Teen Gold Award Winner Anubhav Mohapatra

October 1, 2026 The Flute View

Carl Reinecke International Flute Competition Gold Award and American Open 2nd Laureate Winner Anubhav Mohapatra

Anubhav Mohapatra is 17 years old and has studied flute with Mrs. Cecilia Hamilton for three years and Dr. Min Hee Kim for two years. Some of his awards include being a finalist at the Texas Flute Society Haire Competition ('24), a two-time TMEA Area Qualifier ('24, '25), 1st place at Phase 1 of Region 24 ('25), Outstanding Soloist and PISD Concerto Contest Semifinalist ('25), 2x Flute MVP section award winner ('25, '26), Silver Prize/2nd Laureate Award at the American Open International Music Competition ('26), and the Gold Award with the Exceptional Technique Special Prize at the Carl Reinecke International Music Competition ('26). Outside of flute, Anubhav enjoys playing tennis with his dad, making Arduino-based projects, and travelling to different places with his family.

Can you give us 3 career highlights?

My first highlight was getting 6th at the TMEA Area competition in 2025. I was only one spot away from making All-State, but I got to play in the Wind Symphony region band and work with Mr. Jerry Junkin, conductor of wind bands and educator at UT Austin. It was an awesome experience that made all my hard work worth it. Second, I made the GDYO Flute Choir during my sophomore year. It took me three tries to get in, and I had to spend tons of hours practicing the music while balancing school and other competitions. My third highlight was winning the Silver Prize at the American Open and the Gold Award with a special technique prize at the Carl Reinecke competition this year. I self-taught both of the tough pieces for these, so it felt amazing to place so high against musicians from all over the world.

What do you like best about playing the flute?

The best part about playing the flute is that it gives me a break from school and lets me express myself. I love how many different ways you can play the same piece and each one produces a different emotion with a unique style. We may not be heard in many ensemble settings, but the flute is one of very few instruments capable of a vast array of lyrical and technical repertoires that makes it so versatile. Also, it’s super portable. I never have to carry a massive, heavy case around or worry about fitting it into my backpack which is a very nice convenience! Lastly, learning the flute enables me to learn similar instruments like the bansuri, or the Indian flute, which I am able to teach my cousin sister as well for fun!

What are your goals as a flutist?

My main goal is to introduce more people to music and bridge the gap between my Indian heritage and the Western classical skills I’ve learned. I also want to keep improving my technique and just make sure I’m always having fun when I play.

What inspires you most in life?

My parents are my biggest inspirations and supporters. They’ve been there for every big choice, like helping me buy my first upgraded flute, and made many sacrifices for me to be in this position. They taught me the value of discipline and hard work, and they’ve helped me stay confident and humble. I’m very grateful for them, and I want to pay them back for that support through my playing and achievements.

What has been your greatest challenge?

My biggest challenge is definitely time management. It’s hard balancing flute practice with school and all my other extracurriculars. Managing my time and setting goals when I have so many priorities is something I’m always working on. Also, I’ve also dealt with some health issues, like breathing problems that used to hinder my playing, but I’ve mostly overcome that by being patient and practicing consistently. But, it’s still something I have to find a work around some days when I practice a lot.

Who were your music mentors and what did you learn from them?

My first teacher was Mrs. Hamilton from Coppell ISD. I started with her in 6th grade and studied with her until my freshman year. She taught me the fundamentals of playing, but she also taught me how to be disciplined, dedicated, and how to deal with setbacks without quitting. With her, I improved my technical-playing abilities. After that, I studied with Dr. Min Hee Kim at Prosper ISD. She really understood me as a person and helped me find my own style. Under her, I won several awards and made it far in the All-Region process. She taught me to be curious and to tell a story with my music instead of just playing the notes on the page. With her, I improved my lyrical-playing abilities. I’m very grateful for both my teachers as without them, I wouldn’t have been able to get to where I am today.

Can you give us 5 quirky, secret, fun hobbies or passions?

Five fun facts about me are that I love taking sunset photos from a moving car, I carry a water bottle everywhere I go, and I use an Android phone but wear an Apple Watch. I also love cooking meals for my parents and commentating on tennis matches for fun.

What are 3 things you would offer as advice for another flutist?

First, don’t be afraid to take things slow. This goes for learning a hard piece and just dealing with daily life when you feel overwhelmed—it is totally fine to step back and take a break. Second, practice your scales! Seriously, don’t skip them because they are the foundation for everything you play. Lastly, have fun and experiment. Try out new interpretations, learn extended techniques like circular breathing or beatboxing (I'm still working on that one), and play music you enjoy so you can share that excitement with others!