Six years after graduating from Asheville High School, Caroline Beard is returning — now with a master’s degree in flute performance and a lengthy list of accolades — for a collaboration with current pupils. “I am not treated as a student anymore, and it is so rewarding to work with my former band director as a fellow artist,” she says, crediting AHS band directors Emily and William Talley with furthering her progress and passion for music education. Beard will join in on one number during the spring concert, taking the lead “crazy melodies” in Francois Borne’s “Carmen Fantasie Brilliante.” The work is highly recognizable, she says, and increasingly technically demanding. “By the end, you would expect smoke to come out of my flute.” The free show is at AHS’ auditorium on Thursday, May 19, from 7 to 8 p.m. wordpress.ashevillehighbands.com. Photo courtesy of the artist
Smart bets: Caroline Beard

Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.