UNT flutist wins Myrna Brown Flute Competition

Thursday, June 14, 2018 - 09:57

Media: Download image here.

 

What: Media opportunity with UNT College of Music student, Martin Godoy, international flute competition award winner and first generation college student

When: 10 a.m. June 12 (Tuesday)

Where: Winspear Performance Hall in the Murchison Performing Arts Center, 2100 S. Interstate 35E in Denton.

Media: Martin Godoy and his mentor, UNT faculty Elizabeth McNutt, will be available for interviews, a private flute performance, photos and video.

 

DENTON (UNT), Texas ¾ The University of North Texas College of Music announced that Martin Godoy, a doctor of musical arts student, won first prize in the Texas Flute Society’s 32nd annual Myrna Brown Artist Competition. The event, held each year in Denton, is widely recognized as one of the highest level international flute competitions and has no age limit. Godoy receives a cash prize and is invited to appear as a guest artist at the 2019 Texas Flute Festival.

Godoy’s success is sweeter because of his personal journey. Godoy is a Dallas native and a first generation college student.

“For me, going to college meant making a name for my family and to show that anything is possible,” said Godoy. “‘I’m so proud of you, Mijo,’ and ‘that’s my boy,’ are expressions I often hear from my proud parents. I like to think that I take a bit of each of them with me as I achieve my dreams in music.”

Godoy explains that he had incredible encouragement from teachers, counselors and family. In elementary school, music was his favorite class. His music teacher recommended that he audition for the All-City Boys Choir and he was accepted. In middle school, he joined the band and fell in love with the flute. From there, he excelled through all-city, region, region orchestra and state bands.

“Thank goodness for high school counselors.” Godoy said. “I honestly do not know where I would be right now had it not been for college. I have met so many people and have developed a wide variety of interests. My world is bigger and dreams bigger as a result.”

Godoy’s talent and drive landed him at the UNT College of Music where he found inspiration, friendship, guidance and a hunger for success.

“Winning a top tier competition like the Myrna Brown Flute Competition is a stellar achievement for any flute student, to win it as a first generation college student is all the more remarkable, as often students like Martin have not had flute lessons until they enter college,” said Terri Sundberg, professor of flute at the UNT College of Music. “He is incredibly gifted and has worked to support himself and pay tuition and expenses to earn three degrees by teaching flute and directing the Color Guard at Colleyville High School. He has blossomed into one of the top flutists in the country and is an example of what is possible with talent, drive and determination.”

About the UNT College of Music

The College of Music is one of the nation’s largest and most respected comprehensive music schools. It offers fully accredited degrees from the bachelor to doctoral levels and is home to the world’s first jazz studies degree program. Faculty include internationally acclaimed artists and scholars in composition, conducting, ethnomusicology, music education, music entrepreneurship, music history, music theory and performance. The college presents more than 1,100 concerts and recitals annually. UNT music alumni can be found around the globe in impressive, award-winning careers across a wide-range of music professions. Visit the College of Music online calendar at http://music.unt.edu/calendar and connect with the College of Music on Facebook at Facebook.com/UNTCollegeofMusic, and on Twitter at @UNTCoM

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