MWFF Faculty

Guest Artist


Kathy Blocki

Kathy Blocki’s reputation as a preeminent flute educator is indeed well-established. Her dedication to
the craft is evident in the accomplishments of her students and the acclaim her teaching sessions have garnered internationally. Recently she was honored as the Teacher of the Year 2024 in the Global Flute Excellence Awards by Flute Almanac. In addition, she has been honored by receiving the NAMM “Best Tools for Schools Award” not once, but twice, for the creation of the Pneumo Pro Wind Director ® and
codeveloper of the Flute Flex Pro.  Moreover, her extensive publication of 17 flute method books, many of which have won awards by the National Flute Association, further her passion for flute pedagogy.

Most importantly, Kathy loves to inspire students to see and reach their full potential in a positive and joyful environment. Her passion for teaching has led to a steady stream of students who have won many local, state and national competitions.

Program Director

Katrina Young

Katrina Young is a celebrated Suzuki Flute Teacher who specializes in teaching the very Young Flutist and has operated her own private flute studio for over 30 years. She is a certified elementary and early childhood music educator who has taught in the classroom as an Elementary Music Teacher. Her expertise goes beyond the classroom as well; Katrina has organized and designed several large-scale creative Flute Institutes, Workshops, Concerts, and Recitals for the Suzuki Association of Utah. In 2022 she served as the director for the debut of MountainWest FluteFest, a regional Institute for students in the Western United States. She has volunteered on the boards for both the SAU and the Utah Flute Association, and in 2015 she received the SAU Distinguished Service Award for her passion to create these educational events for flute students in Utah. 

Katrina’s focus on excellence, musicality, and joy are evident in the success of her amazing students. Students in the Young Flutists Studio have placed nationally in MTNA, routinely win State and Region competitions, receive college Flute scholarships, have been featured on Concerto Nights, been selected as Sterling Scholars, and win auditions to play in local youth symphonies.  The Young Flutists Studio was featured in a performance with The One Voice Children’s Choir on Temple Square in The Holy Child (a Christmas production performed in the Tabernacle on Temple Square), at The National Flute Convention in SLC, and often collaborates with instruments from other music studios, including the harp.  Katrina resides and teaches in Stansbury Park, Utah.

Faculty

MWFF Collaborative Pianist
Dr. Mitchell Giambalvo

Dr. Mitchell Giambalvo moved to Salt Lake City on a whim right before the pandemic. Originally from Pennsylvania, he received his doctorate from Florida State University in piano performance. After his doctorate he went back to complete a second Masters degree in collaborative piano. Following his second masters, Dr. Giambalvo was an adjunct professor of piano at Troy University in Alabama. After moving to SLC in 2019, Giambalvo has become highly active in collaborating. On staff at the University of Utah where he is the pianist for the graduate vocal quartet, Giambalvo is also a freelance vocal diction coach for singers and works with instrumentalists. Fulfilling a life goal, Giambalvo is also a substitute pianist with the Utah Symphony. Giambalvo performs regularly with faculty at UVU, BYU,  and U of U, as well as on the NOVA Chamber Series. He is on faculty of the Red Lodge Music Festival in Montana during the Summer and will be a pianist for the International Trombone Festival this Summer, held at the University of Utah. 

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Kristen Parrish

Kristen Parrish is a flute instructor and flutist in the north Utah County area. She is passionate about music education and her students, who consistently perform in all state ensembles, state solo and ensemble, other various competitions, and community events. She is currently a member of the Utah County Flute Choir as both a performer and conductor. Kristen graduated from Brigham Young University in 2017 with a degree in instrumental music education and studied flute with Dr. April Clayton and Hillary Haddock. She loves working with local band programs and has been a woodwind technician with Skyridge High School, Lehi High School, and Herriman High School marching bands and loves working with students of all ages. Kristen is an active member of the National Flute Association, and the Utah Flute Association. She currently serves as Education Liaison of the Utah Flute Association.

As a certified Suzuki Flute Instructor, Nancy has contributed to the Desert Suzuki Flute Institute and the Suzuki Association of the Americas National Conference. Her performances as a soloist, in chamber ensembles, and with various flute choirs have captivated audiences. She has also participated as conductor and performer in flute choirs at several National Flute Association Conventions.

Nancy’s commitment extends beyond teaching. She has served on the board of the Utah Flute Association, where her students consistently excel in competitions. Additionally, she maintains a private studio with 30 dedicated students. Nancy performs as the Assistant Principal Flutist with the Salt Lake Symphony. She can also be seen on broadcasts with the Orchestra at Temple Square. Her freelance work keeps her engaged and connected to the vibrant music scene.

One of Nancy’s true passions lies in directing flute choirs. Each summer, she leads the Davis County Flute Choirs, and she eagerly anticipates directing the Rocky Mountain Flute Orchestra—a group of highly skilled adult flutists. For more details, feel free to reach out to Nancy.

Excitingly, Nancy will be teaching at the Mountain West Flute Fest, sharing her expertise alongside other top flute performers and educators from the state.

Meet MWFF CCC’s!

(College Camp Counselors)

Briaunna Young

Briaunna Young is a flute performance undergrad student of Dr. Hasan’s at USU. Some flute highlights of hers include being National Third-Place Winner in the 2019 MTNA competition, 11 time UFA Sonata Comp winner, soloing with the One Voice Children’s Choir at Temple Square, and winning her 75 point Federation Gold Cup.

Melia Morrison

Melia Morrison is a music education major at Weber State University where she studies with Cindy Henderson, adjunct professor of flute. She enjoys being a part of Weber State’s performance ensembles, including its honors flute ensemble, symphony orchestra, symphonic band, marching band, and pep band. In her free time, Melia loves to travel and hike.