The Center for Irish Music’s Taking Flight Collective is a programthat supports the next generation of artistic leaders in the community by providing performance opportunities and mentorship with inspiring musicians.

Carmen Pasquerella (flute, whistle) has studied Irish music, dance, and classical flute since the age of 6. She holds multiple titles in flute and whistle from the Midwest Fleadh Cheoil, qualifying in nearly every event for the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann ten years running. In 2017, she brought back the first medal for Minnesota at the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil with a third place in slow airs on flute. Carmen is currently a student at the University of Minnesota where she is studying music education and works as an instructor at the Center for Irish Music.

Ava Sackaroff (harp, flute, whistle, bodhrán) is a multi-instrumentalist who has been playing Irish music since age 8. She has big dreams of living in Ireland, joining a band, and sharing the music with others. Ava has competed in four Midwest Fleadh competitions, placing in every single one. In 2017 she competed in flute and whistle at the All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil. Ava is currently studying Environmental Studies at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.

Morien McBurnie (guitar, mandolin, banjo) began his musical pursuit at the Center for Irish Music. Beginning with his primary instrument, guitar, he also learned other stringed instruments and excelled particularly at the tenor banjo. His work has been recognized with top awards in guitar, mandolin, and banjo at the Midwest Fleadh Cheoil, earning him multiple opportunities to compete at the prestigious All Ireland Fleadh. Morien is currently an online student of Berklee College of Music, a member of the Celtic Junction Youth Advisory Board, and a Junior Instructor at the Center for Irish Music where he is the first recipient of the “James M. Curley Memorial Scholarship” which is awarded for exceptional talent, commitment, and persistence.