You are warmly invited to learn more about UpTown Flutes, a virtuoso professional flute ensemble, by navigating this site or visiting one of our performances. To find an up-to-date list just click on "Concert Calendar".
UpTown Flutes presents original works and arrangements composed for the entire family of flutes: piccolo, C flute, alto and bass flutes. UpTown Flutes actively commissions and is dedicated to bringing new music to a wider audience. The group's innovative programming features varying ensemble sizes, genres, styles, and historical periods as well as collaboration with other instruments such as harp and percussion. UpTown Flutes is also active in community education, coaching, and residency programs.
The group features 8 virtuoso performers:
Carla Auld, Founder and Director “From Bach to Broadway” Ensembles and “Cassandra Duo” flute and voice duo. Member of North Jersey Philharmonic. NJ Flute Choir Day Coach. Landell Flute Performing Artist. Performances at Carnegie and Steinway Halls. Carla has a BA from Temple University.
Elise Carter, Founder and soloist with Apollo Wind Quintet, presented by Artists International at Weill recital hall in Carnegie Hall in Oct. 2005 and Jan 2007, teaches and freelances in the NY metropolitan area. She is Music Director at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, has released a CD/DVD “Into the Next Dimension,” of original music for flute and guitar, is flute soloist with Irish rock band “The Temp,” and composer whose work has been premiered by UpTown Flutes. Elise has a BM from Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison.
Patricia Davila, 2004 winner of NFA Convention Performers Competition, Principal Flute North Jersey Philharmonic, member Garden State Philharmonic, 3-time winner of Artists International Chamber Music Competition, Miyazawa Flute Artist, released CDs with harpist Elaine Christy, “Enchanted Love” and “Celestial Sounds.” Flute soloist for Papal visit to Giants Stadium, co-director of NJ Flute Society, faculty member, Rockland Conservatory of Music. Patricia has a BM from Hartt School of Music.
Karen Demsey is associate professor of flute and music history at William Paterson University. She has published articles on flute pedagogy, presents clinics and master classes and is principal flute with the professional orchestra in residence at Wm. Paterson U. Her CD “Recollections of the Inland Sea” features music for flute and marimba with duo partner Greg Giannascoli and she performs with harpist Merynda Adams. Karen has a MM from Eastman School of Music and a DMA from Rutgers University.
Jeanne Fessenden performs in the classical and jazz styles throughout NJ. Ms. Fessenden maintains a private studio in Chester and Mendham, NJ. Jeanne has a BM from Rutgers U. and completed graduate study with Trevor Wye in England.
John McMurtery performs with the New Vienna Chamber Ensemble, the Society for Chromatic Art and the DiCapo Opera Co., appears on CDs with Manhattan Chamber Orch. John has a BM from Central Wash. U., a MM from Rutgers U., and a DMA from The Juilliard School.
Virginia Schulze-Johnson is the founder/director of NJ Flute Choir Day and Drew Summer Music, founder/member/director of UpTown Flutes. Performs with NFA Pro Flute Choir, and International Flute Orch. Virginia has a BM and MM from New England Conservatory and a Ph.D. from New York U. She is an adjunct professor at Drew University.
Rebecca Vega is an adjunct flute professor at Caldwell College, adjunct music professor at Montclair U. and flute instructor for Verona Summer Music Program in New Jersey. She has a BM from California State U. at Long Beach and an MA from Eastern Michigan U.
UpTown Flutes
2007-2008 Concert Season
Saturday, November 17, 2007, 3:00 pm
First Presbyterian Church
10 Fairview Ave., Verona, NJ 07044
Sunday, December 2, 2007, 3:00 pm
Franklin Lakes Public Library
470 DeKorte Dr., Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417
Friday, February 29, 2008, 8:00 pm
Dorothy Young Center for the Arts
Drew University
36 Madison Ave., Madison, NJ 07940
Sunday March 30, 2008
14th Annual NJ flute Choir Day
8:30 am - 6:00 pm
Dorothy Young Center for the Arts
Drew University, Madison, NJ 07940
Concert: 4 pm
Wednesday, May 14, 2008, 7:30 pm
Our Lady of Magnificat Church
2 Miller Rd, Kinnelon, NJ 07405