Who Ever Said That Classical Music, Modern Compositions, And Playing An Instrument Like the Flute Aren't Cool?
Don't let Helen hear you say that! It seems that no one has ever told her that it wasn't something that kids and teens these days shouldn't be doing. After listening to some of Helen's recordings on this site, you will be uplifted, inspired, and may have a great desire to pick up the flute yourself! Look out, cause here she comes ...
Please give a warm applause for Helen McGarr from Lindon, Utah, USA.
At the age of 6, Helen's parents noticed that when there was classical music, or any music for that fact, playing in the house, Helen could hum it with perfect pitch and timing. With natural ability identified, it was time to ask her if she would like to learn an instrument, and if so, which one? She picked the flute. She was shy, but she dove right in. Here she is at age 6 (right) with a modified flute (curved at the top) so that she could reach the pads!
Selection of a great teacher and learning method were next. It was important that Helen not only learn the instrument, but that she would also gain in confidence and grow as a person and as an individual. The selection of the Suzuki Method, an incredible teacher named Laurel Ann Maurer, and a relentless coach named Mom (Wendy McGarr) became her winning master-mind combination.
This is Helen with the Amazing Laurel Ann Maurer
Starting at age six, Helen began her quest to develop as a musician, as a person, and as a wonderful young woman. She has achieved her goals.
Helen began her performing career as a concerto soloist with the Salt Lake Symphony at the age of 7 and was also a soloist with the American Fork (Utah) Symphony at the age of 11. This year (07') she performed with the Utah Symphony, and she has been chosen to perform with the Utah Valley Symphony in 2008. She is currently a member of the Utah Youth Symphony.
Helen 2001 (Age 10)
She has been a featured performer on the "From the Top" weekly radio show and also in the "From the Top" PBS television series broadcast from Carnegie Hall. In 2007 Helen was the first place winner in the National MTNA Senior Woodwind Competition and the National NFMC Stillman-Kelley Competition. In 2006 Helen was the first place winner of the National MTNA Junior Woodwind Competition and the Utah State Fair Music Competition (intermediate woodwind division). She was also the first alternate in the National Flute Association High School Soloist Competition.
Helen with Christopher O'Riley In Phoenix at age 12 where she performed in front of an audience of 800 people for the "From The Top" Radio Program.
In 2005 Helen was the first place winner in the UMTA Concerto Competition (collegiate division) and the UFMC Stillman-Kelley Competition, and was the second place winner in the Utah State Fair Music Competition (intermediate division). In 2004 Helen was the second place winner of the MTNA National Junior Woodwind Competition, the first place winner of the UMTA Concerto Competition (junior division) and the second place winner in the 2003 and 2004 Utah State Fair Music Competition. Miss McGarr has received 8 consecutive Superior ratings in the National Federation of Music Clubs Festival. She even played for members of Congress this summer of 2007 in Washington DC. Here she is with Utah's Senator Orin Hatch.
She studies flute with Laurel Ann Maurer and has also studied with Robert Langevin, Jim Walker, and April Clayton. She has also performed in master classes with Carol Wincenc, Tara O'Connor, Brad Garner, Jeanne Baxtresser, Robert Langevin, Bonita Boyd, Katherine Kemler, Susan Milan, and Joshua Smith. She lives with her family in Lindon, Utah and is a student at Pleasant Grove High School. She also loves to sing, dance, shop and spend time with her friends.
Helen plays a Miyazawa (model: Boston Classic) Check it out CLOSE UP!
