Thank you for visiting my website! I love playing the tuba and teaching low brass. I am grateful to share the joy it brings with others.
This summer, I had the opportunity attend and perform at the 2025 International Women's Brass Conference as a featured guest artist. It was fantastic to meet new friends, make lasting connections, and to be surrounded by many inspiring artists.
Here is a recording of my recital if you'd like to check it out!
In celebration of Music in our Schools month, 5'Two Duo visited a few Lebanon County band programs. We gave performances to enthusiastic students and were able to workshop the fundamentals of breathing and air stream with low brass players of varying levels. At the same time we value music performance, nothing beats going back to our roots and celebrating music education! We hope to inspire young low brass musicians and to show that ANYONE can play the tuba and euphonium.
Last July, I attended the Atlantic Brass Quintet Summer Seminar. At the seminar, I was fortunate to be paired with four other talented musicians (Alisa Crüger-Cain, Sam Friedman, Lily Judge, and Alex Russell). Together, we formed Looking Glass Brass. It is unique to find a grouping that works so well together musically, and personally.
We decided that one summer together was not enough and applied to multiple festivals for 2022. We applied and were accepted to a few festivals, but we decided to attend the Stockholm Chamber Brass Academy. This is how we ended up in Leksand, Sweden a few weeks ago.
We were fortunate enough to be coached by the musicians of Stockholm Chamber Brass. We were joined by four other talented quintets with members from France, Norway, Germany, Sweden, and the U.S.
Looking Glass Brass had their own lunch concert, premiered a new composition by Jinwook Jung - plan à vol de corbeau - and performed in two gala concerts. The final gala concert was in Stockholm at the historical Storkyrkan Cathedral.
I'm grateful that my tuba has allowed me to meet wonderful people and beautiful places!
Vivi Kung and I put together a tuba duo to celebrate the end of AAPI Heritage Month.
There aren't many AAPI tuba players, and even less AAPI female tuba players. We wanted to share our unique stories.
Meredith: “I was born in China and adopted at 8 months old. I was raised in an American household and have lived in Central Pennsylvania my whole life. At the grocery store and in restaurants, people would assume that I grew up with Chinese culture based on my appearance. It was sometimes difficult to know where I truly belonged. I am grateful for my American upbringing. I am also grateful that my appearance has taught me to understand that discrimination can cross both nationality and gender. I hope to be an advocate for female musicians, brass players, and tubists who look different than the norm. It is important to celebrate what makes you special! I’m American. I’m Asian. I’m Female. I’m Me.”
Vivi: “In the words of Sandra Oh, it’s an honor just to be Asian. I’m a second generation Taiwanese American woman, and I grew up hating the shame I felt surrounding my parents’ broken English. I was embarrassed to open the home packed lunches I brought to school, asking for sandwiches instead of the meals my mother painstakingly cooked, beginning as early as primary school. Being Asian American is difficult; we all have stories and experiences of trying our hardest to fit in. It took me a long time to finally feel proud and willing to celebrate my heritage and culture. I’m thankful that I’ve been able to find a sense of pride and belonging in my community, and I’m hopeful for what will come in the future. My success as a tubist embodies the strength and legacy of the family members who came before me; here’s to them!”
Happy AAPI Heritage Month!
This year has been challenging for musicians due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it hasn't stopped us from making music with colleagues!
It is so encouraging that we've found ways to adapt with technology, bell covers, and a bit of grit!