Hometown:
San Antonio, Texas
Education:
Indiana University, Jacobs School of Music Bachelor of Music 2023
Northwestern University Master of Music 2025
Bio:
Mara Goree is a recent graduate of Northwestern University, where she earned her Master's in Flute Performance as a student of John Thorne. She previously earned her Bachelor's in Flute Performance from Indiana University. In 2022, Mara had the honor of performing as principal flute with Ballet Indiana. In 2024, Mara was appointed as Second Flute with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra.
What inspired you to become a musician?
I was just drawn to the flute initially. Then, the first time I heard the flute solo in the second movement of Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto no. 1, it blew my mind. I couldn't picture my life without flute after that.
Name your favorite composers and/or pieces:
Ravel's Piano Concerto in G, second movement. It's simply gorgeous.
What is an interesting fact about you and/or your instrument?
I started on violin at 5 years old, but then I switched to flute at 10 after hearing a middle school band performance.
When taking a break from music-making, what is your favorite thing to do?
I love to sip iced coffee and read!
Why did you choose the NRO?
The NRO is an incredible opportunity to learn repertoire, gain performance experience, and meet and collaborate with other high-level musicians. I want to improve my skills as a member of the orchestra, so that I can better contribute to an orchestra in the future. Also, I want to learn and perform orchestral repertoire that I have not yet had the opportunity to play.