Helen Blackburn
Yvonne Franklin Endowed Chair, Artist
Teacher of Flute
Office: Mary Moody Northen Hall, Room 135
Email: hblackburn@wtamu.edu
Phone: 806-651-2837
Professional Profile
Professor Blackburn joined the School of Music in 2012. She received a B.M. in Flute Performance (summa cum laude) from West Texas State University in 1982, and a M.M. in Flute Performance from Northwestern University in 1983.
Teaching and Related Service
Professor Blackburn teaches applied flute and is the founder and director of WT’s Big, Fat Flute Shindig (an interactive workshop for flutists of all ages and levels - beginners through adult amateurs and professionals) which will take place at WTAMU each June.
Research and Creative Activity
Professor Blackburn is principal flutist with the Dallas Opera Orchestra and a core member of the nationally acclaimed modern chamber music ensemble “Voices of Change”. In 2012, she was invited to serve as principal flute with the Dallas Chamber Symphony for their inaugural season. Prof. Blackburn has numerous credits with major performing arts organizations, both as a featured soloist and as a member, including the Breckenridge Music Festival (where she is currently principal flute), Aspen Music Festival, the South Bohemia Music Festival, the Dallas Chamber Orchestra, the Brevard Music Center, and the Chicago Civic Orchestra. She appears frequently in recital across the country and in Europe as a soloist and also with her husband in their flute/marimba duo. A prize winner of the Myrna W. Brown Artist Competition, the Ft. Collins Young Artist Competition, and the Aspen Wind Concerto Competition, Ms. Blackburn has previously served on the faculties of Texas Christian University, University of North Texas, Stephen F. Austin State University and McMurry University.
Personal Sketch
Professor Blackburn is married to renowned percussionist, Drew Lang, is a yoga enthusiast (a former Bikram yoga instructor), and enjoys long walks with their 3 dogs Shiner, Otis, and Chubbs.