Ashley Mendeke is a classically trained flutist, piccoloist, and photographer living in New York. Noted for her multifaceted work, Ashley has performed throughout the Hudson Valley and NYC communities, appearing on nationally-televised broadcasts for ABC and NBC, as well as local media outlets. Recently, she was a featured performer at the 2025 New York Flute Club’s Flute Fair.

In her current role as a piccolo player with the West Point Band, Ashley performs in traditional ceremonies that honor the history and rich musical heritage of West Point and the Tri-State region. She received first prize in the 2021 Walfrid Kujala International Piccolo Competition, where she was commended for a “gorgeous singing-like tone and resonance that hugged her sound.” Prior to achieving her current position in 2013, Ashley toured with the American Wind Symphony Orchestra and was a freelance flutist and instructor in Dallas, Texas.

A passionate educator and collaborator, Ashley loves teaching flute as well as chamber music. This year she designed a summer flute and piccolo intensive in Tuscany, Italy, which will feature a holistic approach to the flute honing creativity, mindfulness, and musicality.

Wanting to expand her creativity and passion for storytelling, Ashley also picked up photography and videography. With over ten years of experience, she enjoys photographing her fellow musicians, concerts, as well as portraits. With an appreciation for a documentary style, she aims to calibrate the visual aesthetic to the personality of the performer and subject.

Ashley received bachelor’s degrees in Flute Performance and Music Education while studying with Mary Karen Clardy at the University of North Texas, where she was named the 2010-11 Presser Scholar. Her mentors also include Bart Feller, Mindy Kaufman, Keith Underwood, and Tanya Witek.