Monika Durbin studied music at The University of
West Florida (Bachelor of Arts, Music Performance), The University of Southern
Mississippi and Pensacola Junior College (Associate of Arts, Music). Her achievements include winning the
Junior/Senior Woodwinds division of the Mississippi Music Teachers Association
competition in November of 1999.
She especially enjoys performing chamber music. In
collaboration with pianist Stephanie Womble, Monika has provided musical programs for
organizations such as the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Guild,
and performed live on WUWF radio (88.1 FM). The duo also represented FSMTA Dictrict 1 by performing
the Sonatina for flute and piano by Eldin Burton on the "Independent and College Teachers'
Recital" at the annual FSMTA State Conference.Monika performs on a Yamaha 874-H flute, and a Yamaha 62
piccolo.
Monika is co-founder
and director of the therapeutic music ensemble Canticle, a
501(c)(3) non-profit organization which uses a variety of
instruments to bring others hope, comfort and repose through
music.
Monika and fellow
handbell ringer Bobby Griffin also work as MoBo
Bells
, conducting masterclasses and workshops and performing
concerts for churches and schools. The duo directs the
Pensacola-based community youth handbell choir Resonance!
Monika teaches
private flute, piano and lever harp lessons at both the
University of West Florida Music Academy and the
Hillcrest Baptist Church School of
Music
in Pensacola. She
also serves as the handbell director at
Gonzalez United
Methodist Church
.
Monika is
happily married to her husband of 7 years, Jerod, a
computer scientist who plays the drums and teaches percussion
(also at the Hillcrest School of Music) in his spare
time.Monika and Jerod are members of St.
Paul Lutheran Church
.
Memberships in
professional organizations:
Pensacola Music Teachers
Association
-
served on the Executive Board as Vice President for
Programs (2004-2005) - serving on the Executive Board
as Vice
President for Publications
(2005-present)
Monika Durbin studied music at The University of
West Florida (Bachelor of Arts, Music Performance), The University of Southern
Mississippi and Pensacola Junior College (Associate of Arts, Music).