A Passion to Play
From a young age, my family taught me to use my gifts to serve others, inspired by the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25: 14-30). Nicknamed the “Family von Cooks,” my parents and siblings put together nearly an entire chamber orchestra of ourselves. I sing and play flute, my sister handles clarinet, and my parents met through playing piano. My brother, though, didn’t get the same skillset: he’s the athlete of the family.
But playing only with family gets a bit boring, so I upped my game and added a twist. I started a volunteer community youth orchestra, pictured above, that was comprised of up to 30 young, local musicians who went on “tours” during the Christmas and Easter seasons to places that wouldn’t otherwise get to hear live music.
The Mount Tabor Community Youth Orchestra later recorded our album, “Joy to the World,” of Instrumental Christmas Favorites, accessible on most music platforms. Made possible by my father’s nonprofit, Piano vs Poverty (hear more in my Digital Package), the orchestra’s album sold out of hard copies in days. All proceeds benefitted local and global charities, including the ones we toured to (see below for a few songs I recorded on the album).
I perform solo and chamber pieces that showcase exceptional tone and timbre on flute. Below is a link to my flute repertoire, an ever-growing list. I am available for hire for church services, wedding venues, or other events. Price negotiable, and half of profits are donated to local charities.
Listen now!
Take a moment to listen to me play flute and my mother accompany on piano for our most recent Christmas album.