Member Spotlight: Mary Pritchett Boudreault
Outside of the quintet, where do you work?
I teach horn and music theory at Winston-Salem State University and also teach private horn lessons to students ranging in age 10-50.
What other instruments do you play?
The first instruments I learned were piano and guitar. In addition to the horn, I studied violin and piano throughout high school. Once in college, I concentrated exclusively on horn. I still enjoy messing around with bluegrass fiddle and guitar with my family, though I'm not very good!
Why did you choose a career in music?
As long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a musician and educator. My biggest influences are my mom and grandmother. I grew up watching them bring joy and enrichment to communities through music. I suppose it was always in my blood.
What is your favorite music to listen to?
My favorite kind of music to listen to is bluegrass! I love the harmonies, virtuosity, and honesty in the lyrics.
What are your hobbies?
I've recently taken an interest in growing flowers, and they seem to be doing well! I also spend a lot of time playing with my sweet dog, Mandolin.
What advice would you give to a young aspiring hornist?
Work hard. That sounds so cliché, but I mean it. Work very hard at individual practice, stay involved in a variety of ensembles, and enhance your musicianship skills. Learn to play the piano or sing. Surround yourself with great musical influences - peers, teachers, recordings, and concerts.
You've recently traveled to Europe to give music performances. How does the performance experience differ from that in America?
I've done two tours this year through several countries. It's astonishing at how much people in other countries appreciate live music. In the US, groups are having to market like crazy and practically beg young people to come to concerts. In my experiences so far, it seems that classical music is still cool in other parts of the world. It's a delight to witness the listener's response to live music in other countries.
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