Maybrook Wind Ensemble

​

​

Music Background- I have been playing flute since I was eight years old and took private lessons from the same instructor from the moment I picked up the flute until I graduated high school. In high school, I added the piccolo into the mix. When I went away to college, I started off as a music minor but by my junior year, my music professors had convinced me to change my major to music performance. They could see I was very committed to practicing and was dedicated to becoming a better musician, but my greatest barrier was that I was too quiet. I enjoyed playing music so much (and the confidence I was gaining from it) that I decided I was going to make it my mission to join every ensemble my school had to offer to break out of my shy shell. In order to do that, I knew I would need to pick up another instrument. I always loved jazz so alto saxophone seemed like the right choice. I borrowed the school saxophone, started taking lessons from my mentor, and quickly learned how to double flute and sax in my jazz ensembles. I had a very rocky senior year, but music is what got me through it all. Once I graduated, I was at a loss of where to go. I started researching and discovered many volunteer community bands (starting with SUNY Orange Symphonic Band). All the people I met along the way believed in me and guided me towards more and more opportunities (including Maybrook). Throughout the last five years, I have transformed into a paid professional, picked up the clarinet when everything shut down for COVID and I needed an outlet, and was able to teach all of my instruments as a woodwind instructor. I am so grateful for our principal clarinetist, Paul, for teaching me the clarinet and the Maybrook Wind Ensemble which allows me to continue to grow on my new instrument! I have had the ability to play all my instruments with this band and fill in wherever I am needed the most.

​

What do you enjoy about the Maybrook Wind Ensemble?   My favorite part of being a member of the MWE is getting to see and play with close friends (esp. Kathryn, Paul, Tom) and rehearsing Christmas music for our holiday concerts.

​

Anything else you would like to share?  This band is a great start for young, talented high school musicians or a great restart for more mature musicians who are looking to get back in the game.