Michael Nguyen is a Houston-based flutist with over two decades of experience performing on piccolo, C flute, alto flute, and bass flute across orchestral, chamber, and flute ensemble settings. In 2025, he was a finalist in the Byron Hester Flute Competition, hosted by the Houston Flute Club. His musical journey began at age nine after discovering a Teresa Teng flute and ocarina CD, sparking a lifelong passion for the flute family.

Michael currently serves as the inaugural Principal Flute of the Houston Pride Orchestra, where he also serves on the Board of Directors as Member-at-Large, and performs as Flute II/Piccolo with the Energy Corridor Houston Orchestra (ECHO). Previously, he held the Flute III/Piccolo chair with Symphony North of Houston and has performed as a substitute with the Houston Civic Symphony and Houston Sinfonietta.

In addition to orchestral work, Michael is active in flute ensembles and chamber music. He began exploring low flutes with the Brazos Breeze flute choir in 2020 and continues to perform with the group. He joined Flutes on the Bayou in 2021 and, in 2023, co-founded the Houston Concert Band Flute Ensemble, where he specializes in low flutes and contributes to artistic and repertoire decisions.

Michael is also an active content creator. His 2017 flute cover of Future’s “Mask Off” has garnered over 4.6 million views on YouTube.

Michael holds a BBA in Finance and Marketing from the University of Houston and brings the organizational and leadership skills from his wealth management career to his musical collaborations and ensemble work.

He co-founded Wildflower Winds in 2024, a professional chamber ensemble featuring flutes and clarinet that explores the rich colors and textures of the flute family in a chamber music setting.

Jennifer Richie is a seasoned flutist with over three decades of experience performing and collaborating in the Houston music community. She co-founded Wildflower Winds in 2024 and has played a pivotal role in shaping local ensemble music.

Jennifer’s passion for flute performance extends across multiple ensembles. She helped co-found the Houston Concert Band Flute Ensemble in 2023, where she continues to serve as an artistic consultant. She has also performed with the Houston Flute Choir, showcasing her versatility on C flute, alto flute, and bass flute. Additionally, she previously served as Vice President of the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church Orchestra, where she played flute and piccolo, and was a member of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church’s “Bells of Praise” handbell ensemble.

Beyond her work with church ensembles, Jennifer was also a board member of the Bayou City Bells of Houston handbell choir, as well as the Gulf Coast Campanile.

Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University-Kingsville, bringing a unique blend of technical expertise and artistic expression to her work.

Her dedication to music, both as a performer and consultant, continues to enrich the Houston musical landscape.

Bio In Progress

Kawanna Parsons brings a diverse musical background to Wildflower Winds, blending her passion for classical, jazz, and contemporary music. Originally from New York City, she holds a bachelor’s degree in music education and jazz composition from New York University (NYU). With her extensive training in both classical and jazz styles, Kawanna approaches flute performance with creativity and versatility, bringing a diverse perspective to the trio with experience doubling on other wind instruments in Broadway and professional theater settings.

Kawanna was previously principal flute of the Long Island Pops, and has performed with renowned ensembles such as the Nassau Pops and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Band. She has played at prestigious venues including Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and Disney World, showcasing her artistry on some of the world’s most celebrated stages.

In 2023, Kawanna helped co-found the Houston Concert Band Flute Ensemble, where she currently consults on artistic decisions. Now based in Houston, Kawanna continues to share her love of music as both a performer and educator. As a co-founder of Wildflower Winds in 2024, she contributes her rich musical background, dynamic playing style, and expertise on the full range of the flute family, helping to bring depth and artistry to the trio’s performances.