Celebration of Music - Talent Search

Rebecca Tarling, who is originally from Maine, is currently completing her undergraduate degree for Music Education at Plymouth State University. Rebecca has been playing her flute for over ten years, starting when she was 11. In the past, she has performed in the New England Intercollegiate Band Festival and Maine Districts festivals. She has also been the recipient of the first place price at the Manchester Community Music School. At Plymouth State, she plays her flute in the Plymouth State University Symphonic Band and the Plymouth State University Flute Ensemble. When not in New Hampshire, she can sometimes be seen playing in the Maine Pops Concert Band.

The piece that she will be performing is based on a traditional Irish folk song from County Londonderry in Northern Ireland. The piece has multiple names, the most common of which is Danny Boy, which is set to words written by Frederic Weatherly. This tune, however, is based on the tune Londonderry Air, which is purely instrumental. It is coined as one of the most famous Irish folk songs. This piece stuck out to Rebecca because of the historic background and the beautiful melodies.