Sherry Powers Finzer, Class of 1981

Sherry Powers Finzer, a 1981 Rush-Henrietta graduate, is an internationally known flutist and recording artist.

A renowned flutist, Sherry blends her classical training with music from the pop and jazz eras, composing and performing contemporary instrumental compositions, and using her music as a way to help people heal both mentally and physically. As a classical flutist she has won local and national flute competitions.

Sherry is a performing artist for the Pearl Flute Company, based in Japan, and Gwo Flutes, based in Taiwan. She recorded her first solo album, Desert Journey, in 2007. Two years later, she began recording her Sanctuary series of New Age/Healing music on the Heart Dance Records label. Her most recent release, Transformation, was named Best Album 2013 by the United Kingdom-based One World Music.

Sherry’s music can be found on iTunes, Pandora, and Amazon. In 2015, she will tour internationally with Australian pianist, Fiona Joy, and in the United States with Native American flutist, Mark Holland.

Even while in the midst of her greatest professional success, Sherry continues to look for ways to make positive contributions to her community. In 2009, she founded the Arizona Music Initiative, a not-for-profit organization designed to inspire, educate, and entertain children, seniors, and people with special needs. In addition, she is a regular volunteer at several Phoenix-area middle schools, where she assists band directors in getting the most out of their flute sections. Reflecting on her own schooling, Sherry credits Howard Rowe, one of her high school music teachers, for encouraging her passion for musical performance.

Sherry has served as program chair for the Arizona Flute Society for three years and is a member of the National Flute Association and World Flute Society. She hosts a weekend radio show each Saturday and Sunday on Positive Music Radio at www. postivemusicradio.net.

Sherry lives in Phoenix with her husband, Chuck, a 1981 Rush-Henrietta graduate. They have two sons, Nick and Tyler.