Emma Elizabeth Casey, a University of Kansas freshman from Overland Park studying flute

KU flute student wins young artist competition in Hays.
Emma Elizabeth Casey, a University of Kansas freshman from Overland Park studying flute, won the $500 first prize at the Hays Symphony Orchestra Young Artist Competition.

The competition took place Nov. 11 at Fort Hays State University.

Casey, who studies under David Fedele, assistant professor of flute, was one of three finalists in the competition. Finalists performed a piece from memory with the Hays Symphony Orchestra. Casey won with her performance of “Concertino for Flute and Orchestra” (Opus 107, 1902) by Cecile Chaminade.

Casey is the daughter of Tim and Barbara Casey of Overland Park and a Blue Valley North High School graduate.

Casey began playing the flute at age 5 and has been a member of the Kansas City Youth Symphony for eight years. She was the principal flutist of the KU Symphony Orchestra for the 2005-2007 seasons, which included a concert tour of Italy. She also was principal flutist of the 2006-07 Kansas All-State Honor Orchestra and has been principal flutist of the Prairie Winds Festival at KU and in the KU Wind Ensemble.

Casey was a National Merit semifinalist and has received several scholarships at KU, including the Dominic Fedele Flute Scholarship and a Harley S. Nelson Family Scholarship in the Arts. She received a 2007 Shooting Stars Scholarship, awarded by the Arts Council of Johnson County and was a finalist in the 2005 Kansas City Flute Association Rising Stars Soloist Competition. She also is a vocalist and dancer, appearing in community musical theater productions throughout the Kansas City area.