Grace, 13, plays the flute and piccolo in the Kilmer Symphonic Band. Equipped with an impressive arsenal of technique, she can produce some real pyrotechnics when armed with her flute. However, you wouldn’t assume such musical tenacity when chatting with her. Grace is soft-spoken when it comes to her talents and allows her playing to speak for itself.

Grace began piano study at the early age of 5, building a solid foundation of music skills before picking up the flute for the first time in the Colvin Run Elementary band. She has studied flute privately with Elizabeth Hagen for the past four years and recently began developing her piccolo skills to compliment the advanced literature in Symphonic Band. Grace frequently lends her talents to performances in church and local nursing homes, and even shares her piano skills with patrons at Nordstrom during the holiday season.

As for musical honors and recognition, Grace has no shortage of accolades. She’s done everything from being named the Outstanding Band Musician for 6th grade at Colvin Run ES, to racking up multiple Superior Ratings for flute and piano performances at Solo Festivals, to gaining acceptance to the VBODA Region 12 Middle School Honor Band as a 7th grader – where she relished in the opportunity to play a duet in one of the performed pieces on the concert.

Not relying solely on her talent alone, Grace works diligently to hone her abilities through practicing. She enjoys using her refined skills to express emotions in her solo playing and likes contributing her talents to the band in order to be part of a sum that is greater than its individual parts. In addition to all the practicing and rehearsals, Grace furthers her musical aptitude by listening to some great performers on the flute. She admires James Galway for the sheer beauty of his playing, but also appreciates lesser-known artists, like Helen McGarr who was featured for her exceptional talents at the young age of 12 on the prestigious NPR program, From the Top.

Grace’s talents reach beyond the realm of music. Her poems have been published several times in the Creative Communications anthology and her art skills have made appearances on year book covers and contests. Though she is unsure of what her future holds, Grace knows her flute talents will keep music an important part of her life, wherever it leads.