Joan's Bucket list entry No. 1

 

Have you ever had an original musical thought?  I haven't really unless I am helping a student write a Mozart cadenza.  But I have always been curious about those who hear in their imagination something that has not yet been written.

So, when I came across Rhonda Larson's Flute Weekend, "So you think you can't write your own music?" I ran for the date book, only to find out that I am booked for March 9 to 11 this year. I know from my reaction that this was something I need to do, and so it was added to my "Bucket List."

Held in an 1887 one-room school house near Kalamazoo, MI, the class features group and individual sessions.  Each participant (class size is limited to 14) will bring an original 8-bar melody to the class, in any tempo or style-something that means something to the performer.  (If you feel you cannot yet come up with a phrase of your own, Rhonda will supply you with your own melody for individual work in the class)

 This melody will be crafted during participants' individual masterclass in which Rhonda will work with you in front of the class. This individual work will include expanding your musical ideas.  Other elements of the course include work on the fundamental elements of flute playing such as sound, posture, and the overall Art of Performance, including performance anxiety issues and proper ergonomics in playing the flute.

All other class activities are GROUP participation, led by Rhonda.

Recording devices are highly recommended in this inventing process, so you do not forget what you just made up....

For more details, visit Rhonda's web site:  http://www.rhondalarson.com/workshops.htm.

Meanwhile, watch for Rhonda's music in the Flute Pro Shop music catalog.  You will want to add these lovely works to your library!  I sure do.

David Chu Headjoints

Aren't these colors intriguing?  These are the colors of David Chu's exquisite headjoints, made of exotic woods from around the world.  Alan Weiss of the Haynes Flute Company made me aware of these fabulous headjoints  earlier this year, and I am totally taken with them.  My personal favorite is the heavy wall grenadilla, which has a dark, walnut-quality sound.  I have learned that the darker the wood, the darker and more complex the sound.  Wooden headjoints enhance music of  the Baroque, Mozart, chamber music, and are a wonderful blend in a woodwind quintet.  Experience for yourself the difference when playing works like the Nielson Quintet...the lines with clarinet are quite simply illuminated.

These headjoints are very popular here at Flute Pro Shop, and Santa has even been by to select one or two for especially good boys and girls.  These are truly for the flutist who has everything!

You can stop by the shop to audition them, or visit the Flute Pro Shop booth at any of the regional flute festivals at which we exhibit.   To learn more about our event schedule, please stop by the web site: www.fluteproshop.com. 

Here's what Alan Weiss has to say about David Chu's fine work:

David Chu creates a variety of wood headjoints in a choice of contemporary and traditional styles which capture a wide spectrum of timbre and response. His craftsmanship as a headjoint-maker is superb and complements the flutist seeking the most beautiful sound and quick response. He understands and has mastered his art, having been both a flute-maker of modern-day instruments as well as one of the world’s leading restorers of antique Boehm flutes.  David’s artistry rivals today’s very best headjoint makers, such as Haynes, with his unique specialization in exotic woods.

Alan Weiss,(www.alanweissflute.com)

                          Artist-in-Residence, William S. Haynes Company(www.wmshaynes.com)

 

Richmond Flute Festival 2011

Richmond Flute Festival, December 3, 2011  Virginia Commonwealth University

The Richmond Flute Festival attracted 100 or so flutists from all around the state of Virginia and beyond for an action packed day featuring Bonita Boyd.  It was a busy day, and my trusty Trailblazer had a much lighter load as we headed north and home to Delaware on Sunday.  As in yesterday-wow.

Tabatha Easley and Susan Davis ran a very tight ship, with a schedule that allowed for participants to spend lots of time at the exhibits-a real plus for yours truly.

I was met at the entrance to the festival by Daniel, who heroically moved in all those crates of music, and THEN played in the college division flute competition.  What a trouper.

My booth was next to Miyazawa, and my good friend Keith Hanlon.  We barely had a chance to exchange more than a hello and a hug, as interested flute players descended on our tables.  It was fun to see Gabby as well, who is so enthusiastic about the flute it is contagious.

I remember back in the 80's when Bonita Boyd recorded the Paganini Caprices, and that recording really rocked my flute world.  I ran out and got the Caprices, and that started a career-long fascination and love of these marvelous works.  So I was thrilled that she included three in her program.  Sadly, I had to listen to her concert through closed doors, but so much came through in terms of dynamic contrast, elegant phrasing, and amazingly fluid technique.  Guess what is on my music stand today??

I gave a talk on careers in music that included the "unspoken" rules of orchestral playing, my experience of coming from a music department at a state university that at that time was 25 students strong, and the phases my career has taken.  I also played the David Chu headjoints so the participants could hear the wide variety in tonal colors available in the various varieties of wood.  I had a good time-I hope they did too!

The welcome sight of an army of willing students to help me pack up was most welcome after a day of busy booth time.  Believe me I slept well Saturday night.


Below: a happy flutist with her new FluterScooter Black Patent Leather case cover.  For fashion mavens: note how the case cover matches her patent leather shoes ;)

Above:  FPS booth at VCU and Richmond Flute Festival.