Biography

Cynthia is a Knoxville native and began studying flute at the age of 10 with her father, Anthony J. D’Andrea. Tony D’Andrea is an iconic retired University of Tennessee band director and privately taught flute, saxophone and clarinet during his career. She also studied with David Van Vactor who was the Music Director of the Knoxville Symphony from 1947 – 1972 and a flutist who studied with Marcel Moyse at the Paris Conservatoire. She took private instruction and performed in many master classes with Julius Baker who was the principal flutist in Pittsburgh, Chicago and the New York Philharmonic as well as on the faculty of Julliard School of Music. She has a B.S in Music Education from the University of Tennessee and attended Ithaca College for her Master’s degree in Music Performance.

After leaving Knoxville for college, she returned in 1982 and won the position she still holds as Principal Piccolo / 3^rd Flute.

In addition to her music career, Cynthia has always had a business career (her “day job”). She was a Buyer for Millers Dept. Stores, Goody’s, Proffitt’s and Dollywood. She has been in senior management with Hanes in their Intimate Apparel division for the past 19 years and when not traveling to NYC and Charlotte for work, enjoys a home office in Knoxville.  She says her best accomplishment in life is her daughter, Allison M. Smith! Cynthia loves to travel, attend concerts and theater, being with friends and anything to do with animals!