Kerry Malone
Music Background- I have been playing flute since I was eight years old and took private lessons from the same instructor from the moment I picked up the flute until I graduated high school. In high school, I added the piccolo into the mix. When I went away to college, I started off as a music minor but by my junior year, my music professors had convinced me to change my major to music performance. They could see I was very committed to practicing and was dedicated to becoming a better musician, but my greatest barrier was that I was too quiet. I enjoyed playing music so much (and the confidence I was gaining from it) that I decided I was going to make it my mission to join every ensemble my school had to offer to break out of my shy shell. In order to do that, I knew I would need to pick up another instrument. I always loved jazz so alto saxophone seemed like the right choice. I borrowed the school saxophone, started taking lessons from my mentor, and quickly learned how to double flute and sax in my jazz ensembles. I had a very rocky senior year, but music is what got me through it all. Once I graduated, I was at a loss of where to go. I started researching and discovered many volunteer community bands (starting with SUNY Orange Symphonic Band). All the people I met along the way believed in me and guided me towards more and more opportunities (including Maybrook). Throughout the last five years, I have transformed into a paid professional, picked up the clarinet when everything shut down for COVID and I needed an outlet, and was able to teach all of my instruments as a woodwind instructor. I am so grateful for our principal clarinetist, Paul, for teaching me the clarinet and the Maybrook Wind Ensemble which allows me to continue to grow on my new instrument! I have had the ability to play all my instruments with this band and fill in wherever I am needed the most.
What do you enjoy about the Maybrook Wind Ensemble? My favorite part of being a member of the MWE is getting to see and play with close friends (esp. Kathryn, Paul, Tom) and rehearsing Christmas music for our holiday concerts.
Anything else you would like to share? This band is a great start for young, talented high school musicians or a great restart for more mature musicians who are looking to get back in the game.