Monica Williams: Bio

: Monica Williams is a graduate of Eastman School of Music and has studied with several esteemed flutists such as Bonita Boyd, Susan Levitin, and Brad Garner. She has performed with orchestras in Rochester NY, Cincinnati OH, and Chicago IL and has toured Europe and the United States. Currently Monica is a member of several contemporary chamber ensembles in the bay area, including Phoenix Rising.

Additionally, She is the director of Flock of Flutes, East Bay's première flute choir, and music coordinator for Civic Arts Education. She teaches private flute at Civic Arts Center of Walnut Creek and her home studio in San Francisco.

Monica has won numerous national competitions, with organizations such as Civic Union League of Chicago, Chicago Flute Club Competition, Rochester Flute Association, Chicago Symphony Young Performers competition, and the National Flute Association.
Phoenix Rising: Phoenix Rising is an ensemble that performs music written by Wendy Loomis. The ensemble uses piano and flute as its core, adding an array of strings, woodwinds, and percussion into various aspects of the ensemble. The music is mystical, powerful, and lyrical creating scenescapes of light and energy.

"Despite being an American duo and having a lot of American influences, PHOENIX RISING often projects a European quality ... it isn't hard to imagine parts of this album being used in an artsy film from Spain, Italy, Belgium, or France.
(Alex Henderson, All Music Guide

“Their debut CD, Whispers, is inspiring. Though the music transcends classification, you'll find it listed as New Classical/Jazz. It definitely has a classical influence, as I swear I can hear George Gershwin in Wendy's piano playing. But then the haunting melodies of Monica's flutes are reminiscent of Native American spiritual music. Stir that combination with jazz and just a sprinkling of spoken word, and you've got the delicious blend of Whispers cooked up by Phoenix Rising.” Cindi Combs, Listen and Be Heard
Phoenix Rising has officially released 'Ascension'- Buy your copy today!
Wendy Loomis: Notes on the Composer of Phoenix Rising

Wendy Loomis is the composer and pianist for Phoenix Rising. She is one of the most brilliant creative artists that I have had the pleasure of working with.

She has won awards for her compositions from organizations such as ASCAP, Unisong, and the Elite Artist Award from MusicDish.com. In addition to her extensive career as a performer and composer, Wendy also works as music director for an alternative church service in San Francisco and remains to be a popular piano teacher in the Bay Area.

Wendy has written 3 works for flute choir, that Flock of Flutes premièred. In May of 2008 Wendy will première ‘Six Powers of a Dragon’ to celebrate Flock of Flutes 10th Anniversary.