MUSE • Musicians United for Social Equity

Biography

Nena is a music educator with the New York City Department of Education, a reed doubler (bassoon, all saxophones, flute, and clarinet), and an AAPI conductor (Thailand). She also has some experience with brass (trumpet and trombone), guitar, ukulele, piano, and percussion instruments. She has taught anywhere from vocal groups, concert bands, modern bands, and drum circles, and has directed many concerts for many different school communities throughout New York City.

Nena graduated with a Bachelor’s and Master’s from Aaron Copland School of Music with CUNY Queens College, with a dual major in music performance and music education. Nena has performed in several orchestras, bands, and school musical pits across the New York City and Long Island areas, and she has the flexibility of performing a variety of musical styles. She has been in masterclasses with JoAnnn Falletta, the Music Director of Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and has witnessed masterclasses with Beth Leavel, a Tony Award-winning American stage and screen actress and singer.

Nena’s passion lies within the band, music, and musical theater industries, and is hoping to one day make her first debut in a Broadway pit, either as a conductor or as a player.