile has performed on flute and piccolo with the ECU Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the ECU Symphonic Band and in the piccolo section of the ECU Marching Pirates. She also participated in the Raleigh Area Flute Association Review and Contest in fall 2024.
Chantile expects to graduate in May 2027 and dreams of directing a
high school band in the public school system. We look forward to seeing what you do next!
is a junior in Music Education. She is a native of Greenville, NC, where she attended J. H. Rose High School. Chantile has performed on flute and piccolo with the ECU Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the ECU Symphonic Band and in the piccolo section of the ECU Marching Pirates. She also participated in the Raleigh Area Flute Association Review and Contest in fall 2024.
Chantile expects to graduate in May 2027 and dreams of directing a
high school band in the public school system. We look forward to seeing what you do next!
Molly (Griffin) Brown
is a current graduate student majoring in Music Education at East Carolina University. She served on flute in the ECU Symphony Orchestra and the ECU Symphonic Wind Ensemble as an undergraduate music education major with flute as her major instrument. She was Collegiate President of the North Carolina Music Educators Association, after serving as the secretary for the ECU NAfME chapter
for three years and recently as NCMEA President.
Molly was a Music Ambassador for the ECU School of Music for 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.
“I chose music education because it has the ability to bring people together despite differences in background. For me, playing the flute has always been a stress reliever and something that is enjoyable and fun. I started because it brings me joy to play, not only just for myself, but also for others.”
for three years and recently as NCMEA President.
Molly was a Music Ambassador for the ECU School of Music for 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.
“I chose music education because it has the ability to bring people together despite differences in background. For me, playing the flute has always been a stress reliever and something that is enjoyable and fun. I started because it brings me joy to play, not only just for myself, but also for others.”
Kimberly Gleason
began flute studies in her early years with her multi-instrumentalist mother, who studied flute at the historic Detroit Conservatory of Music on Woodward Avenue in Detroit, Michigan. Her mother introduced her to French flutist Edward Clifford, with whom she took lessons and whose performances she attended. Kim subsequently earned the Associate of Music degree from Grand Rapids Community College, where she studied with flutist Darlene Dugan, the founder of the Western Michigan Flute Association. In the evenings, Kim played in the local St. Cecilia Music Society Orchestra for two years. With a gap to raise her family, Kim later resumed her flute studies after her children were grown. She has most recently worked with Dr. Kinard Douthit at Winston-Salem State University, earning the Bachelor of Music degree in 2022. Kim joined the ECU Flute Studio in spring 2025 and is currently working in the CAPS program at ECU to prepare for auditions for the Master of Music degree in flute performance.
“As a classically trained flutist with a passion for contemporary music, I am excited to apply for the Certificate of Advanced Performance program at East Carolina University. With over five decades of performance experience and a bachelor’s degree in music, I’m confident in my technical skills and artistic expression. My goal is to become the most accomplished flutist I can be as well as an educator for the flute. I believe this program will provide me with the ideal combination of performance opportunities, mentorship, and academic mentoring to achieve my dreams.”
“As a classically trained flutist with a passion for contemporary music, I am excited to apply for the Certificate of Advanced Performance program at East Carolina University. With over five decades of performance experience and a bachelor’s degree in music, I’m confident in my technical skills and artistic expression. My goal is to become the most accomplished flutist I can be as well as an educator for the flute. I believe this program will provide me with the ideal combination of performance opportunities, mentorship, and academic mentoring to achieve my dreams.”
Bethany Hawthorne
From Cary, NC, Bethany Hawthorne is a freshman performance major. Bethany has said that her inspiration came from attending a middle school band concert. She began her flute studies at Cary School of Music with Lauren Robbins-Pollack. Bethany participated multiple years in the Raleigh Area Flute Association Review and Contest and performed as a soloist in their top review level for the RAFA Solo and Ensemble Fest. During her freshman year of high school, Bethany found that she enjoyed playing, wanted to continue and dedicate her life to
becoming a professional flutist. Bethany is currently performing with the ECU Symphonic Wind Ensemble and entered both the RAFA Young Artist Competition and the Review and Contest at the collegiate level for this year.
Anna Hunt
Coming to East Carolina University from Burlington, NC, Anna Hunt is excited about majoring in music education. She became involved with the flute in sixth grade band and had decided she wanted a career in music by the seventh grade when she was inspired by her band teacher. She is currently performing with the ECU Concert Band and is also appearing on the field with the ECU Marching Pirates.
Natalia Irusta
Born in Miami, Florida, Natalia Irusta moved with her family to Charlotte, NC, shortly before she started sixth grade. Her initial experience in music was in taking piano lessons and playing in recitals beginning at five years old. Now a junior working toward the Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy, Natalia wanted to expand her instrumental repertoire so she could play in an ensemble to be with other young musicians. She began on flute in her middle school band in sixth grade, in Charlotte, NC. Natalia knew very young that she wanted a career in music and that she wanted to help people using music. Music therapy is where her musical interests and her desire to help people came together. Natalia has performed on flute with the ECU Concert Band and as soprano with the ECU Concert Choir. She has also served as a Music Ambassador for the
ECU School of Music.
“I feel like the music building is a great place to go if I need anything, and I have already made so many great friends that I am very happy here.”
Shelby Lowe
Shelby Lowe came to love the flute because her mom and sister had started on flute, and she began training early. Shelby always loved music because she began in dance, and whether it was moving the body or making music herself, she found it to be an outlet for self-expression. Shelby's goals and dreams are, when she graduates, to go to a smaller school and help raise the level and support for the program at her chosen school. Because all her band directors graduated from the ECU School of Music, Shelby chose ECU for her college music studies! Shelby is performing with both the ECU Symphonic Band and the
ECU Marching Pirates.
Cooper McLean
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Cooper McLean (here with classmate Olivia Kinsey, on All-District Band Day, when both coached the All-District flute sections!) is a rising junior in Music Education. As a middle school student, he auditioned for the NC Eastern All-District Band and was selected for the Concert Band himself. At ECU, Cooper has performed on piccolo with the ECU Marching Pirates, as Solo Piccolo and flute with the ECU Symphonic Band, and as Principal Flute with the ECU Symphonic Wind Ensemble. He has also performed as both Principal Flute and Flute II with the ECU Symphony Orchestra. Cooper has also been a member of a student woodwind quintet that has performed in concert. He participated in the Raleigh Area Flute Association's Review and Contest in fall 2024. Cooper's passion is for education, and he hopes to become a high school band director in the NC public school system.
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Daniel Michaud
a senior majoring in woodwinds performance, plays flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone and bassoon and has performed in every ensemble at ECU on every one of these instruments. He has performed on flute in the ECU Symphonic and Concert Bands, on Saxophone in the ECU Symphony Orchestra and Jazz Band A, on oboe in the ECU Symphonic Band and bassoon in the ECU Concert Band. He has also served as a Music Ambassador for the ECU School of Music. Daniel began on flute at ECU on the headjoint and is now playing standard repertoire. It has been the greatest pleasure working with him and seeing his rapid development as a flutist and an excellent musician. Bravo Dan!
Tosin Ojutiku
is from Raleigh, NC. He began his flute studies in sixth grade band, and he realized he wanted to make music his career when he had the opportunity to conduct the freshman band class at his high school. A friend at East Carolina University recommended the music program highly, and Tosin auditioned. He is now a freshman heading for music performance. His goals are to practice relentlessly and possibly also to become a band director like the director he had in high school. Tosin is on the football field this fall with the ECU Marching Pirates and also performs in the ECU Symphonic Band.
Delainey Scott
Delainey Scott
from Jacksonville, NC, is majoring in flute performance. She has performed with the ECU Symphonic Band as solo piccolo and as section piccolo with the ECU Marching Pirates. Most recently, Delainey has performed on flute with the ECU Symphony Orchestra and with the ECU Symphonic Wind Ensemble as piccolo soloist. She presented her junior recital this past April performing the Lowell Liebermann Flute Sonata and other extremely challenging repertoire!
Delainey dreams of playing the flute as a career. We look forward to seeing what you do next, Delainey!
“I chose ECU because I knew a lot of people who went here (including family) and band directors with whom I had worked in the past who really liked it.”
Heather Santos
From Havelock, NC, Heather Santos became involved with music during the COVID pandemic the summer that the ECU Band Camp Flute Camp went online. She wanted to grow on the flute and credits Dr. Gustafson with helping her improve through lessons during her high school years. Heather is now a freshman performance major at ECU and an Honors College student. Longterm goals for Heather include performing with orchestras that record
background music for movies and video games.
Heather is currently performing with the ECU Symphonic Wind Ensemble. She loves to travel and is making plans to go to Taiwan for the ECU Chamber Music Summer Study Abroad
Aliya Trainor
A rising sophomore in Music Therapy Aliya was inspired by the impact that music had on others' lives when they saw her perform or when she played together with others and the bond that music forms between people and cultures. She has performed with the ECU Concert Band this year and has been participating in major Music Therapy events.
She is impressed by the way music can bring people together and spark new connections! Seeing this and being a part of music made her want to use music to help others, inspire others, and build musical skills for herself. Aliya says she chose ECU because of the staff and the atmosphere. "Everyone at ECU has been nothing but a blessing and helpful to me. Your willingness to work with me, even before you got to know me, really showed me what it would be like to be a part of ECU. The music therapy faculty were very welcoming, and (the ECU Assistant Director) was also so encouraging and very welcoming as well!"
"I have always loved music ever since I can remember. From being in bands to singing on stage, music has always had a major impact on my life! My goal with music is ultimately to help others through music therapy and to inspire others to do the same."
She is impressed by the way music can bring people together and spark new connections! Seeing this and being a part of music made her want to use music to help others, inspire others, and build musical skills for herself. Aliya says she chose ECU because of the staff and the atmosphere. "Everyone at ECU has been nothing but a blessing and helpful to me. Your willingness to work with me, even before you got to know me, really showed me what it would be like to be a part of ECU. The music therapy faculty were very welcoming, and (the ECU Assistant Director) was also so encouraging and very welcoming as well!"
"I have always loved music ever since I can remember. From being in bands to singing on stage, music has always had a major impact on my life! My goal with music is ultimately to help others through music therapy and to inspire others to do the same."
Current Music Minors
L to r: Grant Develle, Graduate Assistant in Medicine, is an experienced performer, trained with Tadeu Coelho, Erika Boysen and Peter Shanahan, and is competing in this year's RAFA Artist Competition; Maggie Ružic, Nursing major, performs with ECU Symphonic Band and performs on a flute made in Vienna, Austria, by Werner Tomasi; Raghav Yelamanchili, Public Health/Medicine, has performed with ECU Symphony Orchestra, ECU WInd Ensemble, trained with Anne Dyke and performed many years with Raleigh Area Flute Association.
Recent Graduates--Where Are They Now?
Performance
Olivia Kinsey
Graduated in May 2025 with the Bachelor of Music in flute performance. She performed with the ECU Symphony Orchestra, the ECU Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and several chamber music groups during her degree program. Olivia has been an active performer throughout Eastern North Carolina, and competed as part of the Raleigh Area Flute Association Review and Contest in fall 2024. Olivia gave her senior recital in April 2025 (see photo). She worked closely with pianist Narae Lee and ECU Graduate Teaching Assistant Hossein Ebadollahi as part of her chamber music commitment. She has also served as the Student-Teacher Relations Chair of the Executive Board for Musical Empowerment. Congratulations, Olivia!
Updates will follow as Olivia continues to build her performing career!
Updates will follow as Olivia continues to build her performing career!
Robert "Dale" Cox
graduated in flute performance in December 2024. He was the recipient of the Rhonda J. Fleming Award from the Greenville Choral Society. He served as Principal Flute in the ECU Symphony Orchestra and the ECU Symphonic Wind Ensemble and as the flutist for the Seven Seas Woodwind Quintet. He is founder and director of Pride and Joy, all-community saxophone ensemble in Greenville NC. He has been a masterclass performer for Göran Marcusson and Stephen Preston at Wildacres Flute Retreat in Little Switzerland, NC.
Dale taught music/strings for 2024-25 at G. R. Whitfield School in Greenville, NC, and will be continuing his studies in performance and music education as a master's degree student at the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University under Dr. André Martin beginning in fall 2025.
Dale taught music/strings for 2024-25 at G. R. Whitfield School in Greenville, NC, and will be continuing his studies in performance and music education as a master's degree student at the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University under Dr. André Martin beginning in fall 2025.
Music Therapy
Emma Kiriloff
Originally from Pennsylvania, Emma graduated in May 2024 with the Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy. She interned at a Greensboro-based music therapy group to finish her degree requirements after a successful senior recital. Emma was the 2024 winner of the Student Research Poster Award for the Music Therapy Association Convention in Atlanta, GA, and served as the ECU Music Therapy Vice President and also as a Music Ambassador for the ECU School of Music. She performed on flute and piccolo with the Symphonic Band and on piccolo with the ECU Marching Pirates.
Emma is currently pursuing her master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis
with an emphasis in Autism through Ball State University.
Emma says, “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."
Emma is currently pursuing her master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis
with an emphasis in Autism through Ball State University.
Emma says, “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."
Professional Careers in Music Education
Danielle Heath
graduated in May 2025 with the Bachelor of Music in Music Education. Danielle came to East Carolina University from Clayton, NC, part of the North Carolina Piedmont. The decision to major in music happened during her last year of community college, when she was also considering careers in computer science and medicine. She served in the ECU Marching Pirates on piccolo, performed on piccolo and flute in the ECU Symphonic Band and the ECU Symphonic Wind Ensemble during her degree program. Danielle gave her senior recital in November of 2024 and successfully completed her teaching internship, finishing in May 2025. Congratulations, Danielle, on your new position on the music faculty in NC Public Schools of Youngsville, NC! We are thrilled for you and so happy to see that your hard work has paid off in a career in music!
“Music has always been a part of my life. The genes are very strong on both sides of my family. Even when I enjoyed just the hobby of music, I never thought I would be able to make a career of it. I am really excited to see what opportunities open up for me in the future!”
“Music has always been a part of my life. The genes are very strong on both sides of my family. Even when I enjoyed just the hobby of music, I never thought I would be able to make a career of it. I am really excited to see what opportunities open up for me in the future!”
Rose Denis-Castillo
successfully completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Music in Music Education in May 2025 and performed her senior recital in November 2024. Rose performed on piccolo with the ECU marching Pirates during her degree program, as well as on flute and piccolo with the ECU Symphonic Band. She also served as Vice President of the ECU Chapter of NAfME (National Association for Musical Educators. Originally from Moreno Valley, California, Rose will be relocating to New Bern, NC, this fall and starting her public school career teaching music in Onslow County, her dream job! Congratulations, Rose!
Jessie Luke
came to ECU from Four Oaks, NC, and graduated with the Bachelor of Music in Music Education (May 2025). She performed on both flute and piccolo with the ECU Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and most recently as soloist together with Carol Wincenc in April 2024 in the Lukas Foss Concerto as Principal Flute of the ECU Symphony Orchestra. She also performed on piccolo with the ECU Marching Pirates and on flute with the ECU Symphonic Band. Jessie's goal is to become a high school band director in North Carolina! An excellent student, Jessie made the Dean's List for the College of Fine Artist and Communication for fall 2024. She also served as a Music Ambassador for the ECU School of Music during her degree program.
More exciting news as information becomes available!
More exciting news as information becomes available!
Sydney Neri
who earned the Bachelor of Music in Music Education in May 2024, is currently teaching middle and high school music in the Durham, NC, Area public school system. Sydney performed her senior recital in November of 2023. She served as Principal Flute in the ECU Symphony Orchestra, the ECU Symphonic Wind Ensemble and as Section Leader for the piccolos of the Marching Pirates. Sydney was Treasurer for NAfME. She has performed professionally in Eastern North Carolina and plans continue performing alongside her career as a music educator.
“I started music really young. I enjoyed the expressiveness of it, because you have to feel the emotion of the
music in order to play with musicality."
“I started music really young. I enjoyed the expressiveness of it, because you have to feel the emotion of the
music in order to play with musicality."
Kasey Oregon
is from Newport, NC, and earned the Bachelor of Music Degree with a double concentration in music education and flute performance in May 2024. She performed with the ECU Marching Pirates and the ECU Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Kasey is currently teaching music in the string program at Swansboro Middle School and performs on flute in area orchestras in Eastern North Carolina.
“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 thought it sounded pretty! Music is a way to express yourself that is often taken for granted, but it is the most important thing in life to 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 thought it sounded pretty! Music is a way to express yourself that is often taken for granted, but it is the most important thing in life to me."
Shiloh Waite
graduated with a double concentration in flute performance and music education in spring 2024. She was awarded the 2023 Bill McCloud Scholarship, bestowed on outstanding students in music education by the NCMEA. She was also a 2023 recipient of the Thomas W. Rivers Study Abroad Award for the Taiwan Chamber Music/Chinese Language and Culture Study Abroad Program, where, along with support from the #ECUHonors program for study abroad, she studied and performed with faculty and students of the conservatory at the University of Taipei. Shiloh served as Principal Flute in the ECU Symphony Orchestra and the ECU Symphonic Wind Ensemble. She performed her senior recital in November, 2023. She is now on the music faculty of Northwoods Park Middle School.
“The main reason for majoring in music is that I’ve loved it since I was little, and my whole family is involved in it. I love seeing the light in the students’ eyes when they get it.”
“The main reason for majoring in music is that I’ve loved it since I was little, and my whole family is involved in it. I love seeing the light in the students’ eyes when they get it.”
Former Students with Active Musical Careers
-Performers-
Juliano Dutra Aniceto
Now a rising star among his generation of Latin-American conductors, Juliano Aniceto is known for his versatile musical depth and passionate stage presence. He is the current Director of Orchestras at the New England Conservatory Preparatory, Conductor of the Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, and Artist-in-Residence at the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University, where he is a doctoral candidate under the mentorship of conductor Marin Alsop. Juliano also serves as assistant/cover conductor for the Ravinia Festival, the summer residence of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Born in Brazil, Juliano Aniceto began his musical studies at age eleven through a social project in Rio de Janeiro. A flutist as well as a conductor, Juliano graduated in May 2020 with the Master of Music from ECU, where he studied flute with Christine Gustafson and conducting with Dr. Jorge Richter.
Equally devoted to opera and symphonic music, Juliano has conducted musical theater, operas, film scores, and symphonic music. He has appeared as a guest conductor with such distinguished organizations in the United States and South America as the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Sinfonietta, Peabody Symphony, Peabody Concert Orchestra, East Carolina University Symphony Orchestra, Assistant Conductor and Choir Director, São Pedro Opera House (Brazil), and Assistant Conductor, São Paulo State Youth Orchestra (Brazil), among others. He also co-founded the Rio de Janeiro Youth Orchestra. Juliano Aniceto collaborated with Marin Alsop, serving as the Assistant Conductor for the Concert of the American Composers Orchestra at Carnegie Hall in 202. In addition, he participated in the Idealization of the Amazon Concert, performed by Marin Alsop and the São Paulo Symphony, at Carnegie Hall in 2022. In addition to his aforementioned conducting posts, Mr. Aniceto has served as Guest Assistant Conductor, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Richmond Symphony Orchestra, Music Director, East Carolina University Opera Theatre, In addition to his performance activities, Juliano was awarded the Hugh Hawkins Research Fellowship, where he investigated the path of diversity in the Peabody Institute Ensembles history. Juliano received the Artistic Excellence Scholarship from Johns Hopkins University.
Juliano received his undergraduate degree from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). He especially embraces projects emphasizing collaboration with communities from diverse backgrounds and re-envisioning symphonic works through novel artistic programming. He has worked in musical social projects, including serving as music director of Social Action by Music of Brasil, and as a guest conductor for São Paulo’s Guri Santa Marcelina Social Program, the city’s central program of social inclusion through music education.
A champion of music education and its ability to connect people of all ages and backgrounds, as well as provide opportunities for growth and self-confidence, Juliano’s artistic vision focuses on establishing personal connections through music-making. Mr. Aniceto has served as music director of the Peabody Youth Orchestra, Assistant Conductor Teaching Fellow at the Peabody Institute, and conductor/co-founder of Old Bay New Music – the resident contemporary music ensemble at the Peabody Institute. Juliano Aniceto was also the Freeman Conducting Fellow with the Chicago Sinfonietta, under the mentorship of Mei-Ann Chen.
When not traveling to conduct, Mr. Aniceto resides in Boston and loves reading and cooking.
Born in Brazil, Juliano Aniceto began his musical studies at age eleven through a social project in Rio de Janeiro. A flutist as well as a conductor, Juliano graduated in May 2020 with the Master of Music from ECU, where he studied flute with Christine Gustafson and conducting with Dr. Jorge Richter.
Equally devoted to opera and symphonic music, Juliano has conducted musical theater, operas, film scores, and symphonic music. He has appeared as a guest conductor with such distinguished organizations in the United States and South America as the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Sinfonietta, Peabody Symphony, Peabody Concert Orchestra, East Carolina University Symphony Orchestra, Assistant Conductor and Choir Director, São Pedro Opera House (Brazil), and Assistant Conductor, São Paulo State Youth Orchestra (Brazil), among others. He also co-founded the Rio de Janeiro Youth Orchestra. Juliano Aniceto collaborated with Marin Alsop, serving as the Assistant Conductor for the Concert of the American Composers Orchestra at Carnegie Hall in 202. In addition, he participated in the Idealization of the Amazon Concert, performed by Marin Alsop and the São Paulo Symphony, at Carnegie Hall in 2022. In addition to his aforementioned conducting posts, Mr. Aniceto has served as Guest Assistant Conductor, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Richmond Symphony Orchestra, Music Director, East Carolina University Opera Theatre, In addition to his performance activities, Juliano was awarded the Hugh Hawkins Research Fellowship, where he investigated the path of diversity in the Peabody Institute Ensembles history. Juliano received the Artistic Excellence Scholarship from Johns Hopkins University.
Juliano received his undergraduate degree from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). He especially embraces projects emphasizing collaboration with communities from diverse backgrounds and re-envisioning symphonic works through novel artistic programming. He has worked in musical social projects, including serving as music director of Social Action by Music of Brasil, and as a guest conductor for São Paulo’s Guri Santa Marcelina Social Program, the city’s central program of social inclusion through music education.
A champion of music education and its ability to connect people of all ages and backgrounds, as well as provide opportunities for growth and self-confidence, Juliano’s artistic vision focuses on establishing personal connections through music-making. Mr. Aniceto has served as music director of the Peabody Youth Orchestra, Assistant Conductor Teaching Fellow at the Peabody Institute, and conductor/co-founder of Old Bay New Music – the resident contemporary music ensemble at the Peabody Institute. Juliano Aniceto was also the Freeman Conducting Fellow with the Chicago Sinfonietta, under the mentorship of Mei-Ann Chen.
When not traveling to conduct, Mr. Aniceto resides in Boston and loves reading and cooking.
Alexander Busby
Congratulations to our wonderful former flute Graduate Teaching Assistant and MM grad in Multiple Woodwind Performance, Alexander Busby! After two years as Assistant Band Director at Oviedo High School in Florida (close to Orlando and Disney World), He began a new position as Director of his own band at Columbus High School in Columbus, TX. Alex recently won a position as Associate Director of Bands in Northwest Houston, beginning in fall 2025.
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 earned the Master of Music in Multiple Woodwind Performance at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC (May 2020). Alex has been published in the national professional instrumental magazine Flute Talk (March 2019) and online magazine 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 continues a national and international performing career, having played widely in Texas and North Carolina as a freelance musician, often in pit orchestras for theater productions, in churches and in concert halls in Shanghai and Suzhou, China, and in Taipei, Taiwan. Alex served as Principal Flute of the ECU Symphony Orchestra for the fall 2019 academic season and was the founder of the "Less Is More" woodwind trio. He participated as a performer for the very first Taiwan Chamber Music/Chinese Language and Culture Summer Study Abroad program at the University of Taipei, Taiwan in summer 2019, and also participated as a scholarship recipent that same summer in the Broadway Pit Orchestra training program at the New York University Steinhardt School of Music (New York, NY). In addition to his current studies at East Carolina University, Alex was a graduate teaching assistant for woodwind pedagogy/methods, applied flute/saxophone, music history, and group piano. He was selected as a Kosciuszko Foundation American, Center for Polish Heritage, scholarship recipient for 2019-2020.
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 earned the Master of Music in Multiple Woodwind Performance at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC (May 2020). Alex has been published in the national professional instrumental magazine Flute Talk (March 2019) and online magazine 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 continues a national and international performing career, having played widely in Texas and North Carolina as a freelance musician, often in pit orchestras for theater productions, in churches and in concert halls in Shanghai and Suzhou, China, and in Taipei, Taiwan. Alex served as Principal Flute of the ECU Symphony Orchestra for the fall 2019 academic season and was the founder of the "Less Is More" woodwind trio. He participated as a performer for the very first Taiwan Chamber Music/Chinese Language and Culture Summer Study Abroad program at the University of Taipei, Taiwan in summer 2019, and also participated as a scholarship recipent that same summer in the Broadway Pit Orchestra training program at the New York University Steinhardt School of Music (New York, NY). In addition to his current studies at East Carolina University, Alex was a graduate teaching assistant for woodwind pedagogy/methods, applied flute/saxophone, music history, and group piano. He was selected as a Kosciuszko Foundation American, Center for Polish Heritage, scholarship recipient for 2019-2020.
Erin (Munnelly) Denning
Erin (Munnelly) Denning earned the Bachelor of Music in flute performance at ECU in May 2007. She was awarded a major scholarship, earning the Master of Music in flute performance at Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where she studied with Randolph Bowman. She now performs as Principal Flute with the Durham Symphony Orchestra and a Substitute Flute with the North Carolina Symphony Orchestra. She performs widely in Eastern North Carolina and has appeared with numerous chamber groups as well as the newly founded New Carolina Sinfonia in Greenville, NC. In addition to maintaining her own private flute studio, Erin is Personnel manager for the Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle and is on the Board of Directors for the Durham Symphony Orchestra.
Dr. Jessica (Dixon) Leeth
earned the Bachelor of Music in flute performance in and the Master of Music in flute performance (MM 199) and went on to earn the Doctor of Musical Arts Degree under Dr. Jennifer Parker-Harley at the University of South Carolina at Columbia, SC. Jessica now holds the position of Second Flute in Long Bay Symphony Orchestra, and is a past winner of the National Flute Association Convention Performers Competition and the winner of the second prize in the South Carolina Flute Society Young Artist Competition. She is a repeat performer at the NFA Annual Convention and remains active professionally. In 2010, Jessica won the Junior Division of the Young Artist Competition of the Central Ohio Flute Association. She currently resides in Georgia, where she maintains a private teaching studio and freelances in the Greater Atlanta area.
Nathan Graybeal
who came to ECU from Fayetteville in Eastern North Carolina, earned the Bachelor of Music degree in both jazz and classical saxophone performance (May 2021), where he studied saxophone with Dr. Jeffrey Bair and flute with Dr. Christine Gustafson. He graduated in 2023 with the Master of Music in Music Performance from the Frost School of the University of Miami, FL. Nathan is currently pursuing the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in classical saxophone at the University of Memphis, TN. Nathan has become widely known for his YouTube persona "Saxologic." In 2024 he was invited to serve as a faculty artist in the first Global Jazz Workshop and remains active in jazz. During his formative years, Nathan was deeply interested in working in animation as an artist, a passion that transferred later to music. These creative experiences have combined with his musical gifts making uniquely funny videos involving the saxophone! Congratulations on your successes, Nathan, we are excited for you!
For more information, current photos (and a whole lot of fun!), please check out the link to Nathan's Saxologic channel:
https://syos.co/en-us/blogs/our-artists/saxologic
For more information, current photos (and a whole lot of fun!), please check out the link to Nathan's Saxologic channel:
https://syos.co/en-us/blogs/our-artists/saxologic
Alison Mossey
serves as an adjunct professor of flute at Campbell University. A versatile musician and teacher, she currently performs with the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, the Trent River Chamber Orchestra, and holds an endowed chair as principal flutist of the Barton-Wilson Symphony Orchestra. She also serves on the faculty of Pitt Community College, where she teaches applied flute, piano, and music appreciation in addition to maintaining a private music studio in Greenville, NC.
A former winner of the Music Teachers’ National Association Woodwind Competition, Ms. Mossey has performed with the Carolina Philharmonic, the Chautauqua Festival Orchestra, and the Champlain Valley Symphony Orchestra. Ms. Mossey was named a winner of the 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2022 National Flute Association Professional Flute Choir Competitions.
When she is not teaching or performing, Ms. Mossey enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and whitewater rafting, traveling with her family, and relaxing at home with her two dogs.
Ms. Mossey is a native of Plattsburgh, NY and holds degrees in flute performance from The Hartt School of Music (BM, Flute Performance) and East Carolina University (MM, Flute Performance.) Her most influential teachers include Kenneth Andrews, John Wion, Julius Baker, and Christine Gustafson.
A former winner of the Music Teachers’ National Association Woodwind Competition, Ms. Mossey has performed with the Carolina Philharmonic, the Chautauqua Festival Orchestra, and the Champlain Valley Symphony Orchestra. Ms. Mossey was named a winner of the 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2022 National Flute Association Professional Flute Choir Competitions.
When she is not teaching or performing, Ms. Mossey enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and whitewater rafting, traveling with her family, and relaxing at home with her two dogs.
Ms. Mossey is a native of Plattsburgh, NY and holds degrees in flute performance from The Hartt School of Music (BM, Flute Performance) and East Carolina University (MM, Flute Performance.) Her most influential teachers include Kenneth Andrews, John Wion, Julius Baker, and Christine Gustafson.
Dr. Deena Reedy
Former Graduate Teaching Assistant at ECU (MM flute performance '94),
Dr. Reedy holds the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, as well as a performance degree from Bowling Green State University. Dr. Reedy has performed as a soloist with orchestras in Nebraska, North Carolina and Arizona . Other performance honors include winning the Hampton Roads, Virginia Flute Fair Competition, being featured in radio broadcasts on KUCV in Lincoln, Nebraska, WTEB in New Bern, North Carolina and KUAT in Tucson, Arizona and participating in recitals in Austria, Canada and throughout the United States. Dr. Reedy currently teaches flute at the Arizona Music and Dance Academy and previously worked as a Teaching Artist in the Opening Minds through the Arts program in the Tucson Unified School District for 10 years. She has also taught flute at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois and Schoolcraft College in Livonia, Michigan. Dr. Reedy has presented and performed at national conventions in California, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas. She has performed with a number of ensembles, including the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, Farmington Area Philharmonic, True Concord and Tucson Pops Orchestra, is a frequent chamber musician, performing for six years with the Paloma Winds Quintet and has released two CDs.
Dr. Reedy holds the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, as well as a performance degree from Bowling Green State University. Dr. Reedy has performed as a soloist with orchestras in Nebraska, North Carolina and Arizona . Other performance honors include winning the Hampton Roads, Virginia Flute Fair Competition, being featured in radio broadcasts on KUCV in Lincoln, Nebraska, WTEB in New Bern, North Carolina and KUAT in Tucson, Arizona and participating in recitals in Austria, Canada and throughout the United States. Dr. Reedy currently teaches flute at the Arizona Music and Dance Academy and previously worked as a Teaching Artist in the Opening Minds through the Arts program in the Tucson Unified School District for 10 years. She has also taught flute at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois and Schoolcraft College in Livonia, Michigan. Dr. Reedy has presented and performed at national conventions in California, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas. She has performed with a number of ensembles, including the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, Farmington Area Philharmonic, True Concord and Tucson Pops Orchestra, is a frequent chamber musician, performing for six years with the Paloma Winds Quintet and has released two CDs.
Jackie Traish
(BM, flute performance, BS Science Education, May 2014) is a musician, teaching artist, and arts administrator now based in New York City. She is a graduate of the Mannes School of Music at the College of Performing Arts (MM ‘2018, PDPL ’20) under the instruction of Judith Mendenhall (principal flutist of the American Ballet). Her love of collaboration with other artists has given her the opportunity to perform with world-renowned programs and ensembles, such as The Lion King on Broadway, the Martha Graham Dance Company, New York City Ballet Choreography Institute, International Contemporary Ensemble, Brooklyn Youth Chorus, The Chelsea Symphony, and the Metropolitan Opera. She has performed in venues such as Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, New York City Center, and Joe’s Pub. As a lover of musical theater and opera, Jackie has had the opportunity to perform in many workshops, recording projects, and world premieres of newly-written works. It is her passion for interdisciplinary art that has guided her music and artistry throughout her career thus far. Along with her role as Program Manager (Chamber Music) for the New York Youth Symphony (NYYS), Jackie is also an active private teacher (both flute and ukulele), and teaching artist for multiple organizations in the community. When she isn’t running around the city performing her heart out, she can be found drinking coffee of all types, singing in the park, enjoying a good book on the train, and talking to anyone who will listen!
-Music Educators-
Jessica Blanchet
graduated in May 2022 as a Music Education major from Durham, NC. She captured her dream job as Director of Bands at Jacksonville High School in Jacksonville, NC, where she is today. She has a strong connection with family in Lafayette, LA, where she grew up. When she has spare time, Jessica likes to paint. We are so thrilled with your success, Jess! It was great visiting with you and your own band this past year!
“Music runs deep in my family. All my cousins play instruments. I knew I wanted to teach music from late middle school. 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. 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.”
Venencia Harris
from Wilson, NC, where she performed with her high school band, enjoyed playing the flute enough to make it the center of her university studies. She graduated with the bachelor degree in music education (May 2021), where she was Treasurer of the Beta Psi chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota Music Fraternity. Venencia served as Principal Flute in the East Carolina University Symphonic Band and also performed with the ECU Marching Band piccolo section. Venencia is now teaching music at Neuse Charter School.
"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. 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. Now it’s something I can’t see myself not doing.”
Meredith (Magnuson) Partin
earned the Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree in May 2013. She has been active since in Elementary Music, her chosen specialty, and currently teaches in Snow Hill, NC. During her time at ECU, Meredith served in the Marching Pirates and on flute in the ECU Symphony Orchestra, the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and the ECU Symphonic Band. She participated together with her flute professor, Dr. Christine Gustafson and other faculty from West Virginia University, Dr. Christine Gustafson and saxophone classmate, Michael Partin, in the US-Brazil performance and music education exchange partnered with WVU. A very talented flutist and musician, Meredith successfully auditioned for the Jim Walker Beyond the Masterclass, a very selective summer flute festival, while in her junior year at ECU. She continues to serve her community musically and personally and remains active on her flute.
Kimberly Smith Wheeler
majored in music education. She was also a student in the ECU Honors College and a recipient of the Maynard Scholarship. As a recipient of the Maynard scholarship, she participated in several College of Education events and was an Apple Ambassador. As a music major she performed with the ECU Flute Choir, the ECU Symphony Orchestra, and as solo flutist with the ECU Symphonic Wind Ensemble in her last semester. Kimberly was the Vice President of ECU’s chapter of the collegiate National Association for Music Education. She is currently teaching music at St. Philip School in Melbourne, KY. She graduated with the Bachelor of Music in 2021.
“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.”
-Music Therapists-
Cassie (Baker) Hargelrode)
earned the Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy degree, May 2020. One of Cassie's favorite activities in her degree program was working with her geriatric music therapy clients. She also loved being a part of various ensembles at ECU, including the Marching Pirates, ECU Flute Choir, the ECU Symphony Orchestra, and the ECU Symphonic Wind Ensemble, where she held the principal position. Cassie was the treasurer for her music fraternity, Sigma Alpha Iota. She was also a participant in the premiere Taiwan Chamber Music/Chinese Language and Culture Summer Study Abroad exchange program at the University of Taipei, Taiwan, where she performed in 2019. Cassie is now working as a music therapist continues to teach flute in the community. She married Austin Harglerode on December 31, 2023!
"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 therapist, 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 therapist, I would like to use the power of music to help heal other people.”