2025 WIFF Program Book by jeff.breisach

FLUTE Wisconsin Festival

WYSO

April 13, 2025

Featuring

Rhonda Larson

Andra Bohnet

Michael Morton

Welcome!

Thank you for joining us here in Madison, WI for the 22nd annual Wisconsin Flute Festival! We are excited to bring together such an outstanding group of performers, presenters, and exhibitors to share their expertise with you. Today is the culmination of a year’s work and is sure to be an unforgettable day of performances, workshops, and networking with other musicians.

This year we welcome an incredible roster of artists. Together they will present a wide range of different sessions for you to participate in and enjoy. In addition to the variety of sessions planned for today, we have a number of great companies represented in our exhibit hall! This is the perfect opportunity to scout out that new piece you just heard, explore instruments and accessories, and speak directly with knowledgeable industry representatives.

This year’s Festival has been made possible with the support of generous individuals, companies, and organizations. We would like to thank all those who have chosen to support the Festival either through monetary or in-kind gifts. A complete list of Festival sponsors can be found in the program book. Please help us thank them all for their generous support.

While we do have a full day of sessions, performances, and more planned for you, we do hope you can stay for the closing concert to hear the amazing talents of Michael Morton! During the concert we will be presenting awards to the winners of the Junior, and Young Artist Competitions.

Thank you once again for joining us for the 22nd annual Wisconsin Flute Festival.

Sincerely,

Dr. Danielle Breisach

Festival Director

Festival Administration

Danielle Breisach

Festival Director

Jeffrey Breisach

General Manager

Anne Gath

MFC Board President

Emma Koi Competitions

Erin Lesser Competitions

Heidi Keener Competitions

Emily Morton Graphic Design

James Elliot Lynch General Support

Judith Siers-Poisson Marketing

Susan Ketchum Treasurer

Festival Director: Danielle Breisach

Multifaceted flutist Dr. Danielle Breisach is a dynamic performer, educator, and conductor known for her ability to effortlessly connect with a wide range of audiences and groups. Having performed across North America, in Europe, and in Asia, Dr. Breisach is equally at home on stage as a soloist or member of an ensemble. She is Principal Flute with the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra, Piccoloist with the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra, and a substitute with the Madison Symphony Orchestra, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, and Madison Opera. She is a prize winner in the Low Flute Society’s Alto Flute Competition and has been an invited performer for the National Flute Association, Low Flute Society,

International Double Reed Society, and National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors.

Dr. Breisach currently serves on the faculty at UW-Stevens Point as Lecturer of Flute and Graduate Program Manager where she mentors undergraduate and graduate flutists in lessons, teaches pedagogy courses, conducts the UWSP Flute Choir, and administrates the Master of Music Education program. She has given guest artist classes and performances at universities in Michigan, Wisconsin, Alabama, Texas, and West Virginia. In addition to collegiate teaching, Dr. Breisach runs a thriving private studio in Madison, WI, has been on faculty for summer music camps and festivals in Wisconsin and Michigan. A talented adjudicator, she has judged youth, collegiate, and composition competitions in Texas, Florida, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, for the National Flute Association, and the Flute New Music Consortium.

Dr. Breisach is an accomplished performer on flute, piccolo, alto flute, and bass flute, and enjoys playing Irish and Swedish folk music on simple system flutes. She received a B.M. in Instrumental Music Education and M.M. in Flute Performance from Western Michigan University, a D.M.A. in Flute Performance with additional studies on baroque flute from UW-Madison, and has completed additional training in the Suzuki Method.

photo by C&N Photography

Complete Schedule

9:00am – 6:00pm

Exhibit Hall

Location: Percussion Studio – Room 203

Instruments, music, accessories, expert advice, and more! The exhibit hall is open for the duration of the festival.

9:00am – 6:00pm

Instrument Trial Rooms

2nd Floor: Practice Room – 217

3rd Floor: Practice Rooms – 318 and 319. Rooms 302, 315, 316, and 317 are also available when not being used for competition warm-up.

For all those interested in evaluating an instrument in greater detail, trial rooms are available during the festival on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please see festival staff with questions.

Sponsored by:

WYSO Center fOr muSiC - 1St flOOr

WYSO Center fOr muSiC - 2nd flOOr

for flutists of all ages in the Madison area

Offering flute performance and educational opportunities for flutists of all ages in the Madison area

www.madisonfluteclub.org

ADULT CHOIR

YOUTH CHOIRS

ADULT CHOIR

Year-Round • 4 Sets of Music

Open to adult flutists with several years of experience

Year-Round • 4 Sets of Music

Open to adult flutists with several years of experience

CHAMBER ENSEMBLE

Spring • Fall

Performing contemporary compositions in a smaller group

SMALL ENSEMBLES

Winter

Ensemble opportunities build foundational skills with a different repertoire

YOUTH CHOIRS

Spring • Summer• Fall

Opportunities for middle and high school students

WORKSHOPS

Spring • Fall

Spring • Fall Featuring special topics presented by flute professionals

Featuring special topics presented by flute professionals

LOW FLUTES

Year-Round

Club-owned low flutes available for members, including alto, bass, and contrabass flutes.

OPEN COMMUNITY EVENTS

Make Music Madison - June 21

Sounds of the Season Food Drive - December

The Madison Flute Club is a registered non-profit education, 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization and a member of the National Flute Association

The Madison Flute Club is a registered non-profit education, 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization and a member of the National Flute Association.

9:00 – 9:50am

Rhythmic Rubrics with Rhonda

Location: Rehearsal A – Room 135

Session Type: Participatory

Session Leader: Rhonda Larson – Featured Guest Artist

“Rhythmic Rubrics with Rhonda” is a very lively and untraditional group participation class. An engaging percussion background rhythm leads us in various physical flute activities, including call-and-response phrase inventing, liberating us from the written page.

Sponsored by:

Casey & Eric Oelkers • Jessica & Jim Yehle

9:00 – 10:15am

Flute Choir Reading Session

Location: Rehearsal B – Room 202

Session Type: Participatory

Session Leader: Andra Bohnet – Featured Guest Artist

Join us to read a variety of works and for an opportunity to play on low flutes! Bring your instruments. Music stands are provided.

Ukrainian National Anthem

Purple Earth

Mykhailo Verbytsky arr. Andra Bohnet

Sam Cooke b. 1969

Peace and Love Medley Traditional arr. Andra Bohnet

Suite for Pipes

Ralph Vaughan Williams arr. Andra Bohnet

The Four Elements: Earth, Fire, Water, Air Traditional arr. Andra Bohnet

By Kells Waters

Flutes and Vegetables

Kelly Via b. 1954

Jonathan Cohen b. 1954

9:30 – 11:00am

Junior Artist Competition

Location: Violin 1 Studio – Room 137

Session Type: Performance

Judges: Jae Hyun Moon, Collin Stavinoha, Joshua Stine

Competitors: Danicka Coughlin, Persephone Herold, Sophia Kim, Charlotte Kojis, Jaein Lee, Madison Qian, Oshmith Roy, Presley Scheller, Christin Yu, Greg Zalesky

Scherzino, Op. 55, No. 6

Madison Qian, flute & Yachao Qian, piano

Sonata in G Major for Flute, HWV 363b

Joachim Andersen 1847 – 1909

George Frideric Handel

IV. Bourée anglais 1685 – 1759

V. Menuetto

La flûte de Pan, Op. 15

Jaein Lee, flute & Sohee Hyun, piano

Jules Mouquet

I. Pan et les bergers 1867 – 1946

Oshmith Roy, flute & Lyudmila Lakisova, piano

Fantasie

Charlotte Kojis, flute & Kai-I Tien, piano

Menuet from L’Arlesienne Suite No. 2

Sophia Kim, flute & Alice Kim, piano

Sonata in Eb Major, BWV 1031

Georges Hüe 1858 – 1948

Georges Bizet 1838 – 1875

attr. Johann Sebastian Bach

I. Allegro moderato 1685 – 1750

II. Siciliano

Andante and Allegro

Danicka Coughlin, flute & Stacy Regehr, piano

Georg Philipp Telemann 1681 – 1767

Persephone Herold, flute & Stacy Regehr, piano

Morceau de Concours

Presley Scheller, flute & Stacy Regehr, piano

Gabriel Fauré 1845 – 1924

Nightingale Polka Christopher Nolan UNK

Greg Zalesky, flute & Stacy Regehr, piano

Soir dans les Montagnes Eugène Bozza 1905 – 1991

Christin Yu, flute & Stacy Regehr, piano

Results for all competitions will be announced at the closing concert of the festival. Congratulations to all our competitors on their performances, and thank you to our judges for their service!

Sponsored by:

10:00 – 10:50am

Exploring Ethnic Flutes

Location: Cello Studio – Room 138

Session Type: Participatory

Session Leader: Rhonda Larson – Featured Guest Artist

“Exploring Ethnic Flutes” is a presentation of many flutes from around the world, from the culture they come from to their different sounds. Please bring ANY ethnic/alternative flute that you have to share with the class, even if you haven’t played it before.

Sponsored by:

10:15 – 10:50am

Low Flutes Petting Zoo

Location: Rehearsal B – Room 202

Session Type: Participatory

Session Leader: Madison Flute Club Members

Join us for an opportunity to get up-close and hands-on with low flutes. Alto, bass, and contrabass flutes will be available to play.

11:00 – 11:50am

Featured Artist Concert – Andra Bohnet

Location: Rehearsal A – Room 135

Session Type: Performance

Performer: Andra Bohnet

The Battering Ram/Banish Misfortune (jigs)

Traditional Irish

Inis Oírr (air) Thomas Walsh

The Good-Natured Man/Leitrim Fancy (hornpipes)

Traditional Irish

The Wedding Reel/Spootiskerry (reels) Donald Shaw/Ian Burns

The Cat’s Meow/Calliope House (jigs) Joanie Madden/Dave Richardson

Off to California/Swallowtail Jig/The Otter’s Holt

Fanny Power/Sí Bheag, Sí Mhor (airs)

Elizabeth Kelly’s Delight/The Boys of Ballisodare/ Kid on the Mountain (slip jigs)

The Wind that Shakes the Barley/Abbey Reel/ Over the Moor to Maggie/Swinging on a Gate (reels)

The Blackthorn Stick/Lark in the Morning (jigs)

Hector the Hero (air)

Traditional Irish

Turloch O’Carolan

Traditional Irish

The Trip to Pakistan/Cregg’s Pipes (reels) Niall Kenny/traditional Irish

O, the Britches Full of Stitches/Ballydesmond #1/ Ballydesmond #2/Bill Sullivan’s (polkas)

Backing tracks:

Andra Bohnet - flute, whistle, Celtic harp

Andy Kruspe - bodhrán, drone, melodica, other percussion

Tom Morley - guitar

Sponsored by:

Traditional Irish

Featured Guest Artist – Andra Bohnet

Andra Bohnet is a flutist who embraces a rich variety of musical styles with both virtuosity and sensitivity. In addition to her position as Professor of Music at the University of South Alabama where she teaches flute, music literature, music technology, and music business, she is the principal flutist with Mobile Symphony Orchestra where she has been a featured soloist on several occasions. She plays Irish flute, whistle and Celtic harp in a variety of settings including new her newest band, 2nd Breakfast (www.2ndbreakfast.org), and Liminal (www.liminalduo.org), a flute and percussion duo, which crosses the threshold between ancient and modern musical idioms with a bit of technology added into the mix and released it’s debut CD in 2020. She previously performed with the legacy band Mithril (www.mithril.us), a high-energy Celtic/world music band which released seven CDs and appeared with symphony orchestras throughout the U.S. from 2002-2018.

Her solo CD, Clinton on Clinton, rediscovered the music of John Clinton (18091864), an Irish flutist, composer and flute maker who was a major figure in 19th century flute design (www.clintonfluteproject.com). She also performed with the Trebuchet Wind Trio who released their CD Perpetuum Mobile in 2016.

She also recorded and toured previously with her chamber ensemble for flute and strings, the Silverwood Quartet, which has performed throughout the United States and in Japan. The group recorded six CDs and explored popular and world music in addition to the classical repertoire. Also the group’s primary arranger, Andra’s creative charts capture the musical essence of styles ranging from Irish traditional to Tibetan Chant and alternative rock and roll. Their last CD, A Celtic Mosaic, explores a variety of unique and original music from Celtic sources including music from Riverdance, Lord of the Rings, Ballykissangel, and a trilogy of tunes by Loreena McKennitt. About The Classic Rock Album, rock icon Ian Anderson, flutist and leader of Jethro Tull, said, “”Many thanks for the CD. I enjoyed it very much and especially the variety of musical styles it incorporated. Keep up the good work and help bring the worlds of pop/rock and the Classical traditions together.”” And To Drive the Cold Winter Away, their holiday CD, is an annual best seller and has over 4 million streams on Spotify! Andra performs and records on flutes of all shapes and sizes (classical, traditional simple system, baroque and a variety of ethnic instruments), as well as whistle and Celtic harp. She has performed and presented at several National Flute Association Conventions, the Canadian Flute Convention, British Flute Society, World Flute Society, and Boxwood Canada. In addition to fluting, Andra is a master martial artist, yogi, avid snow skier, techno-geek, and alternatively wishes she was a hobbit or a Jedi knight!”

11:00 – 11:50am

Finding Your Flow Through Whole-Bodied Flute Playing

Location: Rehearsal B – Room 202

Session Type: Participatory

Session Leader: Cori Hall

Through storytelling and interactive play, explore the world of somatics applied to us as flute players. The concept of somatics sees the physical, mental, and emotional bodies as one, bringing us more in connection with ourselves and the world around us. Inviting this framework into your flute playing brings ease, expansiveness, and enhances your ability to listen and play together with others in a full-bodied way. This session will be interactive, will include exercises to take home, and is geared toward all levels of players and physical abilities.

12:30 – 2:15pm

Young Artist Competition

Location: Rehearsal B – Room 202

Session Type: Performance

Judges: Andra Bohnet, Taya König-Tarasevich , Michael Morton

Competitors: Makenzie Borde, Alexis Crawford, Madison DeRidder, Helena Fruit, Carli Hannes, Makayla Herriott, Gabriella Horan, Luke Kelley, Naon Oh, Asha Sundaram

Concertino, Op. 107

Fantaisie, Op. 79

Concertino, Op. 107

Makenzie Borde, flute & Kathy Hoch, piano

Helena Fruit, flute & Jason Fruit, piano

Cécile Chaminade 1857 – 1944

Gabriel Fauré 1845 – 1924

Cécile Chaminade 1857 – 1944

Danse de la Chèvre

Naon Oh, piano & Stacy Regehr, piano

Makayla Herriot, flute

Arthur Honegger 1892 – 1955

Sonatina Eldin Burton I. Allegretto grazioso 1913 – 1979

Madison DeRidder, flute & Jeff VanBendegom, piano

Sonata Appassionata, Op. 140

Luke Kelley, flute

Syrinx

Sigfrid Karg-Elert 1877 – 1933

Claude Debussy 1862 – 1918

Alexis Crawford, flute

Flute Concerto No. 7 in E Minor

François Devienne I. Allegro 1759 – 1803

Gabriella Horan, flute & Amy Hartsough, piano `

Concertino, Op. 107

Asha Sundarum, flute & Amy Hartsough, piano

Fantasie

Cécile Chaminade 1857 – 1944

Georges Hüe 1858 – 1948

Carli Hannes, flute & Amy Hartsough, piano

Results for all competitions will be announced at the closing concert of the festival. Congratulations to all our competitors on their performances, and thank you to our judges for their service!

Connect Four: 4 Steps to a Deeper and Stronger Connection to the Flute

Location: Violin I Studio – Room 137

Session Type: Participatory

Session Leader: Joshua Stine

Ever feel your connection isn’t strong enough? Cell service, Wi-Fi? It’s frustrating! The last thing we want is that feeling with our flute. Join me in finding a deeper connection to your artistry through your balance, energy, breath, and intention.

1:00 – 2:15pm

Featured Artist Concert – Winds of the World

Location: Rehearsal A – Room 135

Session Type: Performance

Performer: Rhonda Larson

Rhonda Larson performs an intimate and multi-faceted “solo” flute show entitled, “Winds of the World”, with her ‘Virtual Band’. She takes the listener on a journey around the world with an assortment of ethnic flutes and her gold flute, woven together by her stories. Among the variety of flutes are Indian bansuri, crystal flutes, pan pipes, Native American flutes, Celtic whistles, and more. Her virtual band includes piano, acoustic guitar, harp, strings, accordion, synth, bass and percussion in a variety of ensemble configurations, while others are Larson’s adventurous writing for flute alone. Her music merges the most soulful elements of sacred, classical, folk, Celtic and ethnic music. The program consists chiefly of Ms. Larson’s original music and is accessible to audiences of all ages and genre preferences. The program will be announced from the stage.

Sponsored by:

Featured Guest Artist – Rhonda Larson

Rhonda Larson is a Grammy Award-winning player of the flute, born and raised in the mountains of Montana. This Big Sky Country in the Wild West helped form her into a nature-loving, free spirited trail blazing artist. She entered the national music scene by winning first prize in the National Flute Association’s Young Artist Competition at the age of 22, including a Carnegie Hall debut. Shortly thereafter, Rhonda was invited to join forces with the Paul Winter Consort, initiating her journey into a rich palette of music gleaned from around the world.

Composing much of her own music, Larson’s visionary force showcases her gold flute and an array of ethnic flutes in a new and refreshing light. Rhonda has also expanded the sonic capabilities of her instrument with entirely new techniques, most notably her inventive flute-and-voice unison, performed simultaneously.

Rhonda’s latest CD release, Live from China, features her band Ventus from a recent twenty-five city tour throughout China. Most of the selections are

Larson’s original World Fusion compositions, including arrangements of traditional Celtic, Armenian, Romanian, and Chinese melodies. The recording offers a bonus track of Rhonda’s new solo, Metamorphosis, which took her four years to write due to its inherent complexities and inventive techniques she has developed further. “No piece has ever taken this long to complete, but I really have no other choice than to humbly allow the time it takes for the music to evolve, and IT lets me know when it is ready to be offered. The title speaks to its musical journey, but also as a metaphor to my own development on both a sacred and technical level. My first priority is to artistic authenticity, hoping to better serve the odds of lifting people’s hearts—THAT is why I am a musician.”

Rhonda tours world-wide, and has a discography of over 20 commercial recordings, including two other solo recordings, Distant Mirrors, and Free as a Bird. As a sought-after teacher, she conducts masterclasses at universities, flute organizations, community outreach events, and individual instruction. She owns and operates her publishing company, Wood Nymph Music, producing her sheet music from graphic design to distribution.

Ms. Larson performed on a live CBS finale episode of “Survivor” from Madison Square Garden’s, seen by over 40 million viewers, and is featured in “Flute Stories–101 Inspirational Stories from the World’s Best Flute Players” publication. She is a former Board member of the National Flute Association, and currently serves as a member of the World Flute Society Board of Directors.

Rhonda and her husband Dr. Lee J. deLisle live in Connecticut, and part-time at their home in the medieval village of Roccantica, Italy. When not playing the flute, Rhonda can be found out-doors.

2:00 – 2:25pm

Verona Area Concert Band Flute Ensemble

Location: Cello Studio – Room 138

Session Type: Performance

Performers: Robin Duguay, James Lynch, Emily O’Hanlon, Samuel Rolfe, Ali Shuger

Clair de Lune

Petite Suite

Claude Debussy 1862 – 1918

Arr. Gudrun Hinze

Claude Debussy

I. En Bateau 1862 – 1918

II. Cortège

III. Menuet

IV. Ballet

Arr. Gudrun Hinze

3:00 – 3:50pm

Guest Artist Concert – Ben Carlee

Location: Rehearsal B – Room 202

Session Type: Performance

Performer: Ben Carlee – flute, Will Preston – piano

Flute Sonata in D Major, Op. 1, No. 4

Anna Bon di Veneziaca

I. Allegro moderato 1738 – c.1769

II. Andante

III. Allegro assai

Aproximaciones al Son Huasteco para Flauta y Piano Horacio Uribe Duarte

I. Preludio b. 1970

II. Son

Los Bailes de la Flauta for Solo Flute Edna Alejandra Longoria

I. With excitement b. 1988

II. Energetic

III. Longing for your loved one; as if recalling your last dance together

IV. Dancy

Sonata No. 2 for Flute and Piano Samuel Zyman

I. Larghetto espressivo e rubato b. 1956

II. Presto con spirito 4:00 – 4:50pm

How to Practice Efficiently

Location: Violin 1 Studio – Room 137

Session Type: Participatory

Session Leader: Jae Hyun Moon

Are you spending hours in the practice room but not seeing the results you want? In this workshop, we’ll explore the common and time-tested strategies for practicing more efficiently. Learn how to structure your sessions for maximum effectiveness, avoid common pitfalls, and develop habits that lead to consistent improvement. Topics will include mindful repetition, problem-solving techniques, strategic use of slow practice, mental practice, and how to break through plateaus!

4:00 – 5:30pm

Artistry Class with Rhonda Larson

Location: Rehearsal A – Room 135

Session Type: Workshop

Performers: Alexis Crawford, Sophia Kim, Berlinda Lopez, Asha Sundaram

Serenade, Op. 3

Syrinx

Concertino, Op. 107

Trois Pièces pour flûte seule

Sophia Kim, flute

Alexis Crawford, flute

Asha Sundaram, flute

Victor Herbert 1859 – 1924

Claude Debussy 1862 – 1918

Cécile Chaminade 1857 – 1944

Pierre-Octave Ferroud

I. Bergère Captive 1900 – 1936

Berlinda Lopez, flute

Sponsored by:

Eric & Tobi Breisach • Danielle & Jeffrey Breisach • Jessica & Jim Yehle

5:00 – 6:10pm

The Secrets to Sounding Irish!

Location: Rehearsal B – Room 202

Session Type: Participatory

Session Leader: Andra Bohnet – Featured Guest Artist

Irish/Celtic music is really popular and fun to play! Like all musical styles, it has its own set of characteristics regarding sound, ornamentation, nuance and feel which cannot be expressed adequately on the printed page. This workshop will help all flutists to sound more authentic and not like a classical geek when playing this music!

6:30 – 7:30pm

Featured Artist Concert – Michael Morton

Location: Rehearsal A – Room 135

Session Type: Performance

Session Leader: Michael Morton

The program will be announced from the stage and may include the following pieces.

Hadley Park • Black Canvas • Black Nile • Kisses • Killing Me Softly • Deja Vu • Ordinary People • What We Do Here • You Make Me Wanna • Roll

Some Mo • What’s Going On • Amazing Grace • Sign Me Up • What A Wonderful World

Sponsored by:

Featured Guest Artist – Michael Morton

Michael Morton began his studies with jazz at Berklee College of Music with Peter Gordon and Matt Marvuglio. He then decided to focus on classical studies, transferring to the University of Memphis, where he studied with Bruce Erskine. After just over three years, he transferred to Chapman University, studying with Arthur Hoberman and received his Bachelor of Music degree in Flute Performance.

He then was awarded a fellowship to study at the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California where he earned a masters in flute performance with Jim Walker.

Michael is former principal flutist with the Southeast Symphony of Los Angeles and a member of various chamber groups. He can be heard on movie soundtracks, and has performed with or for The Los Angeles Opera, Placido Domingo, Whitney Houston, Terrance Blanchard, Rihanna, Terrance Howard, and Spike Lee.

He currently resides in Nashville, where he is a freelance flutist and plays with the Nashville Jazz Workshop Quartet. He has recorded seven albums, some of which can be found on Amazon, Spotify and other streaming services.

2025 Festival Sponsors & Donors

The Wisconsin Flute Festival is pleased to acknowledge the generous support of the following companies, organizations, and individuals. This list includes all gifts received in support of the 2025 festival as of April 1, 2025.

FESTIVAL SPONSORS

This event was supported in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.

This project is supported by Dane County Arts with additional funds from the Endres Mfg. Company Foundation, The Evjue Foundation, Inc., charitable arm of The Capital Times, the W. Jerome Frautschi Foundation, and the Pleasant T. Rowland Foundation.

MAJOR SPONSORS

This project is funded in part by a grant from the Madison Arts Commission, with additional funds from the Wisconsin Arts Board.

Jessica & Jim Yehle

Presenter, Performer & Judge Biographies

Makenzie Borde is a senior at Columbus High School where she plays in the symphonic band, marching band, and pit orchestra. In 2024 she was a participant of the WSMA high school state honors program and she traveled with the Wisconsin Ambassadors of music in 2023. She currently studies under Dr. Heidi Keener.

Ben Carlee is a flutist, pedagogue, arts advocate, and Doctor of Musical Arts candidate at UW-Madison, studying with Dr. Conor Nelson. He has performed at national events such as the National Flute Association Convention, Chicago Flute Club Festival, Mid-Atlantic Flute Convention, Wisconsin Flute Festival, and the North American Conference on Video Game Music. A champion of new music, he commissioned and premiered Jorge Sosa’s Sones para Flauta y Mariachi, the first flute concerto with mariachi accompaniment, as well as several video game music works, in collaboration with Dr. Thomas Yee. Passionate about accessibility in music education, he oversees the National Flute Association’s Lesson Scholarship program and previously served as Managing Director for UW-Madison’s DEIB Festival. He is also the Founder and Artistic Director of the newly founded Madison Gamer Symphony Orchestra, dedicated to symphonic video game music performance. He holds degrees from the University of Texas at San Antonio and East Texas A&M University.

Danicka Coughlin, age 11, is an accomplished flutist, pianist, composer and singer. Her musical training began in the Let’s Play Music program, where her composition for flute & piano, won “Best Melody”. She has been performing in the Junior Artist Competition since she was 4 years old and she’s twice performed a flute solo in the International Youth Music Competition winner’s recital in NYC. She recently earned the highest awards on her solo & ensemble pieces. She studies flute with Danielle Breisach. In addition to playing flute & piano, she enjoys swimming, dancing and musical theater.

Alexis Crawford is a 17-year-old flute player from Footville Wisconsin. She attends Parkview High School and is in 11th grade. She has been playing flute for about 7 years now and plans to continue playing into college.

Madison DeRidder has been playing the flute for 7 years. She studies privately with Danielle Breisach, and is a member of the Symphonic Winds at Middleton High School. In 2024, Madison played under Dr. Andrea Brown as a member of the Wisconsin State Honors Band. She was recently accepted into the National Honor Society and is a journalist for her high school’s newspaper.

In her free time Madison enjoys playing volleyball, spending time with her friends, and traveling. Madison hopes to pursue a career in music for film.

Helena Fruit is a flute student of Dr. Heidi Keener. She is also a singer and pianist. She performs with the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras and Madison Youth Choirs, When not rehearsing or performing, she is a visual artist, avid reader, and animal lover.

Jason Fruit is a violist, pianist, and teacher in Madison, WI, specializing in the 19th-century repertoire for the viola alta.

Cori Hall is a professional life coach, helping people to live and work in alignment with their true essence, natural rhythm, and flow. Undergoing a health crisis ten years ago led Cori to completely change her way of being, moving to greater connection, presence, and full-bodied joy. She is an adult amateur flute player with Madison Flute Club, and lives with focal dystonia, a neurological movement disorder common for musicians. She is passionate about somatics, neuroplasticity, and embodied change. Applying somatic techniques and exercises to her flute playing, she has been able to overcome symptoms of dystonia, and has opened up creativity, artistry, and flow in her playing. Cori worked in higher education for 15 years before establishing her private coaching practice last year at corihallcoaching.com. She holds an EdM in College Student Services Administration, a BS in Biology, and a minor in flute performance. She has completed ICF-certified coaching training through Presence-Based Coaching and is a Reiki master practitioner. Cori lives in west Madison with her husband and two golden retrievers.

Carli Hannes is a junior at Kettle Moraine High School for Arts and Performance. Carli has played flute for six years and participates in the Milwaukee Youth Orchestra, WSMA Honors Orchestra, and her school program.

Amy W. Hartsough, Director of Music at First Lutheran Church, Janesville WI, received her Bachelor of Music Performance cum laude from the UW-Madison (pipe organ/piano/voice), and continued her studies at Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, England (avant garde/cabaret voice). She received her Masters of Music (vocal performance) followed by her Professional Artist Certificate (opera) as a Fellow in the A.J. Fletcher Opera Institute, at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. She teaches private voice and piano, and accompanies several young musicians.

Persephone Herold is a sixth grader at Kromrey Middle School in Middleton, WI. She has been playing the flute for two years. In addition to playing her flute, she enjoys running cross country and trying new craft projects.

Makayla Herriott is a 14-year-old freshman from NC. Under the guidance of Amy Holt since 2021, she has passionately pursued her craft. A former Silver Winds flute choir member, Makayla plays with the Triangle Youth Orchestra and has performed in the pit for her school’s productions of The Little Mermaid and Matilda. She has won her division (3.4 &5) in the Raleigh Area Flute Association Review & Contest for the past 3 years. As a RAFA member, she has been thrilled to participate in masterclasses with flutists Ian Clarke and Nina Assimakopoulos.

Kathy Hoch is a retired vocal music teacher. She attended the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, where she received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education and a bachelor’s in organ performance. During her career she has accompanied students, community groups, and also been in the pit orchestra for high school musicals. Kathy currently is one of the organists at St. Jerome Catholic Church in Columbus and subs in other area churches. She resides in Columbus with her husband, Alan Strohschein.

Gabriella Horan is a sophomore at Sun Prairie West High School. She has been playing flute since 6th grade and has earned 1* for the past 3 years. Gabby wants to thank her amazing teacher Victoria Rockman for all the love and guidance, and her wonderful accompanists Amy Hartsough for always being amazing.

Luke Kelley is a sophomore at Stevenson High School. He moved to Illinois from Utah just before his sophomore year where he was a finalist in the Utah Baroque Ensemble’s Levente Medveczky competition, Utah Flute association competitions, and performing solo recitals across the state. He was also member of the Utah Youth symphony for two years, the Utah Allstate Orchestra, and acted as a substitute for the Utah Valley Symphony. He started his studies with Pamela Hall but soon after began taking Lessons from Dr. Elizabeth Weissman. Now he is a student of Dr. Timothy Hagen.

Alice Kim holds a Bachelor of Music in Composition and a Master of Journalism in Mass Communication. She is certified in Level 1 of the Kodaly Methodology and also holds a second master’s degree in the Master of Arts in Teaching at Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa. Alice is an accompanist of the Heartland Youth Choir, Windsor Heights, Iowa and bringing over 20 years of experience teaching piano to young children.

Sophia Kim is a 7th grader at South Middle School in Waukee, Iowa, who began playing the flute in 5th grade. She takes private lessons with Ms. Jungyoun Park and has also been taught by Anne Stein and Dr. Nicole Esposito. Sophia has participated in various flute camps and competitions, including the IOWinds Alliance Young Artist Woodwind Competition, where she placed 3rd, and SCIBA honor band. She recently started playing piccolo in her school band. Additionally, she placed 2nd in the Opus Music Competition for piano and is involved in jazz band and show choir. Outside of music, she plays tennis.

Charlotte Kojis started her musical journey with the violin at the age of 7. Then when she was in 4th grade, the pandemic happened and she decided to learn a new instrument. She started zoom lessons with her current teacher, Linda Korducki and a year after she joined MYSO flute chorale and won the concerto competition. She also won the 2nd place in elementary division at Chicago Flute Club competition. For a while she played both violin and flute at multiple MYSO ensembles but now she only plays the flute for MYSO Philharmonia and enjoys studying with Dr. Korducki.

Taya König-Tarasevich is a Siberian flutists who enjoys a distinguished international career as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral performer on historical flutes. A proud alumna of The Juilliard School, Taya serves as the co-founder and artistic director of the VERITÀ BAROQUE ensemble—an elite assembly of soloists committed to reimagining Baroque chamber music for the 21st century. Through the innovative use of immersive soundscapes and 360-degree video, VERITÀ BAROQUE transforms the traditional concert experience.

An acclaimed soloist, Taya has toured the globe, captivating audiences in numerous countries and performing under the baton of illustrious music directors. Taya’s Lincoln Center debut at Alice Tully Hall as a soloist with Masaaki Suzuki marked a milestone in her career, followed by high-profile engagements with ensembles such as Utopia and Les Arts Florissants. She has also appeared as a guest artist at prestigious festivals, including the Salzburg Festival, and received the Smithsonian Chamber Music Fellowship. Taya recently completed a prestigious three-month residency at Opéra de Paris, collaborating with acclaimed director Peter Sellars, street dancers, and musicians from around the world under Teodor Currentzis, embracing a shared vision of global unity and peace. Taya is actively involved in outreach efforts in Nairobi, Kenya, where she contributes to developing educational initiatives.

Taya is fluent in English, German, Italian, and Russian, and she views music as the most universal and truthful language of all. With degrees from Germany, Switzerland, and the USA she is on faculty at the University of Wisconsin.

photo by Has-Dieter Brand

Lyudmila Lakisova is a highly sought after Chicago-based chamber musician, piano collaborator, and pedagogue, who has performed in many well-known venues, such as Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, Harris Theater in Downtown Chicago, Bennett Gordon Hall at Ravinia, and Carnegie Hall in New York, as well as internationally in Belarus, Russia, Germany, China, and Italy, and toured extensively in England with violinist Drostan Hall and in Africa and Asia with Trio Chicago & Friends She given performances in the Steinway Society Concert series, Stradivari Society, and was featured on WFMT with Kerry Frumkin and in the Myra Hess Concert Series at the Cultural Center Downtown Chicago. Lyudmila has been a featured soloist and ensemble performer with many orchestras in the Chicago area, including the North Shore Chamber Orchestra, Wheaton Symphony, West Suburban Symphony, Camerata Chicago, and the Landolfi Piano Trio.

Jaein Lee, Age 10, has been playing the flute for one and a half years. Her teacher is June Turner. She has been granted special permission as a 5th grader to attend the Kromrey Solo & Ensemble, and she is also a passionate pianist. She moved into the U.S. three years ago, and she is currently loving her life in Middleton. She also enjoys singing, dancing, swimming, and has a strong love for music.

Berlinda Lopez, a flutist in Madison, WI enjoys performing a variety of music ranging from modern and classical to bossa nova and jazz. Currently she performs with Beloit Janesville Symphony Orchestra, Edgewood Chamber Orchestra, Pegasus Wind Symphony, Fresco Opera, Madison Flute Club flute choir, Spring Night Flutes, Silver Morning Duo and The Molly Nova Trio. Berlinda earned a Doctor of Musical Arts under an Advanced Opportunity Fellowship from University of Wisconsin-Madison, a Master in Music from University of North Texas, and a Bachelor in Music from University of Texas at Arlington.

Jae Hyun Moon is a third-year Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she has refined her artistry under the tutelage of Dr. Jonathan Keeble. She was a quarterfinalist for the National Flute Association’s Young Artist Competition in August of 2024, and was the winner of the 2023 Young Artist Competition at the New York Flute Club, emerging as a young professional.

As a soloist, Jae Hyun most recently performed as a soloist with the Brevard Music Center Orchestra in July 2023, as part of the winner of the Jean and Beattie Wood Concerto Competition. She performed Frank Martin’s Ballade for flute and orchestra. This performance highlighted her versatility and expressiveness as a performer.

Alongside these achievements, Jae Hyun accepted a position as Lecturer of Flute at the UW-Whitewater, starting in the Fall of 2024. In this role she will teach and mentor aspiring flutists and music educators, bringing her extensive performance experience and passion for education to the program. With a career that balances performance and pedagogy, Jae Hyun continues to make an impact in her surrounding communities as a soloist, educator, and collaborator.

Naon Oh is a sophmore at Madison West High School. She has been a student of Danielle Breisach, and has been playing the flute for 6 years. She enjoys being part of many ensembles, including her school’s honor band, pit orchestra, WYSO Flute Choir, WYSO Philharmonia Orchestra, and the WSMA State Honors Project.

Will Preston is a collaborative pianist based in Madison, Wisconsin, currently completing his doctorate at UW-Madison with a minor in opera coaching. He has served as a vocal coach and rehearsal pianist for UW productions, including The Light in the Piazza and La Traviata, and has played in orchestra pits for various musicals. Recently, he was the music director for Big Fish with Middleton Players Theatre and a keyboardist for Children’s Theater of Madison’s Cinderella. He has worked with UW choirs, the Wisconsin Chamber Choir, and Cheers Madison. This year, he teaches keyboard skills and accompanying to piano majors. His doctoral research focuses on Irish pianist and composer Joan Trimble.

Madison Qian discovered her passion for the flute at the age of nine after being inspired by a video. She began her musical journey with the Community Music Lessons offered by the Mead Witter School of Music. With a background in violin, she had a solid foundation in music, which helped her transition smoothly to the flute. Although she briefly joined her school band, she found greater fulfillment in private instruction and decided to focus on individual lessons. Madison continues to refine her skills through weekly lessons with her flute teacher, Heidi Keener.

Yachao Qian is an engineer with a lifelong passion for music. He has been playing the piano since young and enjoys sharing his love of music with his family. He will be accompanying his daughter, Madison, as she competes in her first competition at the Wisconsin Flute Festival.

Stacy Fehr Regehr holds degrees in piano performance with a pedagogy emphasis from Kansas State and Emporia State University. She has taught privately, held adjunct positions at KSU and ESU, and was a staff accompanist for the School of Madison Ballet. A founding member of Arbor Ensemble, she performs with Fresco Opera, Oakwood Chamber Players, Madison New Music Ensemble, and LunART Festival, collaborating with musicians across the Midwest.

Oshmith Roy, an 8th grader at Hannah Beardsley Middle School, is the principal flute and piccolo of his school band. A multiple-time winner in the Chicago Flute Club Student Competition, he also won the MYAC National Concerto Competition. He studies with Cynara Pierzina and Hideko Amano. Beyond music, he excels in Science Olympiad, earning a state title, as well as cross country and track. Aspiring to be both a flutist and lawyer, he blends music with critical thinking and advocacy.

Presley Scheller is a student at Madison Country Day School where she has been playing flute for 3.5 years. Presley is a student of Dr. Danielle Breisach, and has participated in WSMA Middle Level Honors Band, the Sun Prairie Honors Band, and the Madison Flute Club. This year, she joined the WYSO Flute Choir where she is enjoying learning alongside other talented players throughout the Madison community. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with friends and family, spending time at her family’s farm, and listening to different kinds of music.

Collin Stavinoha is a freelance flutist based in the Midwest. He currently holds positions in the Madison Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Iowa, and the Evansville Philharmonic. His most recent awards include first prizes in the Wisconsin and Oklahoma Flute Society Young Artist Competitions and winning the University of North Texas Concerto Competition. He received his MM from the Yale School of Music where he studied with Tara Helen O’Conner and Ransom Wilson, and his BM from the University of North Texas where he studied with Terri Sundberg. During his summers, he participated in the Eastern and Texas music festivals and the National Repertory Orchestra.

Joshua Stine (he/they) is an avid performer and teacher and is currently Adjunct Professor of Flute at the University of WisconsinPlatteville and Teaching Artist of Flute at Drake University. Joshua is currently a Doctoral Candidate at the University of Iowa in Flute Performance with a secondary focus in Queer Musicology. Prior to the University of Iowa, Joshua attended Bowling Green State University where he received his Master of Music Performance and the University of South Carolina where he received his Bachelor of Music Performance.

Joshua has been seen and placed in various competitions throughout the country including the Myrna Brown Young Artist Competition Semi-Finals, the Central Ohio Flute Association’s Young Artist and Collegiate Artist competitions, the Flute Society of Kentucky’s Quartet, Young Artist, and Collegiate Artist competitions, the Schubert Club annual competition, and the Can-American Flute Symposium Masterclass competition, to name a few. Joshua was also featured on the GRAMMY-nominated orchestral album, Sila: The Breath of the World by Pulitzer-prize winning composer, John Luther Adams.

A proponent of new music, Joshua has premiered and commissioned several new works for his flute and saxophone duo, DuoR2, his flute duo, Duo GO, as well as his flute trio, Huo Guo Trio. His work in this field is to serve and promote under-represented communities in the classical music world. His newest project includes a partnership with the American Composers Alliance to champion the flute music from their Missing Voices collection, a project designed to celebrate composers who were lost to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Professor Stine’s final DMA project, Mere Mortals: An Exploration of Queer Experience Through Flute Compositions, joins alongside his work with the ACA to showcase queer experience and narrative through his own eyes, as well as through the lens of various composers.

Asha Sundaram is a senior at Sun Prairie West. For the past 4 years, she has played in WYSO’s Youth Orchestra for Mr. Kyle Knox and the Lalita Woodwind Quintet for Dr. Marc Fink. In July 2024, she made her concerto debut at Birch Creek as the Clampitt Concerto Competition winner. In January 2025, Asha placed as a semifinalist in the Bolz Young Artist Competition. She also won the 2025 WYSO Concerto Competition. Heading into college, Asha is a UW Tuition Waiver Scholarship recipient. Asha thanks her accompanist Amy Hartsough and her flute teacher Victoria Rockman for their support and guidance.

Kai-I Tien holds a D.M.A. degree in piano performance from the University of Kansas. She also studied at Mannes College of Music (M.M.) under the tutelage of renowned pianist Mr. Jacob Lateiner.

Kai-I Tien has been an active collaborative pianist in the Metro Milwaukee area since 2014. She serves as a staff accompanist and teaches piano at Concordia University Wisconsin and Wisconsin Conservatory of Music. Outside of music, she enjoys gardening, watching football, and going on road trips with her family.

The Verona Area Flute Ensemble is comprised of talented flutists from the Verona Area Concert Bands, a vibrant community group that brings together musicians from all walks of life. In its second year performing at WIFF, the ensemble is a testament to the power of community music-making. With four concert cycles per year, the Verona Area Concert Bands offer a space for musicians to unite weekly, share their passion, and create beautiful music together. The flute ensemble is proud to be part of this dynamic group, showcasing their love for music and dedication to their craft.

The Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra (WYSO) Flute Choir is composed of student flutists from around Dane County and beyond. Directors Dr. Danielle Breisach and Victoria Rockman program a wide variety of repertoire, consisting of both fun transcriptions and original works, that are engaging for both flute choir members and audiences. This is the group’s third year in existence.

Christin Yu, an 8th grader at Kromrey Middle School, has studied flute with Danielle Breisach for nearly 2 years. She earned a state-qualifying *1 at Solo & Ensemble for flute solo, piccolo solo, and flute quartet. She is in the WYSO Flute Choir, Madison Flute Club, chosen to join the Sun Prairie Honors Band, and has performed at a Korean-American Day event. Studying piano with Jungwon Lim for 8 years, she received a *1 with a perfect score at Solo and Ensemble, placed 2nd in the Sonatina Festival, got a “superior” score 5 years in a row at the NFMC, and was a MAME Honors Festival winner.

Greg Zalesky has been playing flute for four years. He started flute during the Covid-19 pandemic through virtual lessons. He also plays saxophone and bass, but flute is his main instrument.