Tennessee Tech’s own Gözde Çakır Ramsey, assistant professor of flute at the School of Music, recently capped off 2024 with a performance at Carnegie Hall. On December 18, she joined the New Manhattan Sinfonietta on stage, an orchestra dedicated to spotlighting Turkish culture and music. Ramsey, a native of Turkey, found the experience of sharing the limelight with her former mentor and maestro, Gürer Aykal, particularly poignant. Her sentiment, expressed in a Tennessee Tech statement, "a surreal experience that I will cherish forever," reflects the significance of the moment for her, both as a musician and educator.
Not just a personal triumph, Ramsey's appearance at the concert has put a spotlight on Tennessee Tech's musical credentials. She says the invitation "demonstrates that our faculty are not only educators but also active, successful musicians in the broader music community." The echo of her Carnegie Hall success also reverberates through the halls of Tennessee Tech, suggesting bigger stages for the university's music program and its emerging talents.
But music isn't the only New York attraction that Ramsey enjoyed. She also caught a performance of "Moulin Rouge" on Broadway, which she recognized for its "some outstanding performances." These encounters allow her to draw from a broad palette of creative inspiration, seemingly enriching her pedagogic approach and performance style in return.
Ramsey’s praise for Tennessee Tech reflects her values as both practitioner and mentor. Their support, she mentions, played a crucial role in advancing her career. "Tennessee Tech has been incredibly supportive in fostering my musical growth and providing opportunities to engage with other talented musicians," Ramsey told the university's news team. With such backing, it's no surprise that Ramsey’s schedule stays packed; she’s slated to perform solo with the Bryan Symphony Orchestra on March 30, an ensemble in partnership with Tech’s School of Music.
