News & Updates

View all news items.

Recent Blog Posts

If you've ever called the NFA office, you've talked to Aydan Hensley

How long have you been with the NFA? What drew you to the organization?

(Technically two questions, I know!)

I have technically been with the organization for 5 years. After graduating with my undergraduate degree from Carnegie Mellon University in 2019, I had decided to take a gap year and applied for NFA's Office Intern position. I greatly enjoyed my internship with the organization and learned A LOT! When the pandemic hit, it was very hard on NFA and the staff. I was asked to come back to manage the downtown Chicago office, and this turned into a staff position. My title has changed in my time with the organization from intern to administrative assistant to Office & Convention Associate.

I have stayed with and been inspired by the organization because of all of the changes that have happened post pandemic. NFA has always been a major organization for the flute world, but there is a huge push under current leadership and our fabulous staff to truly expand benefits and make a difference for every corner of the flute world. Because of my experience with NFA, I pursued and received a Masters in Performing Arts Administration in 2023.

Are you a flutist (or musician)? Tell us about your relationship to music! 

Yep! I finally started playing the flute in 1st grade after begging for one since I saw an episode of Sesame Street back in Kindergarten (Elmo went to see Peter and the Wolf). 

After taking a break during the pandemic, I came back to playing flute with a passion. I am now completing a masters in flute performance with Stefan Hoskuldsson at DePaul University. 

To me, music has become my escape and my community. It is a way to express emotion and it is a project I could happily spend hours trying to perfect. Music is also a connection to  community. We can make a huge impact not only through connections with other musicians, but through our impact and interactions with listeners and learners. The difference we can make with our music is one of the things I am most interested/passionate about.

Tell us about your job - what's a typical day like?

On a work day, I head downtown to our Chicago office with a bagel and tea in hand! My job involves all things connected to the office inventory/archive as well as tracking more front facing data for the annual convention. Some of the tracking sheets and boards I maintain include: exhibitor contracts, bio lists, advertising orders, the teachers directory, the community events board, instrument notices, and more. I also regularly send out any orders we have for the NFA Special Publications and other items in the NFA store. 

Depending on the time of year, you may also find me working with Daniel Pozzebon on communications with NFA Exhibitors, connecting with our Competition Coordinators on their results and announcements, or compiling all of our program book and performer information into the Convention App! I am currently focused on building the applications for the competitions and exhibitor contracts.

Do you listen to music while you work?

If so, tell us what's on your workday playlist! 

I go back and forth. Sometimes I need silence other times I am blasting playlists of every genre haha!

What's your favorite memory from an NFA convention?

I would have to say when we all got up to dance down the aisles at the closing gala of the 50th anniversary convention in Chicago!

View all blog posts.