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Opus 21
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May 8, 8:29am
1 review
•http://www.cwoto.org/opus21.htm
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 Boccherini Flute Concerto - 1st Movement
Fourteen-year-old Rachel Flowers was born 15 weeks premature, weighing less than one and a half pounds. At the age of three months she developed Retinopathy of Prematurity, which took away her sight.
Rachel discovered the piano at age two when, in an effort to stop her from banging on the keys with her toys, Rachel's mother took her hands and showed her how to play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Rachel caught on immediately and was soon playing the song in octaves, and then in harmony. Within a week she was playing every song she heard. By the age of 3 Rachel's repertoire included such classical piano staples as Für Elise and Moonlight Sonata, in spite of the fact that she still couldn't even reach the pedals.
At age four, Rachel began studying with Grant Horrocks, co-director of the Braille Music Division at the Southern California Conservatory of Music, the only school of music nationally and internationally serving both sighted and blind students and offering specialized training in music Braille, with curriculum development and production on-site. Rachel continues to study with Mr. Horrocks, as well as Richard Taesch, head of the Braille Music Division, and other members of the SCCM staff.
For the past three years Rachel has studied the flute under the direction of Toby Caplan-Stonefield. As both a pianist and flutist she has performed in numerous recitals, festivals, and competitions with continuing success. Rachel has been a Young Musicians Foundation scholarship recipient in support of her flute studies for the past two years and, through the generous support of Lou and Kelly Gonda, her piano studies are now being augmented by the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz where she works with Dr. J.B. Dyas and Institute alumnus Yoon-Seung Cho.
For the past 2 years Rachel has earned a place in the Ventura County Middle School Honor Band, and in March of this year was featured as a KABC news "Cool Kid" in connection with her participation in the Honor Band.
Rachel's profound musicality has brought her to the attention of a variety of musical luminaries. Shortly before his passing, Rachel played for Ray Charles and spent time with him at his recording studio. Rachel shared the stage with Burt Bacharach when both performed at a benefit for the Center For The Partially Sighted at Skirball Museum. In October 2007 Rachel was the featured performer at a private fund raising dinner for the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz hosted by Quincy Jones, and honoring Herbie Hancock.
Among Rachel's achievements: Conejo Valley Music Teacher's Association Fall Festival Gold Medal winner for the past three years; Conejo Valley Branch MTAC Certificate of Merit Honors, including performance at the State Convention; Junior Bach Festival Honors; 2nd and 3rd place trophies from the Southwest Youth Music Festival; and most recently VOCE Branch winner in Intermediate Winds.
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