I love music, I love my family, and I just love life in general! I believe in living life to the fullest, always being open to new possibilities, and to never stop learning!
I have had many experiences in my life, many ups, and many downs, and have learned many lessons the hard way. But the hardships I have endured in my life has only made me stronger, and I have always had the support of family and friends, and God has truly blessed me.
I will just start at the beginning!
CHILDHOOD-HIGH SCHOOL (1984-2003)
I grew up in a musical family. Both sides of my family are HUGE, and are very talented musically and academically. My parents forced piano lessons upon me as a child, which I now appreciate VERY much because it gave me a good foundation in music that brought me where I am today! I also sang in church choirs, singing the alto part which taught me how to sight read music fairly well.
In middle school my parents allowed me to choose an instrument, and if I did I could give up piano lessons to take lessons for that instrument! I chose the flute because I just thought it sounded fun, and I thought the flute had a beautiful sound. Once I started playing I never wanted to put it down!
I think I often underestimated myself as a kid. I was usually a lower chair because I didn't do well playing at auditions and playing tests--I got very nervous! But it was okay because I was content where I was. I was dedicated to practicing and improving, and I did very well at local competitions.
In high school, I joined the sophomore band, and that Christmas my parents got me a new flute. It made the biggest difference in my playing (I was playing on an awful used one before) and I improved very much, very quickly. I moved up to 2nd chair (I didn't try for 1st, because the girl who was in 1st was teacher's pet and I didn't want to even try to mess with that--though looking back it is so silly!). I made it into the top band in my Junior year. I also was involved in choir in high school, and in my junior year I was a member or the A capella choir, and "Cantatrise" (elite women's choir in my high school). I have always loved to sing as well. In my senior year I was a member of A Capella and Madrigals, and 2nd chair in the band, once again. I made it to first, but the girl who I beat in the audition (they were blind auditions) kept challenging for 1st chair every week, until one week we both played awful (I honestly think it burned us both out! haha) and she played a little less bad than me. At that point I was just like, whatever, and let her keep it since her heart was so set on it. I made it as Principal flute player in the district orchestra, so I was very happy with that! I also played my first concerto, Chaminade, at my high school, and played it again for the district orchestra. It was an amazing experience.
My high school flute teacher was Nancy Walker, who was an awesome teacher that I will always be grateful for! I thought she was nuts with some of the music she put in front of me to learn, but it challenged me and helped me to reach new heights in music.
ARMY BAND (2003-2009)
After high school I joined the Army and spent 6 years Active Duty in the Army Band. I was stationed in Camp Zama, Japan, and Fort Gordon, GA. The Army was one of the craziest decisions I ever made. Even now people are often surprised when I tell them I am in the military. But it was one of the best! I learned hard work, perseverance, dedication, leadership, confidence, and so many qualities that helped shape who I am today. I also grew so much musically being in the Army Band. We played in so many different situations--rain, snow and ice, or 100+ degrees and humidity, we were there! In Japan we traveled all over the country to perform and maintain friendship and relations with the Japanese. We were the face of the Army in Japan. In Georgia we did many last minute, middle of the night gigs to support troops coming home from deployment.
While I was stationed in Japan I got married and gave birth to my sweet little boy. However I am divorced and remarried now, to a wonderful man who cares for my son like he is his own.
COLLEGE (2009-current)
I took night classes here and there while I was in the Army, but I really began my college career when I got off Active Duty and started at the University of Utah. My first year at the U, I wanted to major in music, but at the time I was a single mom and was worried that I would be unable to support my son, because music jobs are scarce. I took general education classes, and was thinking I would minor in music and major in Special Education. I auditioned for the ensembles at the school of music and made it as piccolo player in the Philharmonia, which is the top orchestra at the U, and the flute choir (Runnin' Fl'Utes!). When I was at school, the only time I felt that I was where I needed to be was when I was in the music building. So in the Spring I switched to Music Education. I decided to go with my heart, and I am glad I chose that path. I still don't know where it will lead me, but that is part of the adventure!
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