NFA News

The National Flute Association is pleased to announce that, for the first time in the NFA’s history, the organization has awarded two Frances Blaisdell Convention Scholarships – one to high school student, Alice Hu and one to undergraduate student Nathan Anderson – marking a significant expansion of the scholarship program. 

This annual scholarship, named for pioneering flutist Frances Blaisdell, funds two students’ trips to the NFA’s Annual Convention. The scholarship awards the recipients $1,500 each, a complimentary pass to the NFA’s Annual Convention, a CD recording of Frances Blaisdell, and a one-year membership with the NFA to take advantage of the organization's educational and professional resources.

“I am deeply honored to receive the Frances Blaisdell Scholarship and attend the NFA Convention in Atlanta,” says Alice, a rising high school senior studying flute with Dr. Francesca Arnone. “The moment I began playing the flute, I was aware of the sense of community it fosters through classes, ensembles, and shared performances. Music has shaped who I am, and it will always be an integral part of my life. At the convention, I can’t wait to connect with fellow flutists and explore the opportunities the convention offers!”

“I am so thrilled to be attending the National Flute Association Convention in Atlanta Georgia this year,” says Nathan, a student of Katherine Kemler at Louisiana State University. “I feel so incredibly honored to have been awarded the Francis Blaisdell Scholarship! It has been a dream of mine to attend the NFA Convention and to meet people who share my love and passion for flute. I can't wait to use what I learn from this enriching experience to inspire others.”

“Over the years, this scholarship has made a profound difference in the lives of our emerging youth,” says Daniel Pardo, who coordinated the scholarship application cycle. “Expanding the award into two categories marks a historic milestone – one that will amplify our ability to recognize, support, and elevate exceptional talent.”

Nathan and Alice will attend the NFA’s 53rd Annual Convention, which will be held Aug. 7-10 in Atlanta, GA. Learn more about the Frances Blaisdell Convention Scholarship at nfaonline.org/blaisdell. This scholarship is made possible by generous donations from supporters and members of the NFA. 

About Nathan Anderson

Nathan Anderson is a flutist from Raceland, Louisiana, and is an undergraduate flute performance major at Louisiana State University, studying under Dr. Katherine Kemler. He has also worked with Ji Weon Ryu, principal flute of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO), and Rachel Ciraldo, principal flute of the Baton Rouge Philharmonic. Nathan has played in masterclasses for Mihi Kim, Peter Verhoyen, and Carol Wincenc. He won first place in the LSU Concerto Competition and is on the sublist for the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. This past spring, he performed Malcolm Arnold's Flute Concerto No. 1 with the LSU Symphony Orchestra as a soloist.

About Alice Hu

Alice Hu is a rising senior and studies with Dr. Francesca Arnone. Alice has served as the principal flutist for the Florida All-State High School Concert Band, All-State Middle School Band, Tampa Metropolitan Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, and Tampa’s BAY Winds Wind Ensemble. She has been selected for the Florida All-State every year from 2019 to 2025. She attended the Interlochen and the Boston University Tanglewood Institute (BUTI) summer programs. Alice received both the BUTI Scholarship and the Florida Flute Association Emeritus Fund Scholarship to support her studies. Alice participated in the 2024 NFA High School Flute Choir. She will perform as a soloist at Winners Concerts held at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and Solitär Mozarteum in 2025. Alice has served as a tutor and a Senior Recruitment Director for the Do Re Mi Project and received the President’s Volunteer Service Award.

About Frances Blaisdell (1912-2009)

Frances Blaisdell was among the first women to enter the male-dominated world of orchestral music. Following her retirement from performing, Blaisdell taught at Stanford University until her death in 2009 at age 97. In 1994, Blaisdell received the NFA’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her trailblazing status as a flutist. In 2005, she was also awarded a Lloyd W. Dinkelspiel Award to honor her exceptional contributions as a flute educator at Stanford. 

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