Sydney Feldman

Sydney Feldman is a first-year undergraduate from Menlo Park, California, in the Bienen-Weinberg dual degree program at Northwestern University. Prior to attending Northwestern, she studied with Catherine Payne at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Pre-College division. Throughout high school, she played in the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Golden State Youth Orchestra. Sydney was a National YoungArts Foundation award winner in 2022 and 2023 and received first place in the 2022 Charleston International European Music Competition. As the winner of the SFCM-Symphony Parnassus Short Piece Competition, she made her solo debut in January 2023 with Symphony Parnassus playing Chaminade’s Concertino. During the summer of 2022, Sydney participated in the Eastern Music Festival Orchestra Program, and in the summer of 2023, she attended Yellow Barn’s Young Artist Program. Additionally, she performed at the 2022 National Flute Association Convention in Chicago as a member of the High School Flute Choir. Sydney has played in masterclasses for Leone Buyse, Carol Wincenc, Marina Piccinini, Denis Bouriakov, Jim Walker, and Marianne Gedigian.

Alice Oh

Alice (Juhye) Oh is a first-year undergraduate studying Flute Performance and English at Northwestern University. Prior to Northwestern, she studied under Isabelle Chapuis and Yuna Kim in the Bay Area, California. Alice was a member of the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra (2020-2023) and also the Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra. In the summer of 2023, she attended the BUTI Young Artists’ Orchestra program and was chosen to perform at Tanglewood on Parade with her woodwind quintet. Most recently, she performed the Ibert Concerto with the Livermore-Amador Symphony. At the Aria International Academy, Consummate Flutist, and Idyllwild Chamber Intensive program, she performed in masterclasses with Lorna McGhee, Bonita Boyd, Alberto Almarza, and Demarre McGill. In high school, Alice was president and vice music director of Tri Valley Symphonics, an ensemble bringing music to libraries and senior centers.

Hanna Oyasu is a first-year undergraduate from Palatine, Illinois, pursuing a dual degree in flute performance and neuroscience at Northwestern University. She has studied the piano since age 4, and began playing the flute at age 10, studying under James Donahue, and later, Hideko Amano. Hanna is an alumna of the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra’s Symphony Orchestra, CORE chamber orchestra, and chamber music program.

She has placed in several competitions over the years, including first place in the Walgreens
National Concerto Competition and DePaul Concerto Festival Competition, Honorable Mention in the 2023 YoungArts National Competition, and locally, in the Chicago Flute Club student competition multiple times as well. Hanna made her orchestral solo debut in 2023 with the Oistrakh Symphony of Chicago as a winner of the DePaul Concerto Festival Competition. She performed at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall in 2021 as a first place winner of the American Protégé Music Talent Competition. Hanna appeared on WFMT’s Introductions both as a soloist and as a member of CYSO’s Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, she was selected as Principal both in the 2022 Honors Band and 2023 Honors Orchestra at the ILMEA All-State Festival.

Hanna has had the privilege of playing in masterclasses for Stefán Ragnar Höskuldsson, Emma Gerstein, Jonathan Keeble, Christina Smith, Cynthia Meyers, and Marina Piccinini. In the summer of 2023, she was a member of the Boston University Tanglewood Institute’s Young Artists Orchestra. In her free time, Hanna enjoys playing the piano and baking new recipes for her friends and family.

Lily Walters

Emily Kim

Emily Kim is a third-year undergraduate from Lawrenceville, Georgia studying Flute Performance at Northwestern University.

Before attending Northwestern, she regularly played in Georgia’s district, All-state, and JANFEST festivals. She also played with the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra, Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony, Gwinnett Country Youth Symphony, Metropolitan Atlanta Youth Wind Ensemble, Atlanta Youth Metro Flute Choir, and the HOPE Johns Creek Orchestra.

She received 1st prize in the 2020 AFC Junior Artist Competition, first place band soloist, region 2 in the GMEA Regional Solo and Ensemble Showcase in 2021, and was the wind section bronze prize winner of the Georgia Christina University Music Competition in 2013.

Over the summers, she was accepted to the Governor’s Honors Program and Interlochen. She also participated in the Honors Performance Series, NAfME, CMU Pre-College program, and the Schwob school of Music summer flute masterclass.At her high school, she participated in the PRHS marching band and also created a school flute choir.

In her free time, Emily enjoys trying new food, exercise, and spend time with her friends and family.

Maya Ravi

Maya Ravi is a third-year undergraduate student studying flute performance, journalism, and marketing & communications at Northwestern University. Maya is from Austin, Texas, where she studied with Jennifer Keeney and Seetha Shivaswamy.

Maya has worked at Heifetz International Music Institute, KMFA 89.5 – Austin’s Classical Music Radio Station, and the Austin Chamber Music Center. Throughout high school, she was a member of the University of Texas at Austin’s Texas Youth Wind Symphony, TMEA 5A & 6A All-State Ensembles, and the Austin Chamber Music Center. Over the past few summers, Maya has been invited to attend Greenwood Music Camp, Aria Academy, The Consummate Flutist, and BUTI’s Young Artists Program. In her free time, Maya loves playing with her two dogs, Milo and Luna.

Miguel Rodriguez

Miguel is a third-year undergraduate studying Flute Performance and Music Education. Raised in the suburbs of Chicago, Miguel started playing the flute in fifth grade band and started studying with Scott Metlicka (Elgin Symphony, Rockford Symphony, and South Bend Symphony) in 8th grade. Miguel participated in various ILMEA all-district and state ensembles on both flute and jazz saxophone throughout middle and high school. As a member of the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra, Miguel played principal flute performing works such as Bela Bartok’s Concerto for Orchestra, Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite, and Shostakovich’s Symphony No.1. During his senior year in high school, Miguel became a member of the Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative (CMPI) where he received rigorous coaching from musicians of the CSO, performed recitals, and even made an appearance on Chicago’s WFMT.

Miguel currently has a one-year contract with Rockford Symphony on Second Flute/Piccolo and frequently appears as a substitute musician with South Bend, Highland Park Strings, and Elgin Symphony. Miguel’s passion for teaching has guided him to teaching woodwind players of all levels. Many of Miguel’s students have gone on to summer camps such as Blue Lake, Birch Creek and Interlochen. This past summer, Miguel was the Flute TA working alongside Shannon Finney of the Kansas City Symphony during Birch Creek’s symphony session.

During his free time, Miguel enjoys running and cycling!

Julianna Wang

Julianna Wang is a third-year undergraduate student from Concord, North Carolina pursuing a dual-degree in Flute Performance and Cognitive Science. Before coming to Northwestern, Julianna studied with Elizabeth Landon as well as Amy Orsinger-Whitehead. In high school, Julianna participated in the Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestra as well as the Youth Orchestras of Charlotte Flute Choir. Additionally, she has participated in North Carolina’s South-Central District Band and All-State Band. In 2019, Julianna attended North Carolina’s Governor’s School West for Instrumental Music. She has performed in masterclasses with Victor Wang and Goran Marcusson.

On a lighter note, Julianna’s favorite animal is the seal and wishes to see one in the wild. She enjoys eating noodle soups, skiing intermediate-level slopes, exploring national parks, and collecting animal-themed items.

Emma Krause

Emma Krause is a flute and piccolo player finishing her undergraduate degree at Northwestern University. Originally from Downers Grove, IL, Emma is in her senior year of collegiate studies under the instruction of John Thorne. She also studies piccolo under Alyce Johnson and Jennifer Gunn. During her time at Northwestern, Emma has been a part of many ensembles, including the Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Emma is also a past member of the Derailed Woodwind Quintet which was coached by David McGill and Leslie Grimm. Her earlier chamber music experience landed her performances on WFMT radio station’s Introductions, as well as NPR’s From the Top, and won her a third place medal at the 2020 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. She has played in numerous masterclasses with distinguished flute and piccolo players, including Alberto Almarza, Bonita Boyd, Denis Bluteau, Emma Gerstein, Lorna McGhee, and Jeff Zook. Additionally, she has most recently taken part in summer programs at Orford Musique, The Consummate Flutist, and The Artistic Flutist. Emma enjoys performing locally, volunteering her time at Evanston retirement homes, and teaching flute students of all ages.

When she’s not playing her flute, Emma can be found strumming a guitar and singing with cute kids in nearby preschools as an early childhood music teacher with Jamberry Music. She also loves cooking and baking, and her specialty is bread!

Haylie Wu

Haylie Wu is a fourth-year undergraduate from San Jose, California, pursuing a dual degree in flute performance and Electrical Engineering. Prior to Northwestern, she studied with Ai Goldsmith.

Haylie was raised in Shanghai, and she moved to the states in the summer of 2017. During high school, she was a member of San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra. In 2019, she won the first prize winner of the San Jose Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition. She also played as the second chair in California All-state Wind Ensemble and was qualified in NAfME National Honor Concert Band in 2019. Haylie was the second prize winner of San Francisco Flute Society Junior Division competition in 2019, and the first prize winner of Sacramento Flute Festival High School Artist competition in 2020. She has performed in masterclasses with Robert Stallman, Leone Buyse, and a virtual masterclass with Ransom Wilson through Chicago Flute Club.

Abby Katje

Abby Katje is a first-year master’s student from San Diego, California studying Flute Performance at Northwestern University. Abby graduated Summa Cum Laude from Arizona State University with her B.M. in Flute Performance under Dr. Elizabeth Buck. Prior to moving to Chicago, Abby studied with Diana Morgan in Southern California. Her previous teachers also include James Romeo of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.

At Arizona State University, Abby performed as principal flute and piccolo of the ASU Symphony Orchestra and the ASU Wind Ensemble. She was also the flutist of the Aurum Wind Quintet, performing with the group in various venues across the Phoenix area.

Abby has performed in masterclasses with flutists from all around the world such as Gareth Davies, Susan Hoeppner, Jim Walker, Ransom Wilson, Demarre McGill, and Marianne Gedigian.

Mary Lynn Miklos

Mary Lynn Miklos is a first year masters student at Northwestern University studying Flute Performance with Professor John Thorne. Before studying at Northwestern University, Mary graduated from Florida Southern College in Lakeland Florida with a B.M in Flure Performance studying with Colleen Blagov and a B.A in Youth Ministry.

In her undergraduate program, Mary served as the principle flutist in the Florida Southern College Orchestra, FSC Wind ensemble, and played in numerous chamber groups. She holds music scholarships for The Albert Key Memorial Award and The Jack Houts Memorial Award for performance.

Mary has also attended Interharmony International Music Festival and Flauti al Castelo Masterclass Series in Italy studying with Sergio Pallottelli and Mark Sparks.

When she is not playing the flute, Mary enjoys traveling, cooking, reading, and being outside!

Holly Venkitaswaran

Holly Venkitaswaran is a first year master’s student at Northwestern University. She recently graduated from Vanderbilt University, where she won the 2021 Vanderbilt Concerto Competition performing Frank Martin’s “Ballade for Flute and Orchestra”. She was also a prizewinner in the 2019 Bolz Young Artist Competition, where she performed François Borne’s “Carmen Fantasy” with the Madison Symphony Orchestra. Holly won the 2019 Wisconsin Flute Festival Young Artist Competition, 2018 Chicago Flute Club Competition – Senior Division, and the 2018 Kenosha Symphony Concerto Competition performing Carl Nielsen’s Flute Concerto. Most recently, she took first place in the 2023 Mid-South Flute Society Young Artist Competition.

Her other notable performances include solo recitals on Wisconsin Public Radio and WFMT’s radio show “Introductions” in 2019. She has also performed in masterclasses for Stefán Ragnar Höskuldsson, Lorna McGhee, Jim Walker, Marina Piccinini, Bonita Boyd, and Amy Porter, among others. Holly plays a 14 karat rose gold flute made by Juan Arista, one of the last of its kind to be made by the master flute maker.

Wiktoria Godawa

Wiktoria Godawa is currently a second year master’s student studying Flute Performance at Northwestern University. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.M. in Flute Performance from the West Chester University of Pennsylvania. During her years based in the Philadelphia area, Wiktoria performed as a member of the Pennsylvania Chamber Winds and helped to commission and perform new works to expand the repertoire for chamber ensembles. During her time there, she had the honor of performing on the Kimmel Center stage as principal flutist with the WCUSO as part of a UNICEF benefit concert. In addition, she has been a finalist in the MTNA Young Artist eastern division competition, the Flute Society of Greater Philadelphia Masterclass competition, and the South Carolina Music Educator Association Master Recital competition.

Previously, Wiktoria has studied under Alice Weinreb, Dr. Kimberly Reighley, and Frances Tate, and has had the pleasure of performing in masterclasses with Carol Wincenc, Jill Felber, Patrick Williams, and Erica Peel. Currently, Wiktoria serves as substitute Flute and Piccoloist for the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, and maintains a robust teaching studio.
Outside of music, Wiktoria loves to read, bake, take care of her dozens of plants, and spend time with her cat, Wolfgang.

Saeyeong Kim

Saeyeong Kim is a second-year master’s student studying Flute Performance with Professor John Thorne at Northwestern University. Before attending Northwestern University, she studied with Professor Thomas Robertello at Indiana University, Jacobs School of Music, and received her Bachelor’s degree in Flute Performance. During her undergraduate program, Saeyeong served as the principal flutist in Jacobs School of Music Chamber Orchestra and JSOM Wind Ensemble, and she also performed with JSOM Symphony Orchestra.

In previous spring, Saeyeong became a finalist of Concerto Competition at Northwestern. In the summer of 2022, she participated in Trentino Music Festibal in Italy, and she played Chaminade flute concertino with TMF Orchstra as a winner of TMF Young Artist Solo Competition.

Saeyeong has also participated in many masterclasses with Jasmine Choi, Emma Gerstein, Andrea Kaplan, Sergio Pallottelli, Cobus du Toit, and Gergely Ittzes.

In her free time, she enjoys jogging, listening to music, watching movies, and cooking Korean food.

Jungah Yoon

Jungah is a second-year doctoral student studying Flute Performance at Northwestern University. Before
moving to Chicago, she graduated from Yale School of Music, where she studied with Ransom Wilson on a Henry and Lucy Moses Scholarship and Fellowship. Over the three years, she earned two master’s degrees and won the Thomas Nyfenger Prize, awarded annually to those who have demonstrated the highest standard of excellence in woodwind playing. Previously, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Korea National University of Arts in Korea and had early graduation as a result of academic excellence.

Jungah began her studies at the age of six and she was selected as a Kumho prodigy. She gave her debut recital at the age of ten. She has been a laureate of many competitions, including Seattle Young Artist Competition, Australian Flute Festival Competition, Woolsey Hall Concerto Competition, Donald Peck Competition, Osaka International Competition in Japan and others. She appeared as a soloist with Yale Philharmonia, winning the Woolsey Hall Concerto Competition. Additionally, she was invited to the 2015
Prague Spring International Music Festival Competition.

She has performed with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra and is currently a regular member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, as well as a substitute flutist for the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and New World Symphony in Miami. As an active chamber musician, Jungah has participated in the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival. She frequently performed with the New Haven Chamber Orchestra and Traum Chamber Orchestra in Korea.

In addition to her appearances on stage, Jungah is also committed to teaching. Currently, she is an affiliate instructor in flute performance at Bradley University and teaching freshmen and sophomores at Northwestern University.