SRU instructor and student headed to national flute convention

Cassandra Eisenreich, Slippery Rock University instructor of music, conducting student flutists.

June 20, 2016

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - Since its inception in 1972, the National Flute Association has upheld a goal of "inspiring flutists and enriching lives."

Forty-four years later and more than 400 miles away, Slippery Rock University is celebrating that objective as two of its own will take part in the NFA Annual Convention, Aug. 11-14, in San Diego, California.

Cassandra Eisenreich, music education and performance instructor, will be returning to the convention for a second time as one of just 25 flutists selected from across the country to take part in the meeting's professional flute ensemble.

   EISENREICH

Eisenreich, an NFA member, is no stranger to the convention circuit. She spoke at the Modern Band Rockfest and Symposium in Fort Collins, Colorado last July before giving a pair of presentations at Chicago's Ravinia Festival last August.

Joining Eisenreich in San Diego will be Paula Hartsough, a senior music performance major from Youngstown, Ohio, who will be performing in the collegiate level ensemble.

   HARTSOUGH

"I still can't believe I made it," said Hartsough of her earning one of only 23 ensemble seats. "I've been playing the flute since the fifth grade and here in my fifth year of college, I'm finally receiving my reward."

That reward came at the end of a five-month waiting period following the submission of Hartsough's audition tape - which Eisenreich helped to record - last November.

"I'm so proud of her and happy for the both of us," said Eisenreich. "The NFA is an amazing way to garner more experience and knowledge. This opportunity is well worth all of the hard work we put in."

As Hartsough expressed her enthusiasm in accompanying one of her role models to the NFA Convention, she also voiced a desire to follow Eisenreich's footsteps in yet another endeavor, instruction.

"My ultimate goal is to be a flute teacher," said Hartsough. "I see this opportunity with the NFA as a chance to better myself and my future students."

MEDIA CONTACT: Maizee Zaccone | 724.738.2091 | mxz1016@sru.edu