Founder of the Queen City Strings NC ensemble 

Born in Mexico City and emigrating to the United States in ’97, Marscia studied Music Education and Performance, Theater performance and Studio art at UNC Wilmington and Charlotte. As a strong advocate for the performing and fine arts, Marscia was involved in the theater and visual arts community of Wilmington, NC before moving to the Charlotte area.

Player of both the Violin and Viola since the age of 10, Marscia’s debut solo performance career began upon winning the 2011 Richard R. Deas Concerto Competition in Wilmington NC. winning a spot as a soloist with the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra. 

Her career as a teacher began in 2013 and continued at UNCW’s community Music Academy from 2016 to 2018. Marscia was a member of the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra from 2012-2018 and the Tallis Chamber Orchestra as an ensemble member and featured soloist in Wilmington from 2011-2018. Marscia has also been performing with the local Charlotte Civic Orchestra since January of 2019 and the Queens university chamber orchestra since 2023. 

Ashley Flower is a professional cellist and dedicated music educator based in Charlotte, NC, with over 20 years of performance experience.Ashley has performned with the Toccoa Orchestra, the Valley Strings Trio, and the Blue Ridge Orchestra. Graduate of the Petrie School of Music at Converse College with a  Bachelor of Arts in Cello Performance in 2018. Ashley brings more than a decade of teaching experience to students of all ages and skill levels. She has served as a judge for events including the North Carolina Western Regional Orchestra and NC Music Adjudications, and remains a passionate advocate for music education in her community.

Danielle Houston is an actress, singer, model, and harpist. She graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington with a B.A. in Theatre Performance, and has studied and performed extensively in theatre and film. She recently premiered a BET+ original movie, and made her debut with Children’s Theatre Charlotte. She is also a fantasy content creator, performing as a mermaid with the group Wands and Wishes Mermaids in various aquariums across the US. She is excited to be joining Queen City Strings! 

I’ve been at the keys since long before my feet could reach the pedals, and I still love my time on the piano bench. My training has deep roots in the precision, discipline, and technique of classical music, but I also love the uninhibited emotion and improvisational vibe of popular music. I’ve played for parties, singalongs, dinners, churches, and funerals - and while I enjoy the solo spotlight as much as a performing musician, I know how to share it too.

There’s nothing like live music to set the tone and the mood for an event. Live music is something precious and ephemeral, a fleeting thing of beauty. Drop me a line, and we can bring live art to your special event.

Mari is a highly skilled musician, specializing in both violin and viola. With over 20 years of performing experience, she has played throughout the East Coast of the United States and in Europe, including at the National ASTA Conference. She has received training from renowned instructors such as Donna Vandiver, Patricia Barber, Sarah Johnson, a former student of Ivan Galamian, and Miles Hoffman, founder and violist of the American Chamber Players. Additionally, Mari has participated in Masterclasses by esteemed musicians such as the Cavani String Quartet, the Stradivari Quartet, James Ehnes, Jonathon Kramer, and Vadim Gluzman.