Oboist Kearsen Erwin is currently studying at the New England Conservatory in pursuit of a Master of Music degree. Previously, Kearsen obtained a Bachelor of Music from Indiana University where he was a recipient of the Premier Young Artist Award. Kearsen has been a regular guest member of orchestras including the Indianapolis, Carmel, Terra Haute, and Columbus Symphonies. During his studies, Kearsen discovered a passion for community-centered programming and sought this out through the organization Classical Connections at IU, as well as a part of the NOVA Fellowship at NEC. Past summer engagements have included the Chautauqua Summer Music Festival, Sewanee Summer Music, and Hidden Valley in Carmel, CA. During his summers, Kearsen also enjoys regular teaching engagements with Interlochen Arts Camp and Bocal Majority. A native of Dripping Springs, Texas, Kearsen is at home while excavating prehistoric seabeds as he is at his reed desk. Kearsen's principal teachers have been John Ferrillo, Linda Strommen, and Beth Sanders.