SRU flutists to host high school flutists

High school flutists from Pennsylvania, Ohio and Florida will participate in SRU’s Feb. 27-28 “Honors Flute Ensemble” mentor program.

Feb. 12, 2016

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. ¬- Paige Hargrave, a Slippery Rock University music therapy major from Rochester, New York, who has been playing flute since fourth grade is eager to share her enthusiasm for the instrument with younger players.

She and other members of the SRU Flute Ensemble will get their chance to share their enthusiasm Feb. 27-28, when SRU hosts the 2016 Honors Flute Ensemble program for 16 high school student flutists from Pennsylvania, Ohio and Florida.

High school flutists will rehearse side-by-side with SRU flutists, meet professors, attend music classes and eat in the dining hall. Program organizers hope the students will make connections that will lead to a decision to attend SRU.

Hargrave, who participated in the program as a high school student, said the program helps provide a transition from high school to college. By getting to know SRU students, high school students could feel connected and more comfortable with a decision to attend Slippery Rock.

The weekend "is a great experience, a lot of fun and a lot of work," Hargrave said.

Hargrave said choosing to study flute was "one of the best decisions of my life."

She said the high school flutists would learn a lot about the music program at SRU, which is "wonderful because it is a little community within itself. You have your little groups, your studios and professors. Everyone understands what you're going through, the stress of practice and homework. It's a very supportive community."

Cassandra Eisenreich, SRU instructor of music and program director, said her students would gain an additional music experience. The teaching aspect benefits undergraduate musicians because professional musicians and teachers need to know how to connect with people to "transfer knowledge."

Other SRU students in the program are Katie Patterson, a music therapy major from Monaca; Paula Hartsough, a music major from Youngstown, Ohio; Caroline Brown, a music education major from Monroeville; Jen Kvortek, a music education major from New Kensington; Sydney Eastman, an undeclared major from Centerville; Lauren Denny, an undeclared major from Butler; Cassidy Shipley, a music education major from Moon Township, and Stephanie MacDonald, a social work major from Collegeville.

MEDIA CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine | 724.738.4854 | gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu