Flutist Brittany Trotter: When the Music Takes You Places

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANN ISHII PHOTOGRAPHY, NADINE PHOTOGRAPHY AND UNIVERSITY OF THE PACIFIC

Flutist Dr. Brittany Trotter has played music all over the country, but her love of the vibrant San Joaquin Valley has her playing a local note. As the newest tenure track faculty member of the University of the Pacific’s Music Conservatory, Brittany is proud to call San Joaquin County her home.

“This instrument has given me opportunities to travel places I have never thought possible,” said Brittany, sharing her love as a flutist. As a shy girl in Laurel, Mississippi, music gave her a voice and would serve as the catalyst for new opportunities. Growing up, she struggled with a speech impediment and often kept to herself. “I was stuck in a book, I played by myself. People often commented, ‘You are the quietest girl in the lunchroom,’” she recalled. But circumstances changed in sixth grade when her school band director introduced new instruments that would set her destiny in motion.

Discovering the Woodwind
“At first, I was going to choose the clarinet, but a group of girls teased me about the way I speak. Those same girls also chose the clarinet.” Making an about face, Brittany searched to find a different musical instrument. “The only other instrument that I knew the name besides the clarinet was the flute.” The decision proved to be the right one and held the attention of her band director. “I held the flute head joint with my hand and blew across the embouchure hole and produced a beautiful tone, and she said, ‘You’re a natural!’” Over time and with the encouragement of her instructor, she went on to take private lessons from the local community college, participating in competitions and performances. “I completely fell in love with the flute,” she affirmed proudly. “This instrument has bolstered my self-esteem. It gave me the confidence, the motivation. The flute helped me to say, ‘I can do it.’”

Brittany’s talent with the flute continued to grow. In high school she made all-state band for all four years and it was here she realized this passion could lead to a career. She soon began to travel to neighboring states to compete and explore a world beyond her hometown. “The music carried me to places such as Chicago, New York. I was like, wow! This instrument can take me everywhere.” Competing began to build her confidence and build her identity, taking her out of her comfort zone into new adventures.

During her senior year of high school, she thought she would continue her music education at the local community college upon graduation until a friend suggested she apply for a scholarship to the University of Southern Mississippi. ‘“Why don’t you audition for Southern Miss?’ she said.” Due to the high level of competition in classical music, Brittany wasn’t expecting to get in, but it was a challenge she excitedly accepted. “Dealing with that competitiveness was a healthy dose. I had to compete with hundreds of musicians who applied.” Competing against other talented musicians tested her abilities and proved to be the right motivation. Brittany successfully gained her way into the program and also received a generous scholarship. For the next five years she continued at the University of Southern Mississippi, completing a double major in both music education and musical performance.

Elevating the Next Note
By graduation, Brittany knew that performing and teaching were where she wanted to reside. “I wanted to meld together that performer and teacher,” she admitted. “That is what I was put on this earth to do, to use those God-given gifts.” It became evident further education would be needed and her training would have to continue. “You’re going to have to go straight through,” said one of her professors, indicating she would need a doctorate to teach and perform. Brittany continued her master’s at the University of Wyoming and then continued to West Virginia University, where she completed her doctorate in music. She became the first in her family not only with a doctorate, but also with a college education. Her parents, the Reverend Eddie Trotter and Eurma Trotter, have been a great support system. “My family gave me such a great and holistic upbringing,” Brittany said. “They’ve been supportive and faith driven; they prayed for me.”

By 2019, she had completed all her coursework and was freelancing and taking clients. She moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with a position at Waldorf School of Pittsburgh, where she taught classes in beginner woodwinds and general music. But she knew she wanted to find a long-term position and continued to search for other academic institutions.

In 2020, applying for a variety of jobs, she was drawn to the University of the Pacific and its range of students and professors. “The conservatory is composed of diverse faculty and students and is leading the way in providing students with the skills they need to be a 21st-century musician,” she recalled. Brittany felt at ease with the wonderful students and faculty on campus.

After receiving a couple of job offers, she accepted the position at UOP and became a part of the full-time faculty. This year, she was officially tenure track faculty. When she’s not doing private lessons for students, she’s lecturing on some of her course work, such as the history of hip-hop, and performing in concerts on and off campus. Brittany also serves on the board for the Sacramento Flute Club and the San Diego Flute Guild. She’s an active participant in the National Flute Association, where she performed this past July, and she also contributes to the Umoja Flute Institute, a nonprofit to help flutists of Black descent.

And the Beat Goes On
Brittany admires other females who have also become the trailblazers in their field. “I admire powerful women, especially those who came from small beginnings like me,” she noted. One of her role models has been the opera singer Mary Violet Leontyne Price, also a native of her hometown. While she hopes to meet Ms. Price one day, she loves the connection they share in that both women reside in California (Price in San Francisco) and both have made a name for themselves in their fields.

Like Price, Brittany also hopes to be an inspiration to young girls, especially those looking to find their identity and voice. She gives three pieces of advice for young musicians. “First, find a teacher that will help guide you in the profession. Second, ask friends to play and collaborate together, and third, just because you got a no doesn’t mean it’s over.” She recognizes that the flute has played a great part in her formation, her leadership and even her identity. As she continues to help other musicians find their musical footing, she hasn’t stopped her own pursuits. “I really want to continue to perform in venues overseas and continue to teach and mentor the next generation of musicians.

No matter where she travels, it’s clear her love of the woodwind instrument will continues to carry her wherever she sets her sights. “Believe in yourself, have faith in your abilities and share your talent with the world to inspire the young.”