Jillian Reed
​​​​​​​flute

Hudson Valley, NY–based flutist Jillian Reed loves the opportunities for connection and collaboration that come with being a performer, educator, and activist. She is associate flutist with The Orchestra Now, and has played with the American Symphony Orchestra and the Vermont Philharmonic. In 2023, she was a soloist with the Bard Conservatory Orchestra under the direction of Tan Dun, performing Tōru Takemitsu’s “I Hear the Water Dreaming”. She has performed with the Capital City Concerts, Da Capo Chamber Players, North Country Chamber Players, and at the Imani Winds Chamber Music Festival. Jillian is faculty for the Bard Conservatory Preparatory Division and maintains a vibrant flute studio.

Alongside her work in the music world, Jillian is the co-founder of a community centered thrift store called Thrift 2 Fight, which funds local initiatives doing racial, queer, and disability justice work. Jillian studied at Carnegie Mellon University and Bard College & Conservatory, graduating with degrees in Human Rights and Flute Performance. Her thesis investigated issues of health and ableism in the music world, and her research findings were published in a feature in Flutist Quarterly.  Montpelier, Vermont is Jillian’s childhood and musical home, where she began her flute studies with Karen Kevra while in high school. She is honored and energized to be back playing alongside her dear mentor for this program!