Shannon Vandzura
A rowan cms alumni spotlight
Shannon Vandzura's Biography
Shannon Vandzura, 26, is a flutist from Minotola, New Jersey currently living in New York City. She enjoys a vibrant freelance career in the Northeast region. She frequently performs with the New York Philharmonic, Symphoria, New Haven Symphony, Richmond Symphony, Albany Symphony, Symphony in C, as well as other regional orchestras. She holds the position of Second Flute in the Montclair Orchestra and Nutmeg Symphony. She was a flute fellow at Spoleto Festival USA in 2019 & 2020 and has spent the summer of 2017 & 2018 as a flute fellow at Tanglewood Music Center working with musicians in the Boston Symphony. She recently graduated from the Manhattan School of Music in the prestigious Orchestral Performance program in 2020. She graduated with her Masters from the Manhattan School of Music in 2018 under the tutelage of Robert Langevin and received her Bachelors from the Hartt School in 2016 under Janet Arms.
Q&A with Shannon Vendzura
- Career after Rowan CMS?
- Career Prep at Rowan CMS?
- Favorite Memory of Rowan CMS/RYO?
- Years you participated in RYO?
- Who did you study with?
- Fun Fact?
- Current Occupation?
- Advice for someone pursuing music?
Career after Rowan CMS?
- I have degrees from the Hartt School/University of Hartford and the Manhattan School of Music in Classical Flute performance. My day-to-day life looks like freelance performing, teaching and taking orchestral auditions
Career Prep at Rowan CMS?
- My time with Rowan Youth Orchestra was my first experience playing with an orchestra. I will always be indebted to Rowan CMS/RYO because it was the first time I had the life changing experience of what it feels like to play within an orchestra. That experience has shaped my life ever since.
Favorite Memory of Rowan CMS/RYO?
- I don’t think I can pinpoint one singular favorite memory from my time with RYO. I remember all of it with such fondness because it is where I fell in love with not only orchestral music, but the music community. The community is what I really remember and cherish. While years later I may not remember a specific piece or solo played, I remember loving the camaraderie that came with rehearsals and performances, and what it was like to learn and grow alongside one another.
Years you participated in RYO?
- I played with the RYO 2009-2011.
Who did you study with?
- I began my private flute lessons with Deborah Krauss in 6th grade and I began studying with Dr. Adeline Tomasone (former Rowan University flute professor) at the end of 11th grade. They both helped shape me into the person and flute player I am today! A great teacher is absolutely invaluable, so I really owe them so much.
Fun Fact?
- I adopted a kitty this past year and I absolutely love her! Her name is Polly. I also got engaged a few months ago!!!
Current Occupation?
- Currently, I am practicing for competitions and future auditions! I also teach lessons online and nanny for a sweet baby boy!
Advice for someone pursuing music?
- My best advice I could give to someone pursuing music in any capacity is to avoid getting hung up on pursuing perfection. There will always be room to improve. The beauty in pursuing music means pursuing endless personal and musical growth!