Audition Cafe

Introduction

Daquise Montgomery, a respected flutist and solo piccoloist, hails from Greenville, South Carolina. Their journey into music began with their private teacher Beth Scherer and furthered at the S.C. Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, studying under Dr. Caroline J. Ulrich. According to Montgomery, their musical aspirations were a “divine sign to begin flute studies.” Their private teacher, Mrs. Beth Scherer, played a pivotal role in their music journey that started relatively late, at age 14. Scherer attests to Montgomery’s dedication and perseverance, stating, “Daquise did all that was necessary to prevail with a late beginning to the flute.”

During Montgomery’s time at the Governor’s School, they achieved the South Carolina Woodwind’s MTNA runner-up position and won the From the Top Jack Kent Cooke $10,000 Scholarship Award, a notable achievement that was broadcasted on the NPR radio station in 2007. They also recorded for From the Top in Jordan Hall at the New England Conservatory. Montgomery further showcased their talent as the principal performer in the Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, and as the principal flutist in the Carolina Youth Symphony. Their performance of Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Capriccio Espangol” at Carnegie Hall with the Carolina Youth Symphony was a notable accomplishment.

Montgomery pursued their initial year of flute studies at The Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University, guided by Laurie Sokoloff. Their mentors also included globally acclaimed flautist Marina Piccinini and Emily Skala, the Baltimore Symphony Principal Flautist. Montgomery concluded their college studies in 2012 under Dr. Jennifer Parker-Harley, a flute professor at the University of South Carolina.

At Peabody, Montgomery participated in various ensembles, including the Peabody Wind Ensemble, The Johns Hopkins University Symphony Orchestra, and several chamber ensembles. They notably served as a solo piccoloist in the conservatory’s Wind Ensemble CD recording “Trendsetters: Music for Wind Band,” directed by Dr. Harlan D. Parker.

Later, Montgomery recorded “Bernstein Transcriptions for Wind Band,” with the USC Wind Ensemble. Released in 2012, the record was conducted by Dr. Scott Weiss, with Montgomery as the solo piccoloist. While at the University of SC, they performed in the USC Wind Ensemble, USC Symphony, Opera Orchestra, and multiple chamber ensembles.

Currently, Montgomery performs as a piccoloist and flutist with the Loudon Symphony Orchestra and the Capital City Symphony. Their professional performances also include roles as sub flutist and piccoloist in the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, Greenville Symphony Orchestra, SC Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Woodwind Trio/Quintet, and the Palmetto Concert Band. Montgomery is not only a private teacher but also an orchestral, chamber, and solo musician who performs in Virginia, D.C., Georgia, Maryland, and South Carolina.