Violinist Ashley Dean Whittle, a Presidential Scholar at the McDuffie Center for Strings, is pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree in violin performance, studying with David Halen and Amy Schwartz Moretti. After beginning with the Suzuki method at age four, she moved to the university of North Carolina School of the Arts, receiving two scholarships to play in the ballet and musical theater orchestras. upon graduating she received a fellowship to attend the Aspen Music Festival and School. At the Center for Strings she participates in solo, chamber, and orchestral music and enjoys occasional fiddling of old tunes.