top of page
Search
Writer's pictureAlexandra Langley

My Full Musician Story - "Secrets From a Flutist"

Hello there. My name is Alexandra Langley, but you can call me Ally. Welcome to my Flute Website! More importantly, welcome to my Flute Blog, "Secrets from a Flutists". This is the place where I will share my flute secrets, musician insights, and fun stories from my life with all of you!


Today, I will tell you my whole story as a musician. This includes the beginning, my current position, and everything in between. Let's get started!


All of my life, I have been attracted to music and the performing arts. I listened to music constantly when I would draw or do homework as it helped stimulate my mind as a child. In 2008, I started learning the flute in 5th grade band at Sundance Elementary School in San Diego, California. I continued my music journey at Mesa Verde Middle School. I participated in the Mesa Verde band program, directed by Mr. Jay Posteraro. I started taking Private Flute Lessons in 6th grade. Throughout middle school, my passion for music continued to grow as I've learned how to express my emotions through it. I also started playing the Piccolo at the age of 13 which was exciting to not only learn a second instrument, but broaden my horizon as a musician. This stage took me on adventures from the District Festivals to the State Festival in San Francisco!


My most prominent early music experiences happened in high school. I went to Westview High School in San Diego, California from 2012-2016. I was a 4-year member of the award-winning Westview Gold Music Program, directed under Ms. Jeri Webb. I was drum major of the Westview Gold Marching Band and Principal Flute of Westview Gold Wind Ensemble and Full Orchestra. Participation involved many field shows, concerts, festivals, and a state-wide tour to Sonoma, California. In addition, I earned Superior ratings as a soloist in the Westview Gold Solo and Ensemble Festival. This includes winning to 2 Command Performances in the Winner's Concert as well. Outside of school, I served as the principal flute in San Diego Civic Youth Orchestra for 4 years. CYO gave me the big opportunities of performing in the Nutcracker Ballet Orchestra, performing in Copley Symphony Hall in San Diego, and performing in the Walt Disney Hall in Los Angeles. Similar accolades include being principal piccolo for both the CASMEC All-State Symphonic Band and the Cal Poly SLO All-State Honor Band. As a soloist, I was an active member of the San Diego Flute Guild; winning 1st place in the 2016 Senior Flute Division and 3rd place in the 2016 Piccolo Division.


I am a 4th year student at the University of North Texas. I am earning a Bachelor's Degree in Music-Flute Performance. I have participated in the UNT Wind Ensemble as the Principal Piccolo from 2016-2019. I currently sit as Principal Flute and Piccolo in the elite UNT Wind Orchestra. In addition, I have performed many chamber concerts in woodwind trios and flute quintets. I am currently the primary piccolo player for the critically-acclaimed contemporary quartet, Shades Flute Quartet. I have performed with the Shades Flute Quartet at the Texas Music Educator's Association 2020 Convention. Outside of UNT, I am the resident flutist and vocalist of the Gainesville First Baptist Church. I also occasionally play as principal flutist for the Stonebriar Community Church Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony and Flute Choir in Frisco, Texas. Coming in August 2020, I will perform with the North Texas Flute Choir at the National Flute Association Convention in Dallas.

Currently, I am in my final semester at UNT. I study primarily under Terri Sundberg. I have also studied under Dr. James Scott, Dr. Charles Gibb, Dr. Veronica Mascaro, Ms. Jane Masur, and Ms. Kim Lundgren. I aspire to be a freelance flutist and arranger in both Texas and California. I dream to be a soloist, chamber musician, and ensemble flutist. I hope to earn a Master’s Degree in Flute Performance and/or Church Music.


This concludes my musician story! Thank you so much for reading. I hope you learned something new about me. Let me know something interesting about yourself as well! I'd love to know! Please subscribe to my blog to read new secrets from this flutist! I will see you next time!


23 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page