Helen Rathbun

Flutist Helen Rathbun holds performance degrees from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (high school diploma), New England Conservatory (Bachelors degree), and a Masters in Music with chamber music emphasis from McGill University. She has participated in the Aspen, Bowdoin, Banff, and Norfolk Summer Music Festivals. Career highlights include recitals on the Trinity Church noon hour series in New York City, performances at Lincoln Center with SEM Contemporary Ensemble, and chamber music performances at the National Flute Association’s annual convention. Ms. Rathbun was a two-time Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall debut winner, first with duo partner, pianist, Jenny Mitchell, as well as with Femmes Four Flute Quartet. She has recorded for the Capstone, Fresh Sound/New Talent and Albany labels. Helen founded and directed a very popular early childhood chamber music series, Chocolate Chip Chamber Music in Park Slope, Brooklyn, from 2006-2012 prior to her move to Kalamazoo. Since relocating to Michigan, she has enjoyed collaborating with the Civic Theater, the KSO, Grace Field’s Chamber Music Workshop, music at First Congregational Church, serving as flute instructor at WMU’s high school Seminar, and playing with guitarist Dan Mervak in Duo Clare. Helen has an active private studio, and coordinates the Music Maestro tutoring program within WMU’s School of Music.