A little bit about me!

Cailin McGarry is an active and versatile bassoonist based in North Florida. She holds the second bassoon position with the Panama City Symphony and frequently performs with orchestras throughout South Georgia and the Florida Panhandle. As a soloist, she placed 3rd in the national round of the 2026 Music Teachers National Association Young Artist Solo Competition.

She is the bassoonist in the Solstice Reed Quintet, an ensemble that is dedicated to musical excellence, expanding repertoire for reed quintet, and connecting with communities through educational outreach and masterclasses. The quintet has earned national recognition through performances and competitions, including First Prize at the Mississippi Music Teachers Association Chamber Music Competition and finalist honors in the North American Saxophone Alliance’s Flex Competition. Solstice has also been invited to perform at the North American Saxophone Alliance Conference and the International Navy Band Saxophone Symposium.

In addition to her performing career, Cailin is an experienced educator and entrepreneur. She maintains a growing private bassoon studio in the North Florida area and operates a reed making business. Her students have earned placements in honor ensembles, received superior ratings at solo and ensemble festivals, and found success in competitions and the collegiate music programs, including acceptance into the Florida State University and Stetson University music programs. 

Cailin is currently pursuing her DM in Bassoon Performance with certifications in Arts Administrations and College Teaching from Florida State University where she also earned her Master of Music degree. She earned the Bachelor’s of Music Education from Utah State University. Her primary professors include Jeff Keesecker, Leon Chodos, Jennifer Rhodes, and Paula Forest.