Archbald flutist Samantha Humen wins 2021 Marywood Concerto Competition in Scranton
From a press release:
Samantha Humen, a flutist, piccoloist, and junior music performance major, has been declared the winner of the 2021 Marywood University Concerto Competition. The competition is held each November, and the winner is featured in the Marywood Symphony Orchestra’s spring concert, which is scheduled for Sunday, April 11 this year.
Humen, a graduate of Valley View High School in her hometown of Archbald, auditioned for the competition with Wolfgang Mozart’s “Flute Concerto No. 1” in G major. Prior to attending Marywood University in Scranton, this talented musician was a member of the Northeastern Youth Wind Ensemble, as well as Marywood’s collegiate Wind Ensemble.
“I was drawn to the music program at Marywood University because of the individual attention from faculty – not just in the music department, but the university as a whole,” Humen explained.
In addition to her music performance major, she is minoring in world religions. Knowing that she wanted to pursue a minor, she explored multiple paths, including philosophy and psychology, but it was the minor in world religions that interested her most.
Looking to the future, Humen hopes to combine her passions of music and world religions to serve as the basis for her master’s thesis when the time comes.
“I want to determine the differences and similarities between Western and Eastern perspectives on music and how music incorporated into specific religious ceremonies across the globe is viewed. I don’t have a title just yet, but I will present my findings during Research Day during the spring 2021 semester,” Humen said.
While she began playing piano at age 5, it was a best friend who helped ignite her passion for becoming a flautist at age 12.
“One of my best friends let me try playing her flute, a difficult instrument. I was determined to master it,” she recalled.
At Marywood, she credits the faculty, who not only encourage her interests, but who also coach her through those interests. As a freshman, she wanted to put on a freshman elective chamber music recital.
“The faculty listened to my initiative, coached me through the process, and helped me secure the resources for my recital,” she noted.
Following graduation, Humen hopes to audition for a master in music performance degree program. Ideally, she wants to pursue teaching in higher education or teaching flute students while continuing to perform.
Marywood University (2300 Adams Ave., Scranton) prepares students to have a positive impact on society at regional and global levels while providing each student with the foundation for success in an interdependent world. Founded in 1915 by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the university serves men and women from a variety of backgrounds and religions.
The university enrolls more than 3,000 students in an array of undergraduate and graduate programs. Committed to enriching human lives, Marywood provides a framework for educational excellence that enables students to develop fully as persons and to master professional and leadership skills necessary for meeting human needs.
