Alyssa Mercedes Mena publishes solo flute piece, “Hasta La Raíz”

USC Thornton Winds & Percussion department alumna Alyssa Mercedes Mena (MM ‘21) published a solo flute piece “Hasta La Raíz,” which had its world premiere at the 2022 National Flute Convention. Translated as “Down to the Roots,” the piece gives a glimpse into the composer’s life through Cuban-inspired dance rhythms and melodic passages.

Mena studied flute performance with Jim Walker and composition with Veronika Krausas. She is based in Brooklyn, New York as a teacher, composer and performer. She has performed with the Dance Theatre of Harlem, New Conductors Orchestra, Queer Urban Orchestra, String Orchestra of Brooklyn, Broadway Bach Ensemble, Brooklyn Chamber Orchestra and Brooklyn Symphony Orchestra.