Carla Wilson, Third Flute & Piccolo
Carla is an Oregon native, growing up and going to school in the Gresham area. She received her first flute the day of the Columbus Day Storm, a memorable experience to say the least. Carla put it in perspective, though, when she said, “Fortunately, you don’t need that much wind to play the flute.”
Carla is thankful there was a music education program which provided the opportunity for her to discover and develop her musical talents. She was encouraged to take private lessons and by the seventh grade knew that she wanted an orchestral career. She pursued her music studies at Lewis & Clark College where she received her bachelor’s degree in music education. Fresh out of school, she joined the Oregon Symphony in 1973. Larry Smith, who had just become the Oregon Symphony Conductor, was supportive of the new professional musician as was John May, her teacher and Principal Flutist of the Orchestra. As the Orchestra was achieving major status, Carla was busy continuing with her education and studies. A highlight for her was a three-week master class with Jean-Pierre Rampal in Nice, France. Carla earned her master’s degree in flute performance from Northwestern University where she studied with Walfrid Kujala, piccoloist with the Chicago Symphony.
Family has always been an important part of Carla’s life. She is the mother of three children: Christopher, Daniel, and Jessica. Carla and her husband, Jerry, enjoy going to out to dinner, to movies, and traveling and camping with the family in the off-season.
Even though she is tucked in amongst the woodwinds, Carla says that it is a great place to be. “I enjoy the Third Flute/Piccolo position because it is always interesting and rewarding. Playing Third Flute allows me to play in ensemble with two other very talented musicians and playing the piccolo provides the challenge of a solo chair.”
For more about this musician, click here.