Schwob Around the Globe: A World Premiere Featuring Local Talent

Written by Diego Montes

Images via Schwob School of Music

On August 8, the Schwob Flute Studio with a collaboration from members of the Schwob Percussion Ensemble gave an amazing performance at the National Flute Association Convention in Atlanta. The ensemble proudly represented the Schwob School of Music on an important national stage. Their program, Schwob Around the Globe, celebrated the power of global connection through music, offering a vibrant, inclusive setlist that reflected a wide range of styles, time periods, and cultural exchange.

The program featured Exultate Deo by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (arr. Laura Walter), Agua de Mayo by Giuseppe Gallo-Balma (NFA Premiere), a graduate of the Schwob Flute Studio and Dr. Ogburn’s Composition Studio, The Planets: Venus and Mercury by Gustav Holst (arr. Phyllis Avidan Louke), Cassation by Czech composer Jindřich Feld, and the world premiere of Impresiones de la Puna by Alberto Ginastera, arranged by CSU graduate student Diego Montes from the Percussion Studio. Each piece brought a unique perspective, highlighting both the musical breadth of the ensemble and its commitment to amplifying international voices in classical music.

 Gallo-Balma's rehearsal at Legacy Hall

The recital was met with an enthusiastic response and glowing feedback from the audience and educators. The seamless integration of flute and percussion, paired with thoughtful interpretation and stylistic variety, made this performance not just a concert, but a powerful artistic statement. It demonstrated how academic excellence, collaboration, and cultural awareness can come together to create something truly memorable.

This milestone was also possible thanks to the generous support of the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning at Columbus State University, whose grant helped fund travel and meals for 22 student performers. The support was instrumental in ensuring equitable access to this opportunity, reinforcing CSU’s core mission of student success, inclusion, and real-world preparation. For many of the performers, this was their first time attending a national convention and they took the stage not just as musicians, but as ambassadors for the values of CSU.

 Schwob Students during their performance at NFA

Led by conductors Dr. Andrée Martin and Dr. Paul Vaillancourt, the ensemble brought together both technical discipline and a focus on healthy movement and expression. Body Mapping remains a cornerstone of the studio’s philosophy, helping students develop performance habits rooted in awareness, freedom, and injury prevention—tools that supported them in presenting their best selves on stage.

Performing artists included: Francina Akins, Laurie Alltop, Daniel Cruz, Rebekah Dickerson, Julian Ramirez Eusebio, Brissa Fraire, Ty Gable, Teagan Gray, Victor Hugo Guzmán, Ashlynn Mularchyk, Diana Pineda, Robert Ralston, Hector Rodriguez, Mason Stokes, Colleen Welsh, Geneva Whiting, Dale Cox, and Sarah Nelson. Percussionist Sebastian Ocando, along with Diego Montes, Apollo Thomas, and Andres Reyes Gutierrez, also contributed their voices, energy, and presence to the overall impact of the performance.

This appearance at NFA 2025 was more than a concert. It was a celebration of diversity, artistry, and the transformative impact of higher education in the arts. The Schwob Flute Studio’s presence affirmed that when students are empowered with support, mentorship, and purpose, they are capable of extraordinary things.

To learn more about the 2025 NFA Convention and view the full program, visit: https://www.nfaonline.org/convention/2025-convention-atlanta-ga/2025-convention-program-book