Amplifying Expression; Integrating Electroacoustic Music

The study and performance of electro-acoustic music composed for flute is crucial to the Applied Flute curriculum at both undergraduate and graduate level of study. Electro-acoustic music combines flute with electronic sounds, tape, and digital delay processes. There are currently hundreds of compositions written in this genre of music. WVU students majoring in flute performance and music education do not have access to studying or performing electro-acoustic compositions for flute because of the lack of technology needed to perform these works. The awarding of this grant equipped WVU flute majors and minors with the technology needed to investigate, explore, and create performances incorporating electro-acoustic works.

The integration of this technology allowed for performances of electro-acoustic flute music to raise the quality of contemporary art-music performed on campus. It provided students, faculty, staff, and community members with the opportunity to be exposed to compositions and composers working within the genre of electro- acoustic music. The impact provided the ability of instrumental, art, and theatre studios within the College of Creative Arts to collaborate in interdisciplinary works and productions. This allowed students to explore and become advocates for this music both on and off campus, as students and in the future as professionals.

Nina Assimakopoulos

Associate Professor of Flute, WVU School of Music

Internationally acclaimed flutist Nina Assimakopoulos is an integrative performing artist whose work encompasses both traditional and exploratory forms of flute performance, combining music with movement, the visual arts and storytelling. A leading voice in the world of contemporary flute performance, Assimakopoulos has commissioned and premiered over 100 works for flute and recorded 5 solo CDs, the most recent of which, Vāyu: Multi-cultural Flute Solos from the Twenty-First Century (AMP Recordings) was selected in to the first round of the Grammy nominations for Best Classical Solo Instrumental.

Assimakopoulos tours extensively in the United States, Europe, Asia, and South America as a performing artist and masterclass and workshop presenter. She has appeared in solo recitals at Carnegie Hall, the Alden Theater Rising Stars Concert Series, the Dame Myra Hess Radio Broadcast Concert Series, the Live from Hochstein radio broadcast series and at contemporary music festivals across the globe. She is the recipient of numerous international accolades including grants and awards from organizations including the Aaron Copland Fund, the Fulbright Commission, the National Society of Arts and Letters, the Puffin Foundation, NY Women Composers and Yehudi Menuhin Live Music Now Foundation and is Professor of Flute at West Virginia University, College of Creative Arts where she enjoys working with the next generation of leading flutists, educators, and integrative artists. Go to www.ninaassimakopoulos.info for more information.

Chloe Upshaw

Associate, WVU School of Music

Raised in the Pacific Northwest, Chloe Upshaw is devoted to her multifarious career as a flutist, composer, and educator. She specializes in modern flute techniques and electroacoustic composition. With the mission to nurture the mental health and well-being of musicians, Chloe promotes the use of sound exploration as a medium for mindful expression. In addition to being an active performer and teacher, Chloe has been selected to present her research on musicians’ wellness at several regional flute festivals. Chloe enjoys teaching students of all ages and is passionate about exploring the musical and artistic potential of every student.

Chloe is pursuing her D.M.A. in flute performance at West Virginia University in the flute studio of Nina Assimakopoulos. She earned her M.M. in music performance at the University of Tennessee, where she studies with Maria Castillo, and her B.M. in flute performance at the University of Puget Sound where she studied with Karla Flygare.