By: Richard L. Smith
Instrumental musician Chloe Hahn of Cresskill has been named principal flutist for the Intermediate Region I Orchestra and second chair flutist for the Symphonic Wind Ensemble.
Academy of the Holy Angels Orchestra Director Andrew Monticello reported that Hahn ascended to the top, surpassing 82 other student musicians who auditioned the weekend of February 11-12.
Hahn is currently a ninth grader at Holy Angels, where she is a member of the Academy Orchestra. She performed with the Bergen County Band earlier this year and previously earned a seat on the Bergen County Middle School Band.
Her excellent grade point average has kept her on the Principal’s List since she entered the upper school.
Hahn plays for the junior varsity tennis team and is a member of the Asian American Cultural Club, Red Cross Club, and MEDS (a group for students interested in medical careers). In December 2022, Hahn entered Tri-M, the Modern Music Masters National Honor Society, which accepts accomplished musicians who also demonstrate scholarship, leadership, and character.
Hahn’s path to becoming a principal flutist began in fourth grade when she first tried to play her chosen instrument. She fell in love.
“I love the flute because of its beautiful sounds,” Hahn shared. She recalled being intrigued after hearing a flute solo at a live concert.
“I also love how versatile the flute is.
From classical to jazz to pop to traditional folk music and marching band music, the flute is played in many different genres, making it a great instrument to learn,” she added.
While Hahn does not see herself pursuing a career in music, she expressed an interest in sharing her expertise with younger students.
“In general, I like instrumental music because I and/or listeners get to focus mainly on the sounds the instruments make rather than the main vocals like in lyrical songs,” Hahn added.
“Especially when an orchestra or a band plays a piece with many instruments together, hearing all those instruments playing harmoniously to create a beautiful sound/piece is truly amazing.
The beauty of the sounds of all the instruments making music together is truly why I enjoy instrumental music.”