Artist Bio
Zoe Funai (USA)
Zoe Funai began her flute studies with Bonnie Blanchard at the age of eleven. Throughout her career, she was blessed to be a part of many great musical opportunities that most could only dream of. Along with excelling in school, Zoe found music to be an enormous part of her life.
Zoe has competed and performed in many competitions in the Northwest area. In the spring of 2006, she placed 1st in both the solo and concerto division of the Performing Arts Festival of the East Side, moving on to compete in the concerto playoffs. In January 2007, she received 2nd place at the regional Music Teachers National Association Woodwind Competition, after receiving 1st place at the state level. Also in 2007, Zoe made her debut with the Roosevelt Symphony Orchestra at their Side by Side Concert with the Seattle Youth Symphony. In 2007, 2009, and 2010, her flute duo placed 2nd at the Washington State Solo and Ensemble competition, along with receiving 3rd place for her solo in 2010. In 2006 and 2007, Zoe placed 2nd in the love division of the Seattle Flute Society Frank and Lu Horsfall Scholarship Competition, continuing on to receive 1st place in the upper division in 2008 and 2010. Zoe also placed first in the Simon-Fiset Woodwind competition in 2010.
Along with competing, Zoe has performed in many local organizations in Washington. She was principal flute with the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra, a member of the Academy Chamber Orchestra, and principal flute of the Washington All-State Honors Wind Ensemble in 2008. In 2008, she was a sub for the Greenwood Concert Band, and a guest at the Pacific Harp Institute. She also participated in her school’s music program, performing in the highest orchestra for all four years.
Along with studying under her teacher, she also attended many summer camps under renowned flute performers. She attended Alexa Stills’ Boulder Summer School in 2006, the Oberlin Flute Institute under Michael Debost and Kathleen Chastain in 2007, the MPulse Flute Institute under Amy Porter, and the Marrowstone Summer Music Program in 2006, and 2009 with Jill Felber. She has also had master classes with Hal Ott, Donna Shin, Leonard Garrison, Jennifer Rhyne, Patricia George, and Ralph Guenther.
This fall, Zoe will be attending the University of Washington. She plans to continue studying flute with Donna Shin, and to look further into the many other great opportunities the school has to offer.