Kilborn’s talents shine at hospital auxiliary holiday luncheon

Music filled the Warren Cultural Center auditorium Saturday as Melanie Kilborn performed on flute for attendees of the Adair County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary’s Holiday Luncheon.

Kilborn, the daughter of Dan and Molly Kilborn of rural Fontanelle, is a junior at Nodaway Valley High School and hopes to play flute throughout her life. Fittingly, Monday, Dec. 8, was National Flute Day.

The instrument has already taken her places many students her age don’t get to go. This is her third year with the Des Moines Youth Wind Ensemble through the Des Moines Symphony. The ensemble, open to area high school students, exposes young musicians to new musical and social perspectives while challenging them with age-appropriate repertoire.

Kilborn was also accepted this year as second chair in the Des Moines Youth Symphony, which brings together wind and string musicians.

“I’ve absolutely loved doing the Des Moines Symphony Academy,” Kilborn said. On Monday, she planned to audition for a youth concerto competition in which the winner performs with the Des Moines Symphony. “That’s one of the greatest opportunities I’ve ever had,” she said, adding that performing with others strengthens her musicianship.

Kilborn began playing flute in fourth grade on a generational starter instrument once used by her grandmother, Patty Maeder, and her mother. She has since learned some piano, added piccolo in eighth grade and developed as both a soprano and alto vocalist, performing in choir and school musicals.

“It takes a very long time to be good at flute — and I know I have a long way to go before I can call myself a professional,” she said. “The first few years are about setting your embouchure, finding the right fingerings, and learning to read and play music. Once you get past that, you reach the intermediate and advanced stages, which is where I’d place myself now. I’m working on tonality and resonance and practicing a lot to become a more professional player.”

While Kilborn doesn’t plan to pursue flute as a career, she has already picked up several local performance gigs and hopes to continue those opportunities. She is interested in studying law, politics or government.

She said music has taught her valuable life lessons.

“I want to inspire young musicians,” Kilborn said. “Learning an instrument isn’t easy. It takes hours of practice and dedication. I want younger musicians to go the extra mile to become better and achieve what they want to. You can do anything if you put in the effort, and playing an instrument is no exception.”