Program Description
Event Details
Enjoy music performed by flutists Valerie McElroy and Dr. Yana Zixuan Yan. Light snacks will be provided.
Biographies
Valerie McElroy
Valerie is a flutist, educator, music arranger, and multi-instrumentalist who has traversed the world of music in her teaching and performance. She is the founder and director of VM Studio, a private music education studio, and is a regular performer with San Diego-based professional ensembles Connessa (2021 Finalists in Chamber Music, The American Prize) and Flûtes de Salon (NFA Convention Performers, 2022). A sought-after flute clinician and collaborator, Ms. McElroy conducts two San Diego Youth Symphony ensembles, directs the Villa Musica Flute Ensemble, and formerly served as Treasurer on the Board of Directors of the San Diego Flute Guild. A Chicago native, she studied at DePaul University with Mary Stolper, Hideko Amano, and Jennifer Clippert and has since worked with hundreds of music students in her educational career. Her pedagogy is centered around the development of the whole musician.
Dr. Yana Yan
Dr. Yana Zixuan Yan, who recently relocated to San Diego, is deeply passionate about her roles as a soloist, chamber musician, orchestral performer, and flute instructor. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Miami, a Master of Music degree from the University of Minnesota, and a Bachelor of Music degree from Wuhan Conservatory of Music. From 2022 to 2023, she served as a flute professor and instructor at Augustana College, Black Hawk College, and Quad City Symphony Orchestra.
Throughout her career, Dr. Yan has garnered recognition for her musical talents, winning awards in various festivals and competitions including the Quebec International Music Competition, King’s Peak International Competition, Charleston International Baroque Music Competition, Pacific Region International Summer Music Academy (PRISMA) in 2019, and Madeline Island Chamber Music Festival in 2016. She also received an honorable mention in the Schubert Club Competition in Minnesota and was selected to perform on the Thursday Musical Artist Series at the MacPhail Center for Music in 2017.
As an active flutist, Dr. Yan has also appeared as a concerto soloist with Frost Symphony Orchestra and UNLV Symphony Orchestra. She maintains a strong national presence as both a performer and an educator, participating in conventions hosted by the National Flute Association, Upper Midwest Flute Association, San Diego Flute Guild, and Florida Flute Association. Dr. Yan currently holds the position of membership secretary within the San Diego Flute Guild. More details: https://www.yanayanflute.com