Teacher Profile: Emily Abshere

About Emily Abshere

Emily first began learning music in the 6th grade where she accidentally chose to learn one of the most rewarding woodwind instruments, the oboe. Moving to Stanwood, Washington, Emily learned about the community that music can create. She learned about music leadership from Jonathon Bletscher and Brian Griffiths. For her junior and senior year, Emily had the opportunity to serve as a drum major for the marching band where she realized her true passion for music education. Aside from marching band, Emily played oboe in the Stanwood Wind Ensemble and the Cascade Youth Symphony orchestra. Emily studied oboe with Mandy Whitaker on Camano Island. Emily recently graduated from SPU with a degree in Music Education and a degree in Music Composition

Studying music opened many doors for her as she was able to create connections with wonderful professors and friends. One of the music education faculty members is Janie McDavid, whom Emily was able to observe in action at Holy Rosary Catholic School. Emily studied oboe with Linnea Wentworth. In her studies, she was able to develop a deep love for the oboe and all of its complexities. She also studied music composition under Dr. Sarah Bassinthwaighte. Pursuing a major in composition proved to be extremely fulfilling for Emily as she discovered a love for music creation. Emily has had her compositions performed by the World’s Dopest Chamber Ensemble and the Sarahbande Flute Choir. Emily has also pursued studying trombone as a secondary instrument while in college.

She has been a member of the SPU Wind Ensemble and has played for Music for Charity at UW, the North Seattle Summer Symphonic Band, and various chamber ensembles as an oboist. Emily was also able to be a part of the University of Washington Marching Band under the direction of Dr. Brad McDavid where she marched alto saxophone. Emily is currently a member of Formation Wind Band.