B. M. (cum laude), University of Connecticut. Mr. Taylor has performed with the Hartford Jazz Orchestra, the Hartford Symphony Summer Pops Series, various theaters and casinos backing such performers as Paul Anka, Johnny Mathis, Joan Rivers, Al Martino and Bob Newhart. He spent seven years “on the road” with The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra playing lead alto sax and clarinet throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. Mr. Taylor has taught privately, group woodwind instruction, summer jazz camps, clinics and adjudicated middle and high school regional and All-State festivals for over 25 years.
Michelle Li is a dynamic flutist and educator based in Hartford. Connecticut. As a performer, Michelle made her orchestral debut in 2016 with the Binghamton University Symphony Orchestra asa winner of the annual concerto competition. Michelle is especially interested in contemporary music, and has premiered several new works by award-winning composers. She has presented extended technique workshops at the 2019 International Flute Symposium at West Virginia University and was a featured performer for “Flutes on Fire,” a contemporary program in the 2020 Flute Society of Washington’s Mid-Atlantic Flute Convention. Most recently, Michelle performed for
the 2022 SCI Online National Conference with pianist Dr. Michael McAndrew as founding members of the chamber group DuoMotive.
As an educator, Michelle is enthusiastic, encouraging, and adaptable. She has served as a Hartford school clinician, teaching flute to beginner band students. Michelle has also been an adjudicator for the Florida Flute Association and the West Virginia Music Educators Association. At the Hartt School, Michelle served as Co-Director of the Stratosphere Flute Choir, the university’s premier flute choir. In addition to flute, Michelle teaches beginner piano.
Michelle recently completed an Artist Diploma in Flute Performance at the Hartt School, graduating summa cum laude. She received a Master of Music degree in Flute Performance from West Virginia University and a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Binghamton University with Highest Honors. Michelle also received a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Creative Writing from Binghamton University. Past instructors include Janet Arms, Nina Assimakopoulos, Angela McBrearty, and Georgetta Maiolo.