Biography

Virginia Byerts is a recent graduate of Stetson University where she performed with the Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Band. Additionally, Virginia has performed with the North Carolina Symphony, the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra.

A native of Sanford, Florida, Virginia was homeschooled when she began oboe lessons with Dr. Ann Adams of Stetson University in the fifth grade. Now after completing her Bachelor of Music in oboe performance as a William E. Duckwitz Talent Scholar at Stetson, Virginia will continue to build her private studio.

As a soloist, Virginia has been featured with the Stetson University Community School of the Arts Choir, Florida Music Educators Association (FMEA) Women's Choir and various touring and local school choir concerts. She has been a finalist in the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition as well as the Ocala Symphony Concerto Competition. In June 2011, Virginia was selected to play in the International Double Reed Society Convention master class with Richard Woodhams in Tempe, Arizona.

In addition to her solo and orchestral experience, Virginia has performed with various chamber groups throughout high school and college. She has been immersed in classical music her entire life. Virginia's mother, Alice-Margaret, was a graduate of Stetson University and teaches piano privately to a studio of over 80 students.

Since 2008, Virginia continues to serve as a counselor for the Stetson University Double Reed Summer Workshop, after attending for eight years. When not performing, teaching or making reeds, Virginia Byerts enjoys spending time with her family, watching movies, listening to film soundtracks and camping.