She gave her first public recital at the age of 13 and continued as a performer through her high school years, garnering Superior Honors in music festivals, both in Montana and Alberta, Canada.
During her teen years, Ferne developed a great interest in improvisational and experimental fluting, and to this day is always ready for a good jam session!
Before graduating from high school, she auditioned for and was recruited into the USAF as the first female musician in the NORAD Band, a bi-national, multi-services group based in Colorado Springs, CO.
While serving in the Air Force, Ferne played flute and piccolo with the Pueblo and Colorado Springs Symphonies, Colorado Springs Chamber Music Society and the Pikes Peak Civic Orchestra. During the Colorado Springs years she also enjoyed a stint as an announcer for KCME, the local classical radio station.
Since moving to Florida, Ferne has been playing and composing to her heart’s content. She’s published flute music with Falls House Press. Besides Central Florida Winds, she performs regularly at her church, Hope Community Fellowship, as well as with the Space Coast Flute Orchestra, Parrish Medical Center, community and church events, and looks forward to rehearsals with the newly formed Space Coast Symphony Orchestra!
Ferne, and Paul, her husband and ‘embouchure coach’ of 30+years, have raised five sons, and now share their home in Titusville with Nara the Akita, 6 birds, and whatever assorted wildlife appears in their yard.
Ferne greatly appreciates the kindness and encouragement of family, friends, and fellow musicians, and cherishes the times spent with every one of you!