I started playing flute when I joined the 5th grade band. My elementary school had a pretty good music program, so even before that, we learned how to play recorder and even acoustic guitar in our weekly General Music classes.
When I first went to University, I majored in flute performance. I dropped out (and switched to Theory/Comp) because of intense stage fright, but I never stopped playing flute.
Several months ago, I got a text message from William Kyle, the director of Bay Bells, asking me if I would play Native American flute on their May concerts. I told him that I would love to, but I don't own an Native American flute, nor do I know how to play one. He said, "If we got one for you, would you play it?" I said, "Sure."
Weeks later - in fact, so much later that I had forgotten all about it! - Kevin Holsinger, the harp half of Bronzewood Paedeia, brought a Native American flute to my house. He apparently borrowed it from another harpist - to be honest, I don't even know who it belongs to.
I googled for, downloaded, and printed a fingering chart, then about 2 weeks ago settled down to learn how to play the thing. I connected it to my tuner to make sure I was playing the correct pitches - I did have to modify some of the fingerings on the chart.
It's a very nice flute, to be sure. I was even able to play the parts of the piece that say "Omit for Native American Flute" (the part can of course also be played on regular concert flute)!
I showed up for dress rehearsal last Friday night & on Saturday played 2 concerts with Bay Bells at the Mountain View Center for Performing Arts. Wil Mandac took pics of the concert & here's one of me!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Yeah, I still play flute
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5 comments:
I love the contrast between you and the color of the background, but the inclusion of handbells is icing on the cake.
It really is a great shot - love the lighting, and the bells, too! :-)
That is a beautiful photo. The background color complements your hair color (and flute)!
I see that you're playing a High Spirits flute by Odell Borg. Are you familiar with Mary Youngblood? She's another (NAMMY Award-winning) NAF player trained as a silver flutist.
Paul
http://www.nafluteplayer.com
@Paul --
Yes, it is a High Spirits flute & I have decided to purchase it from the owner. I just googled the flute & see that it's the "Sparrow Hawk in A - Aromatic Cedar, turquoise inlay" model. It really is lovely to look at and has such a beautiful tone. :-)
(BTW, as a Trekkie, I think it's very cool that someone named "Borg" made the flute! LOL!)
No, I don't know Mary Youngblood (although I did go to school with someone of that name, but she didn't play the flute). Google tells me that the flute-playing Mary Youngblood has won 2 Grammys. Wow! I think I'll have to get one (or more) of her CDs. Thanks for the tip!
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