Studio Members - Amanda Deeese

Hi, I'm Mandy Deese, and I am currently a freshman Music Education major at Southern Miss. I have lived in small town Marianna, Florida for all of my life, but was swayed into attending this University when my old high school band director brought a large group of our high school band here to be a part in All-South. It was an awesome experience, and I am glad I have been given the chance to study music here. I began playing flute in sixth grade, and it has been a huge part of my life ever since. My awards to date include competing in and receiving Superior markings for several solo and flute choir events on district and state levels, being named Outstanding Soloist at the All Star Music Festival in Atlanta, Georgia, and being elected for District Small Schools Honor Band for three years, and State Small Schools Honor Band my senior year. My high school peers and band directors presented me with Rookie of the Year, Hustler Award, and Most Outstanding Player Awards in my freshman year, and last year, my directors chose me as the John Philip Sousa Award recipient. I was also chosen as sole Drum Major last year, and I conducted and participated in a Superior scoring flute choir. I am a member of the Flute Choir, Symphonic Winds, The Pride of Mississippi, and I am studying flute under Dr. Mezzadri. I plan to teach high school band and choir for several years and eventually begin work as a professor in college.