Debut Orchestra Winds & Brass Coach
Abby Black is from the Northern Suburbs of Chicago. As an alumni of CYSO, she is delighted to be a part of the CYSO Artistic Staff. Abby currently holds positions with the Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra as Third Horn, and the Millar Brass Ensemble.
Abby has performed with ensembles such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Rockford Symphony Orchestra, Buffalo Philharmonic, Rochester Philharmonic, Syracuse-based Symphoria, the Lansing Symphony Orchestra, Peoria Symphony Orchestra, Racine Symphony and the Gargoyle Brass Ensemble. She was also the Horn Fellow with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. In past summers she has attended the Chautauqua Music Festival, National Music Festival, Brevard Music Festival and Kendall Betts Horn Camp.
Abby received her Post-Master’s Certificate at DePaul University under the tutelage of James Smelser. She received her Master’s Degree at DePaul University studying with Oto Carrillo, and her Bachelor of Music in Performance and Music Education with a Performer’s Certificate at the Eastman School of Music studying with W. Peter Kurau. Other instructors include Neil Kimel, Daniel Gingrich, Roger Kaza, William Caballero, Hazel Dean Davis, Derek Conrad, and Jonathan Boen.
What’s your favorite piece to listen to?
I love all of the Star Wars soundtracks. Star Wars is a big reason I chose to play the horn and I just love all of the soaring melodies. I could listen to any of the soundtracks anytime of the day. Whenever a new movie is announced, it’s hard to tell if I’m more excited for the movie or for a new soundtrack.
What’s a fun fact about you that might surprise people?
I really love coffee! I roast my own coffee beans at home and love to try different brew methods and roasts.
