Bios

Paulella Burchill, Flute

Paulella Burchill is an active flutist in the Frederick MD area, performing as orchestra player, chamber musician and soloist. She is principal flutist with Frederick Symphony Orchestra, a position held for 24 seasons and was a founding member of the FSO Woodwind Quintet.  To help promote chamber music in the Frederick area, Paulella has taken leadership roles as well as performer in FSO’s Symphony Spotlight Series and serves on the orchestra’s Board of Directors. In addition to Encore Chamber Winds, she regularly performs with Kokopelli Winds. When not involved in music, Paulella enjoys the art of tea and has authored two books on the subject. She hosts teas and offers tea presentations to enthusiastic audiences at various venues around the Frederick area.

Mindy Niles, Oboe

Mindy Niles received a Music Education degree from Lebanon Valley College and a Master of Music degree in Oboe Performance from UNC-Greensboro. She has been a member of the Greensboro Symphony and the Symphony Woodwind Quintet. Mrs. Niles is the Executive Director of the Encore Community Music program, directs the Encore Community Jazz Band, and is the Founder/Director of the Encore Academy, with locations in Carroll, Frederick and Howard Counties. She serves as Adjunct Professor of Oboe at McDaniel College and has been an adjudicator for the MD All-State Bands and Solo & Ensemble Festivals. In addition to the Encore Chamber Winds, Mrs. Niles performs as faculty artist with the Westminster Symphony and enjoys performing chamber music at local venues. Besides music, Mrs. Niles enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and grandchildren.

David Duree, Clarinet

David Duree studied at the Jordan Conservatory, the University of Maryland, and the Catholic University of America. For ten years, he was principal chair saxophone of the U.S. Naval Academy Band and for twenty-two years, principal chair clarinetist (and founding member) of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Duree is an adjunct lecturer in music at Hood College, Carroll Community College, and McDaniel College, where he teaches clarinet and saxophone performance. He currently directs the Encore Clarinet and Saxophone Ensembles. In addition to the Encore Chamber Winds, he has performed with the Hood Chamber Players and the Dumale Trio. Besides his music career, Mr. Duree runs an environmental consulting business and is an avid sailor and automobile enthusiast.

Rob Sirois, Bassoon

Hailing from Long Island, New York, Robert Sirois (bassoon) arrived in the Baltimore region while receiving his Music Performance and Education degrees from the Peabody Institute. Mr. Sirois is a general/vocal music teacher for the Howard County Public School System and maintains a private bassoon studio. In addition to his Howard County duties, he also serves as Adjunct Professor of Bassoon and Music Education at McDaniel College. In addition to the Encore Chamber Winds, he enjoys being a faculty artist with the Westminster Symphony and chamber engagements with the Monday Night Music Series and Chamber Music on the Hill. In his free time, Mr. Sirois enjoys hiking around Maryland trails and cooking with friends.

Lynne Griffith, French horn

Lynne Griffith has performed as an orchestral, chamber and solo artist across the globe, with ensembles as varied as the Singapore Symphony, the American Wind Symphony, and the 1 O’clock Lab Band. She currently serves as Adjunct Professor of French horn at McDaniel College.