2008 Wion Studio Newsletter prepared by Jessi Rosinski [rosinski218 AT yahoo.com]
Mr. Wion now reports that he spends much of his time travelling. This year he went to Australia, Europe, and India. He also now has time to enjoy reading and listening, and going to theater, concerts, and operas. Mr. Wion also judged the Seattle Young Artists Competition early in the year. His wife, Victoria Simon, was featured in an article titled In Balanchine’s Dancing Shoes in the San Jose Mercury News in March. (Thanks to Meg Suzuki for submitting that bit of news!)
Holly Oswald Clemans (‘79) has been adjunct professor of flute at Concordia University in Ann Arbor, MI since 2002 and is the founder and director of the Concordia Flute Day Camp, which is held on the Concordia campus every July. She is active as a soloist, orchestral musician, private flute instructor, and clinician throughout southeast Michigan. She currently performs on flute & piccolo with the Plymouth, MI Symphony and the Mosaic Chamber Ensemble, as well as doing some freelancing. In the summer of 2008, she and her orchestral colleague formed Flute Fusion, a flute duo that performs on piccolo, C, alto & bass flutes. Holly has been a member of the National Flute Association (NFA) Pedagogy Committee since 2002 and is a co-author of their publications; Selected Flute Studies: A Graded Guide of Etudes, Daily Studies, and Method Books, 2005, and Selected Flute Repertoire: A Graded Guide for Teachers and Students, 2004. (Watch for new editions of
these guides at NFA in NYC!) Currently President of the Southeast Michigan Flute Association, she has been on its Board of Directors since the group was founded six years ago. Go to www.semfa.org to learn about the group. Family activities seem to fill in the rest of Holly's time. Her daughter Kirsten (17) is a HS senior, so a lot of energy has been spent doing the college/scholarship search. Kirsten has been active with AP cl;asses, the swim team and playing cello throughout high school. Daughter Gretchen (13) is in 8th grade, plays violin, is a cross country runner, and enjoys creating pottery. Husband Daniel is a biology professor at Eastern Michigan University. All of the family is also involved in a lot of church activities. In October 2006, Holly's parents moved from Rhode Island to Michigan, so much time is also spent caring for them.
Holly would love to hear from others that graduated in 1979-1981! She can be reached @ dhclemans@sbcglobal.net.
Ali Ryerson (’79) writes, “ Another year filled with travel, my 2008 foreign tours included Italy, Belgium, Holland and Vancouver, BC. Various concerts and clinics in Seattle, DC, Maryland, California, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Ohio, Indiana, South Carolina, New York and Colorado filled up the rest of the year. Invited as guest soloist with two jazz big bands, the Vermont Jazz Ensemble in Burlington, VT and the West Valley Jazz Orchestra near San Jose, CA, this is a new and exciting performance opportunity for me which I plan to pursue in the future. Both of my annual jazz master classes in California and New Mexico went very well and are rescheduled for '09. Always an honor, three major flute publications, Flute Talk, New Zealand's Flute Focus and The Flutist Quarterly featured me in several articles throughout the year. As Jazz Chair for the NFA since '05, this past year has been spent preparing for the first biennial Jazz Flute Big Band Competition
which debuts in 2009. It's my NFA 'baby,' and I'm very excited about it! Information about the competition is available on the NFA website (nfaonline.org). At the Kansas City NFA convention I led a well attended big band reading session. Gemstone Musical Instruments continues to sponsor me as their Sankyo Artist and Clinician. I made a decision to take a short break from the road. Between now and April 2009 I have only 2 trips planned. The main reason is so I can complete work on my Jazz Flute Method Book, which will be available at the 2009 NYC NFA convention. Since early December, I began offering online video lessons on my website using Skype. In just two weeks since it's 'inauguration', three students have been added to my teaching schedule! I think it's amazing that modern technology makes this possible!
On a sad note, my long time friend and colleague, jazz guitarist Joe Beck lost his battle with lung cancer in July, one week shy of his 62nd birthday. I was so fortunate to have performed and recorded with him since 1997.”
You can keep up with Ali’s activities at her website @ www.aliryerson.com
Barbara Hopkins (’82) studied traverso for a week last summer at the Amherst Early Music Festival. Barbara also started a chamber group called the Rosewood Chamber Ensemble. She writes, “it's me and guitarist Judy Handler playing nineteenth century American music. I use my Asa Hopkins flutes (made in Litchfield, CT, in the 1830's.) One of the flutes is Rosewood, and Judy's guitar has rosewood in it, hence the group's name.” She and her boyfriend Robin ran the Harford Half Marathon again this year, and “Robin beat last year's time by 15 minutes! I ran about the same. What can I say, fast fingers-slow legs!”
Suzanne Pasquini Cristina (’83) has been visiting colleges with her son who is applying for programs in music and science. They visited Hartt to observe the Hartt Big Band practice, and Suzanne’s son ended up playing with the band, as well as soloing, to fill in for the missing 2nd trumpet player. Suzanne caught up with Janet Arms while at Hartt and also got to see Barbara Hopkins while visiting Uconn with her son! She was happy to see friends she has not seen since 1982! Both of her sons are strong musicians who play in the Springfield, MA Youth Orchestras. Her freshman is a bassoonist who also plays drums and bass guitar.
Suzanne writes, “I am still playing principal flute in the Torrington Symphony and am on their Board of Directors. Our orchestra had had two sold out performances this year. The group is a mix of professionals, amateurs - all who love orchestral music so it is lots of fun for everyone. My husband Tom is doing fine and continues to be supportive every time I purchase a new trumpet, synthesizer. drum set, bass guitar, bassoon, etc. to keep the musical train running. “
Suzanne sends her best wishes to all!
Asako Arai (‘84) reports, “This year has been a busy one. I recorded a CD of flute and piano works (by Mexican and American composers) with a grant that I got from Mexico's 'Fund for Culture and the Arts'. The CD will be released with Albany Records sometime early 2009. Also, I performed a flute and piano concert at the International Cervantino Festival., and I'm keeping active with my quintet and my teaching.”
Mark Vickers (’85) is celebrating his 30th year in the music education profession as well as his 23rd year as the director of music and band in Cromwell, CT! He continues playing with the CT Valley Chamber Orchestra in Hartford along with the Charter Oak Flute Choir. Mark also shares more good news, “I recently remarried back in October after an eight year hiatus from being married.”
Kim DeLuccio Collins (’92) writes, “In addition to "the usual," I have been subbing with Wicked on Broadway. I have really limited my teaching so I can balance playing with being a mom. Our son Jack will be two in late January, and I find juggling motherhood and being a professional flutist to be my greatest challenge, but I just can't let the playing go-it evens me out and completes me. So somehow, I continue to make it work.”
Sunghi Sofia Kim (’93) is married with two children and is currently teaching Kindergarten and 1st grade music and art in Illinois. She recently came across Mr. Wion’s website and was so happy to be in touch with him again!
Alison Mossey (’95) reports , “I am still living in Greenville, North Carolina after finishing my masters from East Carolina University in 1997. Since then, I have been teaching with the Music Academy of Eastern Carolina here in Greenville and am fortunate to be playing in 3 regional orchestras here - principal in Wilson (NC) Symphony, piccolo in Rocky Mount, and most recently I won the piccolo chair in the Fayetteville Symphony. I also work part time leading the contemporary music ministry at a local church. So, life is pretty busy...just the way I like it!” Her daughter, Elizabeth, is now 12 years old and is becoming a fine violinist, and is also an avid basketball and soccer player.
Alison also shares this, “One last note - all the repetition of those orchestral excerpts for auditions WORKS. At a recent rehearsal of Classical Symphony, we were missing our principal flutist, and didn't have the part there either. (Since I was on piccolo, I was not playing on that piece, nor had I played it since my senior year at Hartt.) Guess who was able to "fill-in" the flute solo from memory - 13 years later!? My colleague, the second flutist in that orchestra, says to tell you she wishes someone had made her learn excerpts like that!”
Jennifer Kuk (‘98) is still with Phantom of the Opera as Principal Flute in Las Vegas. She also continues to freelance and teach flute, theory, sightsinging, and ear training
at College of Southern Nevada. Jen will be getting married in June to Nathan Bonora; whom she met while at Phantom!
Alicia DiDonato Paulsen ('98) won the position of Second/Assistant Principal flute with the Oregon Symphony in April!! She moved across the country with her husband, Dwane, in July, and they are getting used to their new Pacific Northwest home. You can check out Alicia’s concert schedule at the Oregon Symphony's website @ www.orsymphony.org.
Holly Hughes Stone (‘98) and her husband gave birth to Tristan David Stone on April 10, 2008. He weighed 7 lb 14 oz and was 19 1/2 inches long.
Julie Averill (’01) has been working hard running her own business, Kids at Work, an early childhood education program in Manhattan. She creates and teaches classes in art, music, science, and movement for children ages 0-4, and lives on the Upper West Side in NYC. She hopes to someday pick up her flute again, as she really misses Taffanel and Gaubert practice. :-)
Joy Zalkind (’01) writes, “This year I have continued my job as principal flute for Juarez Symphony in El Paso and as second flute for the El Paso Symphony. In addition, I won a piccolo position with the Las Cruces Symphony for the 2008-2009 season. I also recently joined the faculty of the El Paso Symphony Youth Orchestras, running a weekly Flute Ensemble for middle/high school age students. In October, I did a recital with flute and guitar and in November, I played Afternoon of a Faun for Flute and Piano as part of the University of Texas at El Paso's Ivories on the Border Series. In February, I am planning my first full flute recital, which has been funded by El Paso's Music Forum and will be accompanied by Ben Loeb. Finally, on March 1, I am planning on running my first half marathon. “
Alice Park (’03) moved to California last year and is enjoying it very much! She writes, “I'm playing principal in the Orange County Symphony, and I'm also the orchestra manager and librarian. It's a lot of work, but I love it. If any of you ever come out this way, let me know!” Alice is happy to hear from fellow Wion students @ ampflute@yahoo.com
Jessi Rosinski (’03) recently premiered her first commission, The Eternal Sky, by Paul Elwood in Boston. She commissioned the work with an Emerging Artists Award from the St. Botolph Club. Last spring, Jessi performed a solo with the Boston Pops! She performed Elegia III for flute and orchestra by Panos Liaropolous at Symphony Hall in a concert conducted by Keith Lockhart. Jessi did some travelling over the summer that included a vacation to Niagara Falls and her first trip to Mexico to perform a recital and lecture at the Festival Internacional de Arte Contemporaneo 2008 in Leon, Mexico. She continues to freelance and teach in Boston and actively promote new music. Just having upgraded to her first apple products, Jessi enjoyed receiving everyone’s updates via iphone and putting this newsletter together on her new macbook!
Lauren Gallo (’04) is now teaching elementary school strings and vocal music in the West Hartford Public Schools. She has a growing flute studio, and is also teaching private piano and violin lessons! Most exciting though, is that Lauren and her fantastic boyfriend, US Navy nuclear mechanic, Jereme Christensen, are expecting their first child at the end of June.
Emily Higgins (’04) reports, “My big news this year, though, is that Ahmer and I are engaged! We were visiting his family in India in March, and he proposed on our trip to the Taj Mahal. The date is set for May 16 of next year. On our other vacation this year, we enjoyed meeting Mr. and Mrs. Wion for a very nice lunch in NYC on the 4th of July.” Emily is still in Charlotte teaching private lessons to about 40 flute students and playing some chamber music. She recently played a fun concert that included the Bolling Suite No. 1 and the Carmen Fantasy.
Emily will be looking for a substitute flute teacher for the last two weeks in May, and she can provide housing. Please contact Emily @..... if you are interested.
Molly McLaughlin (’06) writes, “I am living in West Hartford have been freelancing and teaching in CT. I play with a traditional Irish group and have been studying Irish flute and whistle. I was awarded second place in the alternative division of the first ever Brio!/Youtube Video Flute Competition. I am training to be a yoga teacher and will complete the program by June 2009. “
Douglas Worthen (’07) After finishing his Doctorate with Professor Wion, Doug was offered a position at the New England Conservatory Extension Division. He is currently on leave of absence from the Conservatory, taking a position as Lecturer in Flute and Music History at the University of Southern Illinois Carbondale. His book, A Semiotic View of the Flute Concerto Genre from Vivaldi to Mozart, was published by VDM in Saarbrucken, Germany. This year he has appeared as soloist in the Mozart Concerto for Flute and Harp with the New Palace Orchestra and Granite State Symphony in his native New Hampshire, and has performed with the Southern Illinois Symphony and Lucerne Festival Strings (Switzerland).
Sandy Hughes (’08) writes, “I just started my master's degree at the Manhattan School of Music in the fall, and I'm studying with Robert Langevin. I'm in the Orchestral Performance program, and I'm loving it!” This past summer was Sandy’s second one spent as a flute fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center, and she has been a finalist subbing with the New World Symphony for two years. Sandy will also be performing with the New York Philharmonic in January! She’ll be playing 2nd flute on La Mer for the concerts on the 8th, 9th, and 10th.
2007 Wion Studio Newsletter prepared by Jessi Rosinski [rosinski218 AT yahoo.com]
It was an exciting year for Mr. Wion! Here is his update:
“In February I decided after much deliberation to retire from Hartt, effective at the end of the school year in May. I also arranged to have my music publications sold by Falls House Press/Theodore Presser. After several years of writing, and considerable help with editing and design, I published my memoirs. “Wood, Silver and Gold” is now available from lulu.com, and by year’s end, hopefully, from other major online booksellers. This all conspired to create a hectic spring.
The day after school finished I joined my wife in Melbourne where she was working with the Australian Ballet. While there I played my last recitals.
Right after Australia we flew to Oslo where we joined a party of mostly Swedes for a trip to the Arctic, around the Svalbard Islands, north of Norway. The group was small and congenial, our leader knowledgeable and charming, and the sights magnificent.
Then in August I was honored by the National Flute Association with its Lifetime Achievement Award. To receive this we flew to Albuquerque, New Mexico where the annual convention was being held. Our sons and Russell’s wife Marie joined us for the events – an afternoon recital in my honor by a dozen former students, the awards dinner where I made the required five minute speech, and the evening concerto concert where I contributed the Romanza Siciliana by Carl Maria von Weber. With that I put my flute away and we spent a few days enjoying Santa Fe and Taos and New Mexico’s spectacular scenery.
In September, never a free time before, we spent three weeks in Spain, visiting Madrid, Segovia, Toledo, San Lorenzo, Salamanca, Cordoba, Seville, Ronda, Granada, and Barcelona – a fascinating learning experience. In October we spent a week in Vermont enjoying the peak foliage, and made the decision to sell our car. This achieved, we are once more typical New Yorkers, and will rent a car when necessary.”
On to Alumni news…
Ali Ryerson (‘79) writes, “2007 was a good year for me musically! I had a new CD released 'Jammin' at The Jazz Corner' on the Sweet Jazz Recordings label. It is my first live recording. I was also the featured guest artist on two other CD's, both recorded in Denver, CO. A third recording as guest soloist, recorded in Seattle, WA is due for release in 2008. I continue work on my jazz flute method book. I was hoping to have it completed in 2007, but have extended the publication date to accommodate my heavy touring schedule, which continues throughout the country and Europe. In July 2007, I was invited to be on the faculty of a new jazz camp in Bonefro, Italy called ijamjazz. It was a wonderful experience for 2 weeks mid July, and I am invited back in 2008. My annual weeklong jazz flute master class is going strong, and will enjoy its 7th year in 2008 at Hidden Valley Music Seminars, Carmel Valley, CA. I can thank Julius Baker for inviting me to perform with him there in the mid 80's at one of his master classes. Thanks to Julie, Hidden Valley has become a wonderful part of my musical life. I also returned to teach an annual weekend master class in Sandia Park, NM in the fall. This was the 3rd annual in 2007. I performed at the Smithsonian jazz series in Washington DC and am invited back in the spring of 2008. I was again honored in the Downbeat Magazine annual jazz poll in the short list of noted jazz flutists! In 2008 I have several performances as soloist with jazz big bands, one in Saratoga, CA and one in Burlington, VT. I continue to commission a growing repertoire of arrangements for solo jazz flute with big band from some noted jazz arrangers and my performance opportunities are growing with this type of ensemble. I am a Sankyo Artist and Clinician for Gemstone Musical Instruments and enjoy attending and participating in both the NFA conventions and IAJE (Jazz educators conferences) thanks to their continued support.”
Barbara Hopkins (‘81) writes, “I was honored to play on John's recital in Albuquerque. Robin Woodbury (boyfriend) and I went to the whole convention, and had a fabulous time.”
Her CD of 5 of the Telemann Methodical Sonatas was released in July. The Greater Boston Flute Association printed the liner notes as an article in their Gazette. The first review (Kansas City Flute Association) is in, and it's excellent! Barbara continues to work with the instruments of the early American flute maker, Asa Hopkins (Litchfield, CT, 19th century). She has 2 of his instruments: one is a rosewood flute with one silver key, and the other is a boxwood flute with 4 silver keys. She researched period music, and played a recital on them in September with Dick Provost. Barbara also reports, “I ran my first half marathon! (13.1 miles). Robin and I ran a half marathon at the Greater Hartford Marathon in October. It's hard to explain to non-runners how running 13 miles can be fun, but I looked at it as a fall foliage tour on foot. Yes, it was fun, and an accomplishment 3 years in the making.”
Patty Lazzara (‘83) has a very busy schedule with her ensemble, UpTown Flutes., and she performs with her harp partner in recital monthly. She reports, “We are doing the Mozart Flute and Harp Concerto in October with an orchestra in PA. We just had a recital this week and it was wonderful!” Patty is this year’s winner of the Geoffrey Gilbert Performance Award from the Florida Flute Association! She received $1000 for study, and she will be working with Keith Underwood.
Asako Arai (‘84) participated in the John Wion tribute at the NFA convention in Albuquerque and is continuing with her usual activities of teaching and playing with the Mexico City Woodwind Quintet. She also writes, “I was awarded a grant from the Consejo Nacional para la Cultura y las Artes of Mexico to record a CD of works for flute and piano by Mexican, American and Latin American composers. I've just recorded 4 of the pieces in January, and the rest of the pieces will be recorded in June. The CD will be released sometime towards the end of this year.”
Marisa Tigue Trees (‘85) has been teaching at Saugerties Junior/Senior High School since 1989. She is Music Dept. Chair, and is responsible for a 7th grade band, a voice class, and a high school band comprised of 10th through 12th graders. She writes, “I have two daughters, ages 15 and 6. They keep me busy driving to and from ballet and piano lessons, cross country and track meets, etc. They are both lovely girls and do well in school. Yes, I am very proud of them! My flute is still important to me. For years I have participated in Patricia Spencer’s Now and Present Flute Seminar and have done some master classes and lessons with Gary Schocker and Keith Underwood. I am playing with the Woodstock Chamber Orchestra, currently serving as principal. Through a harpist friend, I had the opportunity in 2001 to make a recording of Christmas music sponsored by The Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, MA.”
Lisa Polisar (‘88) has recently released a new mystery novel, The Ghost of Mary Prairie. She had book signings in New Mexico, and the book is available from Amazon.
Mark Vickers (’88) is still director of music at Cromwell High School and continues to play flute and piccolo with the CT Valley Chamber Orchestra and the Charter Oak Flute Choir. He writes, “It all keeps me busy, including my daughter, Lisa, as well. She just entered Cromwell High School as a freshman this year and for the first time has her father as her band director. An interesting situation., but she did not choose the flute. She is a clarinetist.”
Kim Collins (‘92) reports, “The main event in our lives this year was the birth of our son Jack, who arrived on January 28 2007. He weighed 7 lbs, 1 oz. Needless to say, I took some time off, but am back to performing again. In August, I was reunited on stage with my oboist brother Joseph-we performed in a concert titled ‘Sibling Rivalry!’ at the Fairfield Theater. This November I appeared as soloist with the Waterbury Symphony performing Bach's Suite No. 2 in b minor. It was fun, but hard to return to performing as a new mother with barely any time for practice. I have several recitals planned for 2008 and am back to performing with my regular orchestras here in CT.”
Denise Cohen Abner (‘96) is very busy taking care of Sophie 5, Sam 3, and Lucy 15 months old! She plays flute in a local Westchester Wind Ensemble and woodwind quintet. She wishes a Happy New Year to all!
Betsy Garry (‘97) and her husband I had their first child, Ava, on June 26, 2007. Betsy writes, “She's so much fun and although it is tiring at times...it is so worth it! She's awesome! I'm still in Baltimore teaching privately and gigging. I'm also currently pursuing my second Master's degree in teaching (the focus being elementary education).”
Sarah B. Graumann (‘97) writes, "My little boy just turned 15 mos. and I am happy to say that I've made it through the first year! Flute playing has taken a bit of a back seat, but that WILL be changing very soon...I hope :) In July, I celebrated 7 years as Manager of Sales & Marketing for Brannen Brothers Flutemakers, Inc. - Best wishes to everyone for a wonderful 2008!"
In September of 2007, after passing the national licensing examination in Marriage and Family Therapy, Nelba Marquez Greene (‘97) opened up her private practice full time! She reports that the practice is growing by leaps and bounds. She keeps office hours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and currently has around fifteen clients and a long wait list. She has learned to keep her own books, bill, and market herself without missing a beat. She was also re-elected to the Board of Directors for the CT Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (the first and only Latina to date to do so). She also writes, “The kids and the husband are also doing well and we are planning on keeping the music alive by getting a piano for Christmas....” You can contact Nelba at nmarquezgreene@yahoo.com
Alicia DiDonato Paulsen (‘98) got married in December! Nelba Marquez-Greene (‘97) attended her wedding. Alicia continues to play regularly with the BSO and Boston Pops, BMOP, Opera Boston, Boston Musica Viva, and Radius Ensemble. Her duo with soprano Jennifer Ashe (Prana) advanced to the semifinals at the 2007 International Gaudeamus Interpreters Competition in Amsterdam NL. This year, Alicia advanced to the semifinals of the 2007 YAC, and judged the Pappoutsakis prelims.
Amy Dankowski (‘99) was recently appointed Archivist with The Cleveland Orchestra. Amy worked in the Allen Library while a student at Hartt, and upon graduation was appointed the Allen Library Circulation Assistant. She later moved back to Ohio and pursued a Masters in Library Science. While attending Kent State University, she was employed as Materials Preparation Assistant in the Oberlin College/Conservatory Library. Amy serves as the Webmaster for the Music Library Association.
Julie Averill (‘01) is still living in New York City. She reports, “I am still no longer playing the flute, but my classes for early childhood in music, art, and preschool have really taken off, and I hope to build up my business even more over the next year. Then, perhaps I'll have time to pick up my flute again!”
Christine Deschler Brimhall (‘01) went back to school part-time this fall. She is working towards her certificate in administration and supervision from Loyola College in Baltimore.
In May, Joy Zalkind (‘01) completed her Advanced Flute Certificate at CMU with Jeanne Baxtresser and Alberto Almarza. She retuned to El Paso and was hired as principal flute for the Juarez Symphony in the border city, Juarez, Mexico. Joy retained her position with the El Paso Symphony as second flute. She writes, “In November, Janet Arms invited me to Hartt to give a class on orchestral excerpts. It meant a great deal to me to return to my undergraduate and give something back.”
In 2007, Johanna Borenstein (‘03) was asked to substitute for Jim Walker for the Colburn Chamber Music Series, a program that brings guest artists and faculty members together with the Colburn students. Johanna performed the Voice of the Whale this past November and last semester Ravel's Introduction and Allegro with faculty member JoAnn Turovsky on harp and LA Concertmaster Martin Chalifour. She also was a guest soloist with the Maestro Foundation of Santa Barbara where she performed Bach's Brandenburg concerto #5 and Bach B minor suite with virtuoso harpsichordist, Lucinda Carver. Along with a very busy school schedule with the Colburn Symphony, Johanna subbed with the Stockton Symphony, Asian American Symphony and Debut Symphony. Johanna was placed on the San Diego Symphony's sub list and is taking a plethora of auditions this semester!
Lisa Conley (‘03) lives in Boston and works in admissions for BU, where she is also pursuing a M.Ed. in Counseling. She writes, "After teaching privately, I found that so many of my kids had bigger problems than what we were working on in lessons. I am looking forward to working in a school setting where I can help students with their personal issues."
Jessi Rosinski (‘03) continues to be an active freelancer and sought after instructor in the Boston area. This year she performed with Xanthos Ensemble, Boston Musica Viva, Firebird Ensemble, and the Boston Microtonal Society. She is the Associate Flute with the Atlantic Symphony and plays regularly with the U.S. Coast Guard Band. In 2007, Jessi was a fellow at the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival and Yale Summer School of Music, and she won the Emerging Artist Award from the St. Botolph Club in Boston. Jessi continues to teach privately at UMass Boston and the Winchester Community Music School, and she is enjoying a yearlong teaching position at Milton Academy. Jessi has also put together a website: www.jessirosinski.com
Avi Greenberg (‘04) will be extending her time in Germany for at least one more year. She writes, “I am taking auditions in Germany to officially begin my master's degree in July. The result of these auditions will make it official as to how long I will be staying.”
Emily Higgins (‘04) is teaching private lessons and living in Charlotte with her boyfriend of two years, Ahmer. She played a solo recital at the Belk Chapel at Queens University in Charlotte on January 25.
Kristen Komisky (‘04) writes, “I'm living in Poughkeepsie, and this is my second year teaching instrumental music in the Hyde Park School District. I love it so much!” She is also teaching privately and working on her master’s degree.
Giuliana Sarullo (‘07) is now the elementary music and strings teacher at Naramake Elementary School in Norwalk, CT. She is surviving her first year as a teacher and she loves it.
2006 Wion Studio Newsletter
Mr. Wion's current class includes several grad students this year. They are: Doug Worthen (DMA candidate), from New Hampshire, Jennifer Fischer (MM candidate) from Georgia, Sarah Holmes (MM candidate) from Ohio, Josefina Mutescu (MM candidate) from Washington, Abby Walsh (MM candidate) from Iowa, and Alisa Willis (MM candidate) from New Zealand.
Senior Sandy Hughes returned to Aspen Music Festival in 2006 and was invited to perform at the James Galway masterclass in Interlaken, Switzerland. She also performed in a masterclass by Sir James Galway for the Greater Boston Flute Association in Boston on October 1, 2006 at the New England Conservatory.
Giuliana Sarullo, a senior music education major, just completed her student teaching in the fall of 2006. Over winter break she plans to take a lesson or two with Gary Shocker and looks forward to her final semester at Hartt.
Rachel Maclary is a sophomore flute major from Delaware.
Music Management sophomore Rosemary Metcalf, held an administrative internship at Foothills Theatre Company in Worcester, MA over the past summer. She also recently played in the pit orchestra for "The Music Man" at Hartt. Next semester Rosemary will be working as an intern in the Grants/Outreach department at Hartford Children's Theatre.
The studio welcomes two new freshmen: Victoria Davis from Rochester, NY and Lisa Husseini Boston, Massachusetts.
Rachel Maclary, Josefina Mutescu, and Alisa Willis were winners of the Miami String Quartet Competition this year!
Molly Mclaughlin ('06) went on Tour with Jethro Tull from September 27th - October 24th, 2006 as part of a small chamber orchestra that backed the band. The tour started in New Hampshire and crossed over to Minnesota, and ended in Connecticut. Molly writes, “I am presently employed through Public Allies, a program of Americorps, and am organizing a benefit concert for the end of January. I'm still teaching and free-lancing in the Hartford area and am almost positive that I will be able to spend some time studying in Ireland this summer, fingers crossed!”
Avi Greenberg ('05) sends her news from Germany, "I am living in Mannheim, Germany, studying at the Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst Mannheim. My teacher here is Herr Joachim Schmitz. I am playing 2nd flute in the Collegium Musicum Mannheim, taking music classes (all in German), learning German, and traveling."
Megan Sweeney ('05) is in her second year of teaching 6-8th grade band, jazz band, and 6th grade general music in Plainfield, Connecticut. She has also started a very popular flute choir! Megan is part of a team of new music teachers that have been recognized as reviving the music department for the entire district. Megan writes, " It continues to be very rewarding to teach there, and there is a lot of support for the growing program." She is also the woodwind teacher at the Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts in Torrington, CT. Megan continues to teach privately and freelance as much as possible.
Lauren Gallo ('04) writes, "I am taking this year off from my master's degree at Hartt in Music Education with a concentration in Wind Conducting. I'm currently a nanny for a family of three boys! I have a small flute studio that is increasing in size, and my most advanced student recently was accepted to the Connecticut Youth Symphony as their piccolo player. In June I attended the CBDNA (College Band Directors' National Association) Conducting Symposium in Boulder, CO, and worked with Alan McMurray and H. Robert (Bob) Reynolds. I received a scholarship from the CBDNA committee on Gender and Ethnic Equity to attend that symposium. Perhaps the most exciting thing- I am engaged to Matthew Berloe, fellow Hartt alumni ('01, Trombone/Euphonium Performance), and although we have not yet set a date, we plan to be married within the year."
Emily Higgins ('04) writes from North Carolina. She is still actively teaching a large private studio.
Lisa Conley ('03) continues to serve on the board of the Greater Boston Flute Association and perform in the Boston area. This summer she was a guest tutor at the Stratford International Flute Festival. While in Stratford, Lisa also took part in many of the concerts on the festival, performed with Orchestra of the Swan, and was a finalist at the Albert Cooper International Flute Competition! She works full time at a consulting firm and is saving for grad school.
Jessi Rosinski ('03) graduated with her Masters from New England Conservatory as the recipient of the John Cage Award for outstanding contribution to contemporary music in May. She spent the summer teaching, coaching, and performing at the Stratford International Flute Festival in England and at the Summer Institute for Contemporary Performance Practice (“Sick Puppy”) in Boston. Jessi was featured as the New Horizon's Artist for the Greater Boston Flute Association this year and currently teaches flute at UMass, Boston. She has been freelancing with new music ensembles and local orchestras throughout the Boston area. Jessi has also started practicing yoga!
Sarah Caissie ('02) got married in October and is now Sarah Caissie Provost!
Caitlin Duffy ('02) is now Caitlin Miele, and she writes, " I married my high school sweetheart on August 20, 2006 in my home town of Nahant, Ma. At the cocktail hour of our wedding my husband Jason and I played a flute duet of Danny Boy requested by Jason's grandfather." Congratulations to Caitlin! Take a look at the lovely photo below.
After obtaining a Masters from Manhattan School of Music with Robert Langevin, Julie Averill ('01) has hung up her flute for now, and is currently playing lots of soccer and teaching preschool and early childhood music in Manhattan's West Village and Upper East Side. Julie has an extra room in her apartment in Harlem for flooters passing through NYC that need a place to crash. Check out her website at www.julieaverill.com.
Christine Deschler Brimhall ('01) teaches at Benjamin Tasker Middle School in Bowie, Maryland. She has six concert bands, and one jazz band. Christine also directs the Prince George's County Preparatory Orchestra.
Kaitlin Earley ('01) finished midwifery school over the summer after a grueling final year. She writes, "I am now a Licensed Midwife in the state of Florida (licensed the end of October). I am working in a homebirth practice in Central Florida, and took a position as the Academic Director at the Florida School of Traditional Midwifery. I am also teaching at the school. I adore my work caring for women, their babies, and their families, and I can't imagine anything I'd enjoy doing more! I am still teaching private lessons, and play occasionally, but flute is not my focus at this time. I do expect that there will be a season of my life when I devote more time and energy to music and I look forward to it. Blessings to all!"
Joy Zalkind ('01) reports, "I took a leave of absence from the El Paso Symphony for the 2006-2007 season, and I am currently an Advanced Flute Studies student at Carnegie Mellon University studying with Jeanne Baxtresser and Alberto Almarza."
Alicia DiDonato ('98) is now the flutist for the Radius Ensemble (www.radiusensemble.org) and NotaRiotous (the Boston Microtonal Society's ensemble), and she continues to freelance with Opera Boston, Boston Modern Orchestra Project, the BSO, Boston Musica Viva, and Firebird Ensemble. Alicia placed third in the 2006 NFA Young Artist Competition and placed second in the 2006 Mid-Atlantic Flute Society's Piccolo Artist competition. She was also a semifinalist for both the 2006 NFA Piccolo Artist Competition and the 2006 Myrna Brown Competition.
Jennifer Kuk ('98) is currently Principal Flute/Piccolo of Phantom of the Opera in Las Vegas, Nevada. She is also teaching a full studio and is adjunct faculty at the Community College of Southern Nevada. Jen performed a solo recital at Weill Hall, Carnegie Hall in Oct. 2005!
Nelba Márquez-Greene ('97) reports, "I am not really playing as much as I once did. I am currently a Marriage and Family Therapist. With two kids, a musician husband, and starting a part time private practice, time is at a real premium. I also work for the Capitol Region Education Council's CHOICE program as an Intervention Specialist with families and children.” Nelba and Jimmy (Hartt '93) celebrated their 6 year wedding anniversary on November 24th, and live in Wethersfield." Attached is a picture of her children, Isaiah and Ana.
Sarah B. Graumann ('97) shares, "The biggest news I have to tell this year is that my husband, Richard, and I had a our first baby, a boy. His name is Blake Werner Graumann, and he was born on September 8, 2006." Sarah is still working at Brannen Brothers Flutemakers, Inc. as the Manager of Sales & Marketing and the Brannen-Cooper Fund Coordinator.
Diana Charos Reilly ('93) shares, "Currently, I am the Music Director and Conductor of The New Jersey Youth Symphony Flute Choir and Flute Forum. I also am the flute instructor at Rutgers Prep in NJ and most recently; I landed the job as flute instructor and chamber music coach at Westminster Conservatory of Music in Princeton, NJ. Over the summer, I teach with Jeffery Khaner and Jan Vinci at the Skidmore Summer Flute Institute at Skidmore College, NY. The other project I am very involved in is a RockOpera that is running very well in Jersey, and we are hoping to get signed by Columbia Artists at the end of our concert dates. It is a 10-piece classical/rock and roll band with 4 female backup singers and a male lead vocalist. We have revamped some of the most beautiful operas and arias...and made a 2 and a half hour theatrical experience out of it...costumes, movie screens...it is intense. We are appealing to a wide audience. It is fun to break out of my 'classical side' every weekend." Diana is happily married without children, but she has 2dogs, 4cats, and recently donated all 12 of her exotic reptiles to a wonderful educational zoo in the Poconos!
Diana wishes to remember her best friend and fellow flute student at Hartt, Rachel First ('93). Rachel passed away the year she graduated. Rachel still remains close to Diana as she continues "to use Rachel's music during my lessons when I teach and I think of her often when I play." The Hartt School and Mr.Wion were very important to Rachel.
Kim (De Luccio) Collins ('92) and her husband Steve are expecting a baby boy, their first baby, at the end of January! Kim shares, "I am still performing orchestrally and teaching. In fact, I am playing a recital in December at eight months pregnant (and keeping my fingers crossed I can make all the phrases), and have concerts scheduled until the week of my due date. I figure keeping busy will make the time pass, plus the baby really likes music!"
Marie and Catherine Negro (’88) report, “This year just flew by! Last January we celebrated our 40th birthday with our families and friends. We are still keeping busy as usual, playing as many gigs as possible and teaching flute lessons. Our children are growing up so quickly. Marie’s son Brian is in 4th grade, started playing the saxophone, and is continuing with piano. Elizabeth is in 2nd grade and is active with Girl Scouts. Catherine’s son, Daniel, is in 3rd grade and is also playing the piano and continuing with TaeKwonDo. He just received his brown belt! Michael is in pre-K and looking forward to kindergarten next year.”
Lisa Polisar ('88) co directed and co wrote a film called "Vanishing Voices” with Tobias Katz. It was selected to be a part of this year's Santa Fe Film Festival! The film is a short documentary about a legendary Native American painter. The film was shown at two different times in December at the Jean Cocteau Theater in Santa Fe on Guadalupe Street in Sambusco Plaza.
Mark Vickers ('85) sends his regards from Cromwell CT. He is still music director at Cromwell High School and continues to play flute in the Charter Oak Flute Choir, as well as play flute and piccolo with the Connecticut Valley Chamber Orchestra.
Suzanne Pasquini Cristina ('83) reports, "Music is happening everyday in our household. Our sons are 15 and 12 years old now. The 15-year -old plays first trumpet with the Springfield Youth Symphony and the 12-year-old plays first bassoon in the Springfield Youth Sinfonia (the training orchestra). I am still playing principal flute with the Torrington Symphony Orchestra in Torrington, Connecticut. It is a fun group and I get to play some of the great flute solos. During the day, I am a Research Analyst at Hamilton Sundstrand, United Technologies; doing research to help solve technical problems, defend patent infringements, support company mergers and acquisitions, etc. My non-music major in chemistry certainly helps me in this job along with the Masters in Library Science."
Susan Wittkowski Kroeker ('83) acts as personnel manager and second flutist with the Pennsylvania Centre Orchestra. She is a contractor and performer with Community Chamber Artists in State College, PA and teaches private lessons as well. Susan was instructor of flute for the flute majors at Penn State in 2004 when Dr. Eleanor Armstrong was on sabbatical. She writes, "I am still married to Barry Kroeker, oboist, (MM '82) and we are excited that our kids are all musicians as well-- 2 violinists, harpist, cellist, and singer."
Ali Ryersen ('79) voted one of the top jazz flutists in the annual Downbeat Jazz Magazine poll, is the Jazz Chair for the NFA, and the Ali Ryerson Jazz Flute Big Band is performing at the Albuquerque NFA convention. Also, her NFA proposal to create a Jazz Flute Big Band Competition was accepted this year by the NFA executive board. It is scheduled to begin at the August '09 convention in NYC. Ali continues to tour and present clinics. This year trips took her to New Zealand, Belgium, and throughout the States. In addition to the 5th annual Ali Ryerson Jazz Flute Master Class, she is also going to be featured at the Florida Flute Fair, California State University @ Long Beach, and in Bonefro, Italy during 2007. Her new recording on the 'Sweet Jazz' label recorded at Hilton Head Island, SC at 'The Jazz Corner' is due for release in the spring of '07. She is also busy at work completing a commission, a jazz flute method book, due for publication Aug. '07. Please visit Ali's website www.aliryerson.com for a more complete itinerary.
Mr. Wion writes, " I have had a full year. At Hartt we have perhaps the strongest overall class ever and I have enjoyed my teaching. I have four new grad students, and two freshmen, one each from New Zealand, Washington State, Iowa, Ohio, NY, and Massachusetts. Three flutes are in 20/20 this year. My wife and I had two stimulating trips - to Costa Rica over the spring break and Italy during the summer. I hope to see as many of you as possible at the NFA convention in August when I receive my award. I will organize a reunion for all who can make it."
2005 Wion Studio Newsletter
Happy....spring, everyone! This used to be a holiday newsletter, but I've been getting further and further behind every year. Would anyone be interested in taking over production of the newsletter? It's actually a pretty easy job, but my schedule has become very dense. Please email if you're interested, and I can tell you more about what it entails.
Hartt senior Molly McLaughlin won the 2005 Miami String Quartet competition and placed first in the Van Rooy competition, winning the $10,000 grand prize! Audrey Harrison also made it to the finals of the Van Rooy competition. As usual, Mr. Wion's students are sweeping the competitions at Hartt!
Lauren Gallo (BM, '04) has returned to Hartt to get her Masters degree in music education. Her concentration is wind conducting, and she works with the Hartt Symphony Band every semester. Currently, she's applying for doctoral programs in conducting. Emily Higgins (BM '04) has a large flute studio and is freelancing in Charlotte, NC. Starting in February, she'll be directing a newly formed high school flute choir.
Jessi Rosinski (BM '03) is finishing her Masters degree at New England Conservatory this semester. She plans to remain in Boston after graduation. Jessi won 3rd prize at this year's New York Flute Club Young Artists Competition, and was one of the winners at the Albert Cooper International Flute Competition and the NFA masterclass competition. Jessi performs with the Callithumpian Consort and White Rabbit, Harvard's new music group. If you're in Boston, check out Jessi's graduation recital on April 2 at 4pm at NEC!
Megan Sweeney is currently teaching full-time at Plainfield Central School in Plainfield, Connecticut. "I teach middle school band and 6th grade general music. I am gigging whenever I can, and I am still teaching at the Nutmeg Conservatory in Torrington, CT."
Caitlin Duffy (BM '02) is currently working as a K-5 General Music teacher in Massachusetts and loving it. She writes, "The most important news is I will be getting married in August of '06 to a jazz musician." Sarah Caissie (BM '02) is "still at Brandeis University, writing my dissertation ("Humor in Beethoven's Early Piano Sonatas") and playing 2nd flute with the New England Philharmonic. I also recently got engaged to a man I met swing dancing- we are planning an October wedding."
Joy Zalkind (BM '01) won the second flute audition for the El Paso Symphony Orchestra, and has also performed as principal for the Las Cruces Symphony in New Mexico. In September, she will be attending Carnegie Mellon University to study with Jeanne Baxtresser as an Advanced Flute Studies student. Joy writes, "In May, I bought a Nagahara headjoint that I love and in September, I was featured on KTEP, which is El Paso's national public radio. I was also the piccolo clinician at New Mexico State University's Flute Fusion."
Christine Deschler Brimhall (BM '01) married Hartt graduate, Daniel Brimhall, in July. They currently reside in Maryland. Christine teaches elementary band and orchestra, and is assistant director of the Prince George's County Preparatory Orchestra.
Judy Tripp (MM '99) is working on 6 years of employment with the The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps and looking forward to a promotion in the near future. She was married in July 2004 to Drum Major Joshua Dukes and is expecting a child in the end of May! "We have recently purchased a home in Woodbridge, Virginia, along the Occoquan River (it is beautiful). I have a studio of seven students and play 3rd flute/piccolo for a local orchestra, the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic."
Holly Hughes Stone (MM '98) gave birth to Duncan Avery Stone on May 18. Holly writes: "He is a very sweet blond haired, blue eyed little baby. Geoff and I are enjoying parenthood much more than we expected to."
Alicia DiDonato (BM '98) continues to freelance in Boston, and was the first prize winner of the 2005 Flute Festival Mid-South Young Artist Competition and the second prize winner of the 2006 Flute Society of Washington Piccolo Artist Competition. She often performs with the Boston Symphony and Boston Pops, and is a member of Boston Musica Viva, Firebird Ensemble, Boston Modern Orchestra Project, and Opera Boston. She was just named the new flutist for the Radius Ensemble. Her concert calendar can be found at http://homepage.mac.com/cafe_alicia
Nelba Amaro-Marquez Greene (BM '97) is expecting another addition to her family in April! "Jimmy, Isaiah, Ana (expected 4/06) and I are all in excellent health. Jimmy continues to perform all over the place and I am the clinical therapist at a therapeutic group home for girls in Cromwell. I love my job and being a mom and a wife. We recently moved to a brand new home in Wethersfield and are loving having so much more space for our growing family. I don't get to play as often as I would like but I have a strong suspicion that Isaiah will be the new "family musician" soon. He's got three keyboards, five hand percussion instruments, a saxophone and a jazz guitar."
Barbara Hopkins reports that her "24 Short Concert Pieces" CD is now in its second printing! Also, she says, "I'm taking Baroque flute lessons with Doug Worthen. Doug is working on his DMA at Hartt with John, and has a Master's in traverso. It's a blast!"
Patricia Lazzara Davila had a great fall season playing severals recitals with her harpist Elaine Christy and with UpTown Flutes. Both ensembles are in the process of commissioning new works. One of the highlights was playing principal for Verdi's "Aida" with the Gateway Classical Music Society. She will also be premiering Christopher Caliendo's new Flute Concerto #1 next season. As the co-director of the NJ Flute Society, she is busy planning for the upcoming New Jersey Flute Choir Day on March 26, 2006. Her CDs - "Celestial Sounds of Christmas for flute and harp" and "An UpTown Christmas" with UpTown Flutes - continue to sell well. please check out her website: www.christydavila.com
Susan Wittkowski Kroeker (MM '81) wrote to Mr. Wion this January. In addition to being personnel manager with the Pennsylvania Centre Orchestra, she also performs as second flutist with the orchestra. She is a conctractor and performer with Community Chamber Artists in State College, PA. She has been home schooling her five children (aged 10, 13, 15, 17, and 19) for fourteen years. "I was instructor of flute for the flute majors at Penn State in 2004 when Dr. Eleanor Armstrong was on sabbatical. I was also principal flutist with the So. Dakota Symphony in the past, and have performed with the Harrisburg and Altoona Symphonies. I am still married to Barry Kroeker, oboist, (MM '82) and we are excited that our kids are all musicians as well-- 2 violinists, harpist, cellist, and singer."
Ali Ryerson, appointed Jazz Committee Chair for the NFA in 2005, is still a Sankyo Artist and was commissioned to write a jazz flute method book, due for publication in 2007. She was one of the winners in the Downbeat's Jazz Poll for the third year. After an extensive 2005 touring season, Ali will visit New Zealand and Belgium this year, and perform at the Kennedy Center on March 10 and 11. She is holding a master class in Carmel Valley this summer, and will be the featured performer at the 2007 Florida Flute Fair. Visit www.aliryerson.com for more iternerary info!
Mark Vickers is on his twentieth year as director of music at Cromwell High School, and continues playing flute with the Charter Oak Flute Choir, CT Valley Chamber Orchestra, and various summer concert bands.
Monica Corton will be the 2006 Chairperson of Copyright Awareness Week which will be taking place from March 6-10, 2006. This is her second year chairing this event which is dedicated to encouraging school teachers to teach a lesson about copyright during CAW. The event is sponsored by the Copyright Society of the USA but is funded by ASCAP, BMI, the Harry Fox Agency, the Motion Picture Association of America and many other copyright related businesses and associations. This year Monica is producing a video about copyright with the MPAA and continuing with the recruitment of celebrity musician/songwriters for the radio Public Service Announcement campaign. Current artists include 3 Doors Down, Deborah Allen, Gavin DeGraw, John Legend, Martina McBride, Paul Overstreet and Leslie Satcher. In addition, Monica continues her work as Vice President of Creative Affairs & Licensing at Next Decade Entertainment, a music publishing company. She also continues to play her flute, focusing on jazz, rock and classical appearances.
Linda Wadsworth's (BM '79) students are finding great success: "One former student is now at North Texas State working on a masters in flute, one is just starting up a new music therapy program at a hospital in Minneapolis, MN, one is finishing up a music therapy bachelor's at U.W. Eau Claire, and and three are starting their freshman years at the University of Minnesota and Lawrence Conservatory. But of course I still find plenty of time for working with injured raptors at two nature centers and at the university."
Tomoko Igarashi now works for the Softwood Export Council of Portland, OR.
Thank you, everyone, for all your updates, and I apologize for getting this out so late this year! I truly have enjoyed reading about everyone's successes -- I think we can all agree that Mr. Wion prepares his students brilliantly for life -- in the music world, and out of it! Have a beautiful spring, and a brilliant 2006.
Alicia DiDonato
cafe_alicia@mac.com
Dear Everyone, First, apologies for the lateness of this year's newsletter. It's been a crazy year for me - in fact, I'll give my update right now (sort of as an excuse). I received my MM from New England Conservatory last May, and then moved to Portugal to play with the Remix Ensemble (a new music group in Porto). However, I quit that job after an extremely short time (though I loved the food and wine) and came back to continue freelancing here in Boston; some highlights of the last season included a month with the BSO at Tanglewood, performances with the Borromeo Quartet, and I'm playing regularly with Boston Musica Viva. Since September, I've been the flute professor at Gordon College. Plus, I moved to Cambridge -- totally hectic. Now I'm just trying to get organized! Wion Studio graduating seniors are: Jeremy Brimhall, Lauren Gallo, Kristen Komisky, and Emily Higgins. New performance majors in the studio are Sandy Hughes from Oregon (who joined the 20/20 program) and Audrey Harrison from California, along with Guiliana Sarullo and Ashley Crawford, both music education majors. Kristen Komisky and Megan Sweeney, double majors, were student teaching. Megan and Kristen played with the orchestra in the fall, and Megan is making plans to attend England again this summer to participate in the International Flute Festival. Playing in the orchestra this semester are seniors Jeremy Brimhall, Avi Greenberg and Emily Higgins, and sophomore Molly McLaughlin. The Van Rooy Competition was opened for the first time to all undergraduate instrumentalists last fall -- Jeremy, Molly, and Sandy were among the seven finalists! Sandy took the $10,000 first prize and Jeremy took the $5000 second prize. Avi and Sandy were winners in the Miami Quartet competition: Avi will play the Romberg "Divertimento", Sandy the Ginastera "Impresiones de la Puna". Jessi Rosinski, Lisa Conley, and Johanna Borenstein graduated from Hartt last year. Johanna is pursuing her MM at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music with Timothy Day. Last fall, she was accepted as a substitute member into the Philharmonic of the Nations, directed by Justus Frantz. Before graduating from Hartt, Johanna won a reading of the Nielsen Concerto with the school orchestra. Jessi spent the summer playing with the College Light Opera Company in Falmouth, MA, and went abroad to Stratford-Upon-Avon for the Stratford International Flute Festival hosted by Elena Duran. This year, she has been teaching in the Hartt Community Division, the UConn Community School of the Arts, and the Nutmeg Conservatory (where she presented a faculty recital this fall). In addition, Jessi's been playing with a new contemporary music group called Prima Ensemble and has been studying with Laura Gilbert. Cailtin Duffy ('02) has been teaching fifth and sixth grade general music for the past two years, and also teaches private lessons in her home town. Kaitlin Earley ('01) is attending the Florida School of Traditional Midwifery, in the 3-year direct-entry program. She writes: "I'm a student midwife, and when I graduate I'll be a licensed midwife in the state of Florida. I am starting to attend births, and loving every single minute of this training. I'm still teaching a few students, and playing when I can (which isn't as often as I'd like because I'm a full time student and doing clinicals). I am, however, SO grateful for the time I put into mastering the flute and going to school, and I love playing more than ever - because, as they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder." I've really enjoyed keeping in touch with Joy Zalkind ('01), who continues her tenure as third flute/piccolo for the El Paso Symphony Orchestra in TX, and has moved up to second flute for the Opera Company. This last summer, she attended masterclasses by Walfrid Kujala at Northwestern and Zart Dombourian-Eby with Immanuel Davis in Seattle. She has a studio of 25 students in Albuquerque. Christine Deschler ('01) graduated from Yale University this past May, and is currently the Director of Instrumental Music/Coordinator of the Young Musicians Program at The Country School in Madison, CT. She also freelances in the Connecticut area with the Waterbury, Wallingford and Bridgeport Symphonies, and maintains a private studio. After graduating from the Manhattan School of Music, Julie Averill ('01) is living in New York City and working as administrative assistant for the New York Youth Symphony while teaching flute privately. Holly (Hughes) Stone ('98) played second flute with the Huntsville Symphony for the fall season and is principal flute with the Nashville Praise Symphony. She performed at a local flute festival in January and judged some competitions. She resigned from public school teaching, but continues to teach flute at Cumberland University and at area high schools, as well as maintaining a private studio at home. Jennifer Kuk ('98) wrote to say that she performed her first Leonore while subbing as Principal flutist with the Henderson Symphony! Her DMA recital is on April 28th. I also know that she was HUGELY involved with last year's Las Vegas flute convention as the local chair! And it was a fabulous success, due in no small part to Jenn, I'm sure! Nelba (Amaro-Marquez) Greene ('97), who looks great (I just saw her at her baby shower) writes: "We are expecting our first child in June, I am completing my Master's and we are in Hartford and God is good." Denise (Cohen) Abner ('96) is expecting her second baby on May 6th! Her daughter, Sophie Moon, is now about 18 months old. Elisa Seddon's ('95) daughter, Gwyneth, was born on June 23, 2003. Elisa reports that both Gwyneth and her big brother are keeping her quite busy. Kim (De Luccio) Collins finished a one year position with the Springfield Symphony this past fall. She's back on the freelance scene, playing with Hartford, New Haven, Springfield, Vermont and Waterbury Symphonies. Her newest passion is training horses and she makes some money on the side working with people and horses, and teaching them how to work together respectfully. She still owns and rides her ex-race horse, Tahiti Sweetie, who is now semi-retired. Kathy Weidenfeller played host to Mr. Wion in Finland in October. She says, "Other than that, I've been more mom than flutist this year. I still have a full teaching studio, but not too much playing this year. I have been following my eldest daughter's violin lessons for the second year, and have learned much from her teacher that I use with my own students (who says an old dog can't learn new tricks). My second daughter has gotten interested in flute, and gets a very nice sound on her fife! The twin boys will soon be 4, and sing like little angels, and have both decided that they want to learn to play any and all possible instruments." Holly (Oswald) Clemans ('79) is professor of flute at Concordia University in Ann Arbor, MI. She performs with the Plymouth Symphony and the Mosaic Chamber Ensemble, and maintains a private studio in her home. She is a member of the NFA Pedagogy Committee and is active with the Southeast Michigan Flute Association. When she is not doing music things, she serves as CEO of all household activities for husband Daniel, and daughters Kirsten (12) and Gretchen (9). I received information on Ali Ryerson's new Christmas CD -- check it out on www.aliryerson.com. Patricia (Lazzara) Davila has recently released her new CD "Celestial Sounds" with harpist Elaine Christy. She is the co-director of the NJ Flute Society, is a founding member of UpTown Flutes and principal Flute of the North Jersey Philharmonic. Please visit her website : www.christydavila.com. Lisa (Striano) Polisar's second mystery novel, Knee Deep, was released in December of 2003 by Port Town Publishing, and sales on her debut thriller, Blackwater Tango, have been very good! She is writing book reviews, art reviews and feature articles for several magazines, has an article coming out in PAN Magazine in March, and will be recording her first jazz flute CD, along with trumpet player Steve Nygaard, in April. AND, Mr. Wion writes: "In July I was in residence at the International Flute Festival in Stratford upon Avon which was attended by Hartt students Megan Sweeney, Avi Greenberg, Jessi Rosinski, and Lisa Conley. In October I participated in the 20th anniversary of the Finnish Flute Society at Tampere, Finland where I was fortunate to have Hartt alum Kathy Weidenfeller as my chauffeur, translator and perfect companion. In January 2004 I was in Australia where my wife was staging a Balanchine program and taught at the Melbourne Flute Weekend attended by more than fifty flutists of all ages." Thanks for all the updates, everyone! Continue sending them along. Next year I'll be much more on the ball. - Alicia DiDonato ('98) homepage.mac.com/cafe_alicia
Happy Holidays to everyone! I almost thought I wouldn't get this one out in time! Every year the number of returned newsletters grows larger. If you know the addresses or emails of any of the following people, please let me know right away: Patty Alexander, Sue Armstrong, Diana Charos, Meg Suzuki, Sue Torke, Heayoung Kim, Teresa Benvenuto, Giardana Belenchia, Rachel Feitelson, Lisa Harris, Carole Harvatin Linder, Anne Schelling, Ji Young Kim, and Jill Jenkins. Wow! It's a long list.
First, some info on Mr. Wion's newest students! Senior Kristen Komisky from Poughkeepsie, NY transferred to Hartt from Boston University last year, and attended both the Gary Schocker and Julius Baker masterclasses this summer. Freshman Molly McLaughlin hails from Holden, Massachusetts. Abe Cañamar, first year MM, graduated from Calfiornia State University Long Beach where he studied with John Barcellona. He has participated in masterclasses with Julius Baker, Michael Parloff, Jeffrey Khaner, William Montgomery, Alexa Still and William Bennett. Carla Roberts, a freshman from Pleasant Hill, California, was the principal flute of the Oakland Youth Orchestra in high school. Freshman Regina Roper comes from Tenafly, NJ.
Mr. Wion's continuing students are Avi Greenberg, who performed in last summer's Baker masterclass; Anthea Kechley and Lisa Conley, who spent the summer studying in Stratford, England at the Stratford International Flute Festival; Megan Sweeney, Emily Higgins, Lauren Gallo, Minta White, and Jeremy Brimhall. Senior Johanna Borenstein, who also went to Stratford, placed as a runner up in last year's Paranov Concerto competition and will record the Nielsen Concerto with the Hartt Symphony Orchestra this fall. Senior Jessi Rosinski studied at the Bowdoin Festival with Laura Gilbert and the Now and Present Flute Seminar with Patricia Spencer this past summer. She also recently played in a master class for Robert Dick at the Greater Boston Flue Association flute fair.
Births! To John and YuNa (Ku) Robertson a daughter on June 26. To David and Denise (Cohen) Abner a daughter on Sep 20.
Weddings! I'm going to Holly Hughes' ('98), who is now an adjunct flute professor at Cumberland University, on January 4 and I'm psyched! Rosanne Swire Santucci ('90) writes that she was was married in July to violinist David Santucci (Hartt '89). They live in Jamaica Plain, MA, do a lot of freelancing, and Rosanne also works as a graphic designer
Kaitlin Earley ('01) will be attending the Florida School of Traditional Midwifery beginning in August, 2003. Alice Park ('01) is in the 214th Army Ground Forces Band in Atlanta, GA. She says, "It's a great job! I have lots of free time to practice, teach, go running with my 2 dogs, and hear the ASO" - and study with Christina Smith and Carl Hall!
Joy Zalkind ('01) is Third Flute/Piccolo with both the El Paso Symphony and the El Paso Opera. This May, she'll be graduating with her Master's and last summer she attended the Ervin Monroe Masterclass on Orchestral Excerpts. Christine Deschler ('01) will be graduating from Yale this year and performed at the Baker Masterclass in Danbury. She was part if the Lincoln Center Out of Doors Festival and can be heard on Stephen Gryc's new CD, "Dreams and Nocturnes". "I also have a new addition to my family - a beautiful calico cat named Pumpernickel!" Julie Averill ('01) will also be graduating this year from the Manhattan School of Music, where she studied with Robert Langevin. Last summer she was a chamber musician at Quisisana Resort in Maine, playing four nights a week.
Amy Dankowski ('99), who works at the Oberlin Conservatory library, will complete her Master's in Library and Information Science from Kent State in May. She currently lives in Cleveland and performs with the Vannevar Trio, a group she formed with a violinist and cellist. Judy Tripp ('99) is still enlisted in the Army's Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, and will be until July 2005. She lives in Lorton, VA in her new condo with her two cats, Willis and Arnold, keeps a studio of about ten students and also plays with the Mount Vernon Orchestra. "I should also mention I've become involved in the Irish music scene and have been studying Irish flute. It's been great."
Jenn Kuk ('98) performed a sold out solo concert for the Prisms Concert Series in Las Vegas this past May. That same month, she toured Japan with the UNLV Wind Orchestra. Currently pursuing a DMA at the University of Nevada, while also functioning as a part-time professor, Jenn is still President of the Las Vegas Flute Club and Local Chair of the National Flute Association Convention, 2003. ("Viva Las Vegas!" says Jenn!) Her studio is full and flourishing and she subs as Principal Flute with the Henderson Symphony. Alicia DiDonato ('98) is a regular second flute and piccolo sub for the Boston Symphony, Boston Pops, and Boston Lyric Opera. Last summer she was the flutist for the Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble. She'll be performing in Portugal in January with the Remix Ensemble, and will return to the States in February to perform the Christopher Rouse flute concerto with the New England Conservatory Symphony as the winner of NEC's concerto competition. She'll graduate from NEC in May. And . . . she has started ballroom dancing, focusing on Argentine Tango!
Sara Barash ('91) is the Director of Instrumental Music and Band at the Woodrow Wilson Elementary School in Elizabeth, New Jersey. In addition, she teaches K-5 General Music, maintains a private studio, is on the faculty of the Suburban Community Music Center, plays with Flutique (a flute trio) and subs with the New Jersey Symphony. Kim DeLuccio Collins won a one year position as Second Flute with the Springfield (MA) Symphony. In addition to her Springfield Symphony success, she soloed with the Waterbury Symphony playing Frank Martin's Concerto for Seven Winds and Orchestra. She also started a job teaching flute and chamber music at Fairfield University this year -- and her off-track Thoroughbred came home with a fourth place
and a second place at her first dressage show! Monica Corton ('88) writes that after working at Boosey and Hawkes, she "went on to rock and roll"! For the past eleven years, she has been the Vice President of Creative Affairs and Licensing for Next Decade Entertainment, Inc. in New York City. Last year, she supervised the music for the Broadway production of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and this year she supervised the CBS movie of the week "Gleason," She is an active member of the Friars Club and the Copyright Society of the USA. She plays her flute as much as possible through groups at her synagogue and in June, participated in a chamber music recital at the 92nd Street Y. Kathy Weidenfeller continues her work on the board of the Finnish Flute Society and as a teacher, and performed on a concert demonstration of Matit Carbon Fibre flutes last spring. Ali Ryerson just released "Christmas in Connecticut" with guitarist Joe Beck - order it for next year at aliryerson.com! Patricia Lazzara Davila, a Miyazawa flute artist, is a founding member of UpTown Flutes, a flute ensemble in residence at Drew University in Madison, NJ. The ensemble was a winner of the Artists International Chamber Music Competition and was presented in a sold out recital at Carnegie's Weill Recital Hall in June 2002. They also performed at a Showcase recital at the Washington DC Flute Convention this past summer. Patty was the recording editor and producer for UpTown Flutes' new CD,"A Flute Renaissance." She continues to concertize with her harp partner, has a full teaching studio and was recently the subject of a NY Flute Club Member Profiles Column. She is married to James and has 2 very musically talented daughters, Jessica and Melanie. Lisa Striano Polisar ('88) is a professional jazz flutist now living in Albuquerque. "I have about 5 students that I teach on Saturday mornings, but most of my time is spent writing mystery novels these days!" Check out her mysteries on amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com, her articles on jazz flute in Flutewise, and her art reviews, book reviews and feature stories in Crosswinds Weekly, a New Mexico magazine. Visit lisapolisar.com for even more info on Blackwater Tango, her first thriller! Linda Wadsworth (' 79) attended the Boxwood Festival last summer, which is a workshop in Nova Scotia directed by Chris Norman. It focuses on traditional (mostly Celtic and Cape Breton) and early music. "I went into it with no knowledge of the styles and only limited experience with learning totally by ear. The music is loads of fun to play and the ear training practice was excellent. I'm able to use much of what I learned with my present students of all ages and highly recommend the event for everyone. Now, in addition to my studio of 40 students (ages 8 - college) and my repair business, I'm trying to make time to practice on a new keyless flute!" Linda continues to volunteer with training raptors for education and exercising injured eagles. Debra (Lowenthal) Abraham is back in the public schools, teaching music. She sadly reports the death of a former Wion student, Anna Klune. Anna passed away about 7 years ago; she was a volunteer with the Farmington Valley Symphony Orchestra and served on its Board of Directors for several years. She was severly injured in a car accident, and never regained consciousness. Anna was in a coma for about a month before passing away.
Elisa Seddon writes: "In my "spare" time, in between running after my 1-year-old Owen and trying not to blow myself up in the lab at work, I've been accompanying my
company's Christmas Choir on piano, and will play flute in our Christmas concerts over the holidays."
The Big W writes: "The early part of my year was spent on sabbatical from Hartt. I used the time to expand the "Errata" and "Orchestral Principals" sections of my internet site. I also did research in London on the Molique Concerto which resulted in an article in The Flutist Quarterly. Finally I prepared and published a flute and piano version of the Romberg Divertimento. In May I was invited to participate in the 17th International Flute Festival in Lima, Peru and took advantage of the proximity to visit Macchu Pichu and other Incan sites in the Andes. I have now retired from my position at the New York City Opera and am enjoying my class of fifteen at Hartt this fall. Two CDs made in the recent past were released this fall. Albany Records reissued out of print performances of Robert Baksa's Octet for Winds and Nonet for Strings and Winds, adding the newly recorded Quintet for Flute and Strings. I am particularly fond of the Nonet, though all the music is charming. The other CD contains chamber music by Hartt composer Stephen Gryc on the Centaur label. It includes my performance of Shadowdance for flute and piano and a terrific performance of the flute, oboe, harpsichord trio "Six Mechanicals" with Christine Deschler and two other colleagues from Hartt's 20/20 program."
Thank you, everyone, for submitting such great updates!!! Keep on doing it, either by emailing me at alicia426@ aol.com, or writing to me at:
Alicia DiDonato
3 Elmhurst Rd.
Stoneham MA
02180
Happy New Year to everyone! Thank you for all your updates. This year, make a resolution to write or email me with news and address changes! And, if you know the whereabouts of Teresa Benvenuto, Giordana Belenchia, Rachel Feitelson, Lisa Harris, Anna Klune, Carole Harvatin Lindner, Anne Schelling, JiYoung Kim, or Jill Jenkins, please let me know.
Mr. Wion's studio continues to be large and very active! Amanda Izzo joins the class from New York, where last year she was a student at the Manhattan School of Music Preparatory School. Anthea Kechley, Minta White and Kristen Kominsky are also new Wion students. The summer of 2001 found the class studying and working all over the country: sophomores Avigal Greenberg and Megan Sweeney took lessons with the principal of the Delaware Symphony Orchestra, Carol Brown-Beste; they also put on a recital at the end of the summer. Junior Lauren Gallo worked with Greig Shearer. Junior Johanna Borenstein presented a recital sponsored by the Sharon Chamber Group Association and went to Peterborough, New Hampshire to attend Robert Dick's improvisation master class. Senior Caitlin Duffy, a music education major who is looking forward to teaching in an elementary school next year, taught lessons to beginning flute students. Sophomore Emily Higgins was on the faculty of the Brightstar Music Festival in Charlotte; Junior Jessi Rosinski went to the Bowdoin Summer Music Festival in Maine and studied with Laura Gilbert. This year, the flutists in the Hartt Symphony Orchestra are Johanna Borenstein, senior Sarah Caissie, Jessi Rosinski, and sophomore Jeremy Brimhall.
Kaitlin Earley, who graduated in May with a MM, was appointed the Head of Circulation at Hartt's Allen Memorial Library. In addition to this full-time position, she teaches privately and at the Hartt Community Division. Joy Zalkind is pursuing her MM in performance at the University of New Mexico, playing principal in the school's orchestra. She won a national competition for her job as music archivist to the Robb Trust Musical Collection at the Center for Southwest Research in Albuquerque, and won the third flute/piccolo position with the El Paso Symphony Orchestra in Texas. She was asked to play with the El Paso Opera Company, and her trio was asked to perform at the annual CMS Convention in Santa Fe. This last summer, Joy was invited to play at a new music seminar where she performed Thea Musgrave's Narcissus. After spending part of the summer studying at Banff, Christine Deschler has moved to New Haven to study with Ransom Wilson at Yale. Julie Averill is continuing her education at the Manhattan School of Music in the Orchestral Performance Program. She studies with Robert Langevin.
Amy Dankowski now lives in Cleveland and is working on her Masters in Library Science at Kent State University. She also works at the Oberlin Conservatory music library in preparations. Alicia DiDonato has moved back to Boston to study with Fenwick Smith at the New England Conservatory. She was a performer at last summer's Costa Rica Music Festival, won the NEC Wind Ensemble Concerto Competition with Berio's Serenata No. 1, and will be competing in the Pappoutsakis Flute Competition finals on February 3. Holly Hughes won 3rd prize in the Mid South Flute Festival Young Artist Competition which was held in Memphis last March. In October she played on a WPLN radio show "Live from Studio B" with guitarist and composer Roger Hudson in Nashville. Holly also continues to substitute with the Nashville Symphony and will be giving a flute recital this spring. Jenn Kuk, the president of the Las Vegas Flute Club, is also a part-time wedding planner! She subs with the Las Vegas Philharmonic, freelances, teaches full-time, and was just signed to do a solo series for the Prizm Concert Series. She is teaching her first masterclass in Las Vegas on January 26th. Abby McGough, recently engaged to Scott Tuffiash, teaches flute, music theory and chamber music at the Pittsburgh Music Academy, a Suzuki based school. She also teaches at Musik Innovations, a store north of Pittsburgh, the Holy Family Institute, and a Montessori school. Last summer, she performed in a master class with Louis Moyse. Betsy Garry is also engaged and will be married this summer. She is teaching privately and at a music academy that is modeled after a conservatory preparatory program. Her soprano and flute duo, Duo Rossignol, won a competition in the spring and will be playing on a concert series in January. Sarah Brandenburg Graumann gave a recital at Hartt last October. Be sure to say hi to her the next time you're at Brannen Brothers!
Kim DeLuccio Collins writes that The Collins Project premiered John Thow's From Both Sides of the Sun for flute, alto flute and percussion last winter in a concert sponsored by the Connecticut Alliance for Music. They will be guest artists at a new music festival at Cameron University in Lawton, OK this February. In addition, Kim is performing Frank Martin's Concerto for Seven Winds and Orchestra this January with the Waterbury Symphony and will be the guest soloist in February for the Wolcott Classics. She has also been invited to play Mozart's Flute and Harp Concerto with Waterbury during the 2002/2003 season. In other news, "My horse, Tahiti Sweetie, and I won our first blue ribbon together in a horse show this past fall. I continue to ride regularly and enjoy it very much, despite the dislocated shoulder last April!"
Patricia Lazzara Davila is a founding member of UpTown Flutes, an innovative nonet in residence at Drew University, and a recent winner of the Artists International competition. They will perform at Carnegie Hall in June of 2002. Patricia has a busy concert and gig schedule, in addition to a full flute studio and a very active family. In November, she presented a recital with a harpist at Princeton University. Check out Ali Ryerson's website: www.aliryerson.com. In December, Ali was the guest jazz soloist with the Ft. Wayne Philharmonic; last summer, she was the music director of the first annual Catskill Jazz Festival. In 2002, from July 1-6, she's be teaching a jazz flute masterclass at the Hidden Valley Insititute of the Arts in Carmel Valley, CA, and on July 29, she'll present a masterclass at Western Connecticut State University. Listen to Ali on her new recording with guitarist Joe Beck. Django, on the dmp label, is available at www.joebeckmusic.com/duo.html. You can also listen to them live in February in Tucson, AZ, and in Holland and Belgium in May (any Wion students over there?).
I received information from Kathy Weidenfeller about the Finnish Flute Society's recent activities and from Marjorie Bollinger about the Great Boston Flute Association. At the NFA convention, Barbara Hopkins, who is teaching a pedagogy class at UConn, saw Holly Oswald Clemans give a talk about building a teaching studio from scratch.
The Big W himself writes: "The first part of my year was much the same as usual, teaching at Hartt and playing the opera season. Over the summer I played a season of La Scala Ballet at the Lincoln Center Festival, visited Banff, Canada and Melbourne, Australia where my wife was working, and taught a class while in Melbourne. In the fall I took a leave from the opera and my only playing, apart from lesson duets, was in some chamber music concerts. A non-musical highlight was watching from the bleachers as the Yankees came from behind to win the fifth game of the World Series."
Thanks to Jessi Rosinski for helping me put this newsletter together! Write to me at:
Holiday greetings from Miami Beach! I hope the year 2000 has treated you all exceptionally well. I'm trying a new email version of the newsletter so I can save some paper!
There has been some interest expressed in a directory of Wion student addresses. Please write and let me know if you'd be willing to have your contact info available to other former Wion students. I could put the information on a webpage accessible only by password.
Thanks again to Joy Zalkind for assisting me in production of this newsletter!
Mr Wion's studio gets larger every year -- this fall he welcomed five freshmen: Jeremy Brimhall from Sweetgrass, Montana; Avi Greenberg from Westborough, MA; Emily Higgins from Charlotte, NC; Megan Sweeney from Reading, PA; and Julie Yim of Korea. Students playing in the Hartt Symphony Orchestra in the fall semester were senior Christine Deschler, senior Joy Zalkind, sophomore Jessi Rosinski, and second year graduate student Kaitlin Earley. This past summer, Christine attended the Jeanne Baxtresser International Flute Masterclass and was the recipient of Hartt's Jean Pierre Rampal award. Both Christine and Jeremy were students at the Banff Festival. Joy was an intern at the Storm King Festival, and Jessi participated in the Kennedy Center/National Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute in Washington D.C. Kaitlin went to the Julius Baker masterclass at Western Connecticut State University, which was also attended by junior Sarah Caissie. Also this summer, senior Julie Averill performed with the American Wind Symphony; and graduate student Alice Park participated in a Peter Lloyd masterclass, the Cincinnati Flute Symposium, and attended the NFA Convention, where sophomore Johanna Borenstein performed with the New England Conservatory Metropolitan Flute Orchestra. Rounding out the studio are junior Caitlin Duffy, who studied with Eileen Yarrison this summer, sophomore Lisa Conley, who recently soloed in a piece of Stella Sung with an ensemble in Massachusetts, sophomore Lauren Gallo, who performed with the Gemini Youth Orchestra this summer, and Rebecca White, who was a member of the pit orchestra at the Papermill Theater in New Hampshire.
Holly Hughes is a regular substitue with the Nashville (Tennessee) and Huntsville (Alabama) symphonies. She continues to teach K-4 music, and is the the flute professor at the W.O. Smith Music School in Nashville. She's also become an avid swing dancer! Jenn Kuk is now the president of the Las Vegas flute club, and has been getting coachings from Jim Walker. Featured on a recital series for the Johns Hopkins Medical Institute on December 12 was Betsy Garry, who is now teaching and freelancing in the Baltimore/Washington area. Recently married were both Denise Cohen and Sarah Brandenburg, who is now working as the Marketing/Sales Coordinator for Brannen Brothers-Flutemakers, Inc. Denise teaches theory, sight singing and music appreciation at a performing arts high school in Manhattan called Talent Unlimited. In addition, she sings with the Collegiate Chorale, which performs three times a year in Carnegie Hall. Last summer, she was the flute instructor at the USDAN Center for the Performing Arts in Huntington Long Island.
Leslie Minnick and Alicia DiDonato were salsa-dancing bridesmaids at Nelba Amaro-Marquez's Thanksgiving wedding; Leslie continues to teach in Hartford and Nelba has been working for the Hartford Seminary. Alicia was the winner of the New World Symphony's 2000 Concerto Competition and performed the Rouse Concerto with the orchestra last May. Las summer she was reinvited for a second season as a fellow with the Tanglewood Music Center; in February she will be performing the Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 with the New World Symphony.
Kim Collins spent most of the 99/00 season playing Assistant Principal Flute with the Springfield Symphony, in addition to her regular orchestral work with New Haven, Hartford, and Waterbury Symphonies. Last February, she appeared as guest soloist at the 2000 Wolcott Classics and has been performing frequently with The Collins Project, her duo with percussionist and husband Steve Collins. On October 28th, she soloed with the Waterbury Symphony, performing Kent Kennan's Night Soliloquy. "The BIG news, however," she says, "is that we bought a horse! She is a 14 year old grey thoroughbred named Tahiti Sweetie. Riding really helps clear my head, and I am really enjoying being a horse owner."
Mary Kennedy performs with a successful flute and guitar duo and with New England Conservatory's Metropolitan Flute Orchestra. She recently produced her own CD entitled "Life Dance", which includes Celtic and original tunes, and a meditation tape entitled "Forest Walk." She can be heard on "Etain," a collaboration with Kate Chadbourne and Tim Janis; the music is currently being marketed by the Tim Janis Ensemble. She hopes to complete a master's degree from NEC in the near future.
Elisa Seddon and husband Eric moved to Ohio in June to start new jobs, after Elisa obtained her PhD in chemistry from Indiana University. She is working in Chemical Synthesis at The Lubrizol Corporation as a research chemist, and accompanying the Lubrizol Christmas Choir. Elisa still plays the flute, and is starting to get more involved in playing in community events, AND offers, "If anyone is in the Cleveland area, and you need a place to stay, you're welcome to stay with us!" You can email Elisa at els@ lubrizol.com. Marjorie Bollinger, now the office manager for the Wm. S. Haynes Co. in Boston, would also love to hear from her former colleagues. You can email her at mlb@shore.net.
Kathy Weidenfeller's family recently moved to Lahti, about one hour north of Helsinki, and welcomed twin boys in April! Now not only is she a member of the board of the Finnish flute society, most of her time is spent as mother to Anna, 5, Emma, 3 and newborns Patrik and Henrik. Suzanne Cristina continues to play locally with the Torrington Symphony. "It gives me the opportunity to play many of the orchestral excerpts that we had learned years ago. It is amazing how your fingers remember and it is fun to sight read something and be able to play it well!" She is now a Reasearch Analyst at United Technologies and her boys, who are now 9 and 6, are taking piano and keyboard lessons. Asako Arai and her quintet have been very busy with performances in Mexico, Cincinnati and Louisville. In addition to new works, the quintet played the Schoenberg, Villa Lobos and Ligeti quintets, and Asako recently put on a recital which included music of Bach, Copland, Burton, Roussel, and Richard Rodney Bennet. This past summer, the quintet (a recent recipient of a Rockefeller grant) gave a chamber music course at the National Arts Center in Mexico City.
Mr Wion writes: "The highlight of my year was a three week trip to China with my wife in May. It was a truly amazing experience, though with such a vast country we only saw some of its wonders. If any of you would like to read about the trip I would be happy to email my "report". Before leaving I recorded Robert Baksa's Quintet for Flute and Strings. This will be added to a deleted MHS CD of his Octet and Nonet and released by Albany Records. With another large freshman class this fall my studio is now full, for the first time ever. It has meant an extra day at Hartt and an even more reduced schedule at the opera where Janet Arms is now covering all the new productions."
Thanks again for sending your updates! You may continue to do so by emailing me at alicia426@ aol.com, or writing to me at:
336 21st St
Miami Beach FL
33139
May you all have a wonderful 2001 -
Alicia DiDonato
http://members.tripod.com/~ElectricLoungeFlute/index.html