Masterclass Performers
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AJ Schmidt
Masterclass Performer
AJ Schmidt, a junior at Franklin Regional High School in Murrysville, PA, studies flute with Dan Parasky and has also worked with Megan Ensor, Kelly Zimba Lukić, and Austin Brown. He is a member of the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra and has earned multiple honors, including the piccolo seat for the 2022-23 PMEA All-State Band and being a two-time winner of the Pittsburgh Concert Society’s Young Artist Competition. AJ has traveled internationally with youth orchestras, performing in venues across Portugal, Germany, and the Czech Republic, and plans to pursue a career in flute performance.
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Weston Sanders
Masterclass Performer
Weston Sanders is a junior at Princeton Senior High School in Princeton, WV. He serves as drum major and flute section leader. He has been a part of the WV Allstate Band for the past two years as both a member of the flute section and as the piccolo chair. He attended WV All State Solo and Ensemble his freshman year and attended WV Arts Alive Festival his sophomore year. Weston currently studies with Professor Elizabeth Lantz, Virginia Tech.
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Juan Carlos Narvaez
Masterclass Performer
Juan Carlos Narváez is an American flutist committed to artistic freedom through body-instrument integration, creative expression, and disciplined practice. He performs with ensembles like Cincopation Wind Quintet and Aether Flute Quartet, Fischoff quarterfinalists. Specializing in contemporary techniques, he commissions new works and researches flute pedagogy. He studied in the U.S. and Spain.
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Jackson Thee
Masterclass Performer
Jackson Thee is a flutist and educator pursuing his Master’s in Flute Performance at West Virginia University and is currently studying with Professor Nina Assimakopolous. A Capital University graduate, he specializes in contemporary music and music education and has studied with renowned flutists Lindsey Goodman, and Lisa Jelle.
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Jose Ramirez
Masterclass Performer
Jose Fernando Ramírez-Macías is a Colombian flutist and doctoral student at West Virginia University. His research explores flute acoustics and Colombian music. With over 20 years of performance experience, he blends classical and Latin traditions, promoting inclusive education and cultural identity through music.