Bios

Paulella Burchill, Flute

Paulella Burchill is an active flutist in the Frederick MD area, performing as orchestral player, chamber musician and soloist. She is principal flutist with Frederick Symphony Orchestra, a position held for 22 seasons, and plays with Frederick Camerata, in FSO’s Symphony Spotlight Series and Woodwind Quintet. Ms. Burchill is currently personnel manager for Frederick Symphony and also serves on the orchestra’s Board of Directors. In addition to the Encore Chamber Winds, she regularly performs with Kokopelli Winds and Frederick Strings. When not involved in music, she enjoys the art of tea and has authored two books on the subject and is working on a third.

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. In addition to the Encore Chamber Winds, he performs with the Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra, Hood Chamber Players, Mistral Winds and the Dumale Trio. Besides his music career, Mr. Duree runs an environmental consulting business and is an avid sailor and automobile enthusiast.

Mindy Niles, Oboe

Mindy Niles received a Music Education degree from Lebanon Valley College and a Master of Music degree in Oboe Performance from the University of North Carolina-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 and the Founder/Director of the Encore Academy. She has served as an adjudicator for the MD All-State Bands and Solo & Ensemble Festivals and performs frequently as a freelance oboist. In addition to the Encore Chamber Winds, Mrs. Niles is a member of the Mistral Winds, and serves as Adjunct Professor of Oboe at McDaniel College and Carroll Community College. Besides music, Mrs. Niles enjoys spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Rob Sirois, Bassoon

Hailing from Long Island, New York, Robert Sirois 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, chamber engagements with the Monday Night Music Series and Chamber Music on the Hill, and is a member of the Mistral Winds. In his free time, Mr. Sirois enjoys hiking around Maryland trails and cooking with friends.