Bios
Carmen Pasquerella
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 nah Éireann 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
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 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 where she attends on a harp scholarship.
Morien McBurnie
Morien McBurnie (guitar, bouzouki) began his musical pursuit at the Center for Irish Music. Beginning with his primary instrument, the 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 a member of the Celtic Junction Youth Advisory Board, a dancer and musician with Kickin' It Irish, 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.