Jillian Russell is a senior flutist at the University of Arkansas, studying under Dr. Cristina Ballatori. She is graduating with a Bachelors in Instrumental Music Education in Spring of 2026. Before Arkansas, she began her undergrad at the University of Missouri- Columbia studying under Professor Alice K. Dade, and she was there for three semesters before transferring. In her hometown, Eureka, Missouri, she attended Eureka High School, where she participated in the Flute Society of St. Louis Young Artist Competition High School division attaining first prize in 2021. She was second flute in Missouri All-State Orchestra in 2019-2020 and was principal flute in the orchestra for 2020-2021. She was a part of the University of Missouri’s School of Music and participated in the Wind Ensemble, directed by Brian A. Silvey, which she was in for the three semesters that she attended Mizzou, holding principal for two. Jillian was also the winner of the 2022-23 Missouri MTNA Young Artist Performance Competition and later was awarded first Alternate for the West Central Division MTNA Young Artist Competition. Jillian also participated in the Arkansas MTNA Young Artist Competition in 2024, and was awarded First Alternate. This past Thanksgiving 2022, Jillian was with Marching Mizzou in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. She was chosen to represent Marching Mizzou as one of their Banner Carriers to lead them down the parade route in NYC. Following her transfer, she was a finalist winner of 2023’s University of Arkansas Music Honors Recital, and in 2024 was awarded first prize and recipient of the first prize scholarship. She was also awarded Honorable Mention for the University of Arkansas 2024-25 Concerto Competition. Jillian is also a member of Arkansas’ Flute Society. She is thoroughly involved within Arkansas’ Department of Music, including the student NAFME chapter, she’s Vice President of the recently developed Flute Student Association and is a member of the MTNA registered student organization. In addition, she is a member of the National Flute Association. Jillian is a part of chamber groups involving various flute choirs and a Woodwind Quintet, named 'Cinquepholia'. Cinquepholia has performed on University of Arkansas's campus and additionally in local schools. Cinquepholia will be going on tour in May of 2025. She is a devoted member of the Wind Ensemble directed by Dr. Christopher Knighten and has held principal flute consecutively since Fall 2023 and continuing through Spring of 2025. Jillian has been selected as an Ambassador for the 2025 National Flute Association's Convention in Atlanta, Georgia.