Kassandra Bassoon

Kassandra Ormsby is a dedicated bassoonist who is enthusiastic about connecting communities through music. She is actively involved in performing and teaching, and has served as the Private Lessons Coordinator and graduate assistant for the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) School of Music, as well as the graduate assistant for the Community Outreach Program at the University of Missouri (MU) School of Music. Kassandra is passionate about making music accessible to everyone and is a member of notable music and education organizations such as the International Double Reed Society, Sigma Alpha Iota, and the National Association of Music Educators Collegiate chapter of Columbus State University. She has also founded multiple organizations such as the Katherine Mahan Ethnomusicology Society and the Mizzou Double Reed Society.

In addition to her active involvement in music organizations, Kassandra has created and facilitated various programs and events on both local and international levels. These events include the Nadam: Music of India concert, masterclasses and performances by Belgian overtone flute and fujara maker Winne Clement, and local instrument "petting zoo" events. Most notably, she proposed and secured full funding for expanding the mission of the Paul D. Higday Mozart Outreach Concert Series, which aims to provide musical opportunities to Columbia, Missouri's youth through live performances and hands-on instrument experiences. The program successfully reached over 4,600 children and their families in 2020.

Kassandra is also an accomplished bassoonist and has performed with established chamber ensembles such as the Schwob School of Music (SSOM) Baroque Consortium, the SSOM Bassoon Quartet, and the Uptown Winds Woodwind Quintet. She has represented the United States on international stages such as the Festival de Música de Santa Catarina in Brazil and has performed at community events as both a soloist and with her chamber groups.

Lastly, Kassandra maintains a private studio for students of all ages and has instructed for the Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus, the Schwob Preparatory Division, and high school marching bands. She has been mentored by esteemed professionals such as Dr. Michael Burns, Dr. Leigh Muñoz, and Dr. Ronald Wirt.