Maria Mandico is praised for her distinct sound that has made its way to international audiences, in venues such as the Sydney Opera House, the Shanghai Arts Center, the Hotel des Invalides in Paris, and medieval villages across Europe. “The zeal and intensity of her playing is awe-inspiring,” as reported by the Denver Concert Band, after she won their state-wide Young Artist Solo Competition.  A recipient of the Ted Twohig Memorial Endowed Scholarship, Maria holds a Masters of Music in Flute Performance from the Longy School of Music of Bard College, where she studied with Marco Granados.  Previous studies include a Bachelor of Flute Performance with a French minor from the University of Colorado at Boulder with Christina Jennings, and a year in Gaspar Hoyos’ private flute studio in Nancy, France. A registered yoga teacher, Maria develops and leads international classes and workshops for musicians.  In 2017 she won a position as flutist in the Naval Forces Europe Band and served four years in Naples, Italy. She is currently serving as the leader of the Crosswind Woodwind Quintet at Navy Band Northeast in Newport, Rhode Island.