Monash University Flute Ensemble
The Monash University Flute Ensemble is directed by Peter Sheridan. The flautists perform on the wide array of instruments from the modern day flute ensemble (from piccolo to hyperbass flute).
The Monash University Flute Ensemble of the Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music was established in 2008 as a student-based ensemble open to all flutists, both in Performance and Arts degrees. The flautists perform on the wide array of instruments from the modern day flute ensemble (from piccolo to hyperbass flute).
Promoters of new music, they have commissioned numerous Australian compositions including works by composition faculty and students.
The ensemble performs regularly on the School of Music’s Sound Series concerts, and has made appearances at the Australian Flute Festivals in Adelaide and Canberra. In 2018 they have been invited by the Melbourne Composer’s League to present a concert of new music by local composers, and plan on recording an album of all Australian music.
By 2017 the ensemble had made three CD recordings which have received strong reviews in International music journals. The Ensemble's unique sounds have been aired on 3MBS, 5MBS and the ABC radio stations.
Monash University Flute Ensemble is featured on the following titles
Dances and Delights
Premiere recordings of Australian and American works for modern flute ensemble fill this album with spirit and serenity, from waltzes and two-steps to cherished song arrangements.
Fantasie Australis
Compositions by living Australian composers, most based in Melbourne, performed by the Monash University Flute Ensemble under Peter Sheridan. Australia’s flute-ensemble repertoire is still small beside other national traditions, yet the country has a rich store of fine woodwind writing.
Members of Monash University Flute Ensemble
Jessica Laird
Jessica Laird completed her Bachelor of Music (Honours) at the Melbourne Conservatorium in 2011. Under the guidance of Peter Sheridan, she has been the first flutist from the Melbourne Conservatorium to complete an Honours specialising on the Alto Flute. In 2013, she finished her Masters of Music (Performance Teaching) where she specialised on Alto flute under the tuition of Mardi McSullea.