Flutist Ruth Cavanaugh (she/her) is an advocate for lifelong self-expression through the arts. As the Director of the Elgin Youth Symphony (EYSO) Flute Choir and the West Suburban Flute Orchestra (WSFO), she enjoys programming varied repertoire that celebrates the distinct characteristics of the flute family.  

Following her career in public school music education in the Elgin District U-46 schools, Ruth worked with future K-12 Music Educators at Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) from 2023-2026.    

Ruth began playing cuatro, recorder and flute in Caracas, Venezuela. She welcomes musical collaborations with musicians of all ages and enjoys teaching privately.  

She is grateful to her flute mentors including Mary Louise Poor, Alexander Murray and Dr. Mariana Gariazzo.  Awards include the Surdna Arts Teacher Fellowship, the Northwestern University Music Teacher Fellowship and the 2022 Elgin Symphony Orchestra Arts Educator Award.