Over the years, I’ve often been
approached by flutists who’d love to play in a
group but can’t find quite the right ensemble
situation. There are a lot of us around
because, obviously, flute is such a gorgeous
and inspiring instrument. But existing
ensembles either have too many flutists (or
flautists, if you prefer) already, or are not
quite the right level. Informal situations for
amateurs rarely meet regularly enough or
have enough numbers and resources to
satisfy a strong interest in regular group
music making.
I’ve often had adult students beginning
flute lessons who explore local ensemble
possibilities and wind up feeling intimidated
by the level of music and shying away. Or
more advanced flutists might find
themselves unable to get into an orchestra or
other advanced ensemble, but bored with the
informal opportunities they’re able to
arrange for themselves.
Younger flutists usually have the
opportunity to play in their school band
program, but many find that a smaller setting
with more responsibility in playing a
different part from the rest of the group
holds their interest more and provides an
important challenge.
Flutists have played together in groups in
a wide variety of formats, from Irish Flute
Bands to Fife and Drum Corps, to small
informal groups, for a long time. Flute choirs
have now become a highly respected
ensemble possibility, attracting composers to
write ever more interesting arrangements
and appearing on most state contest lists.
With such a beautiful sound, why should we
flutists limit ourselves to playing alone?
String programs are booming in Central
Vermont. But with only 2-4 flutists needed
for every 30-50 string players in an
orchestra, it’s time we spread the word that:
Whatever your interest and level, please
know that you’ll be supported in your
interests, your musical development, and the
nurturing of your love for music. All flute
choirs will emphasize mutual support and the
experience of joy in music making, as well as
improvement of musical skills. (If you're
worried regarding the purple box above, all
practices and performances will be upright
with feet on the ground, though spiritual
ecstasy will be permitted.)
Flute Choir
The Kamurai Indians of
the Amazon rain forest
keep their flutes,
wherein spirits are
believed to dwell, in
special shrines where
they are worshipped.
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The sound of the
Hindu god Krishna’s
flute prompted the
wives and daughters
of the cowherds to
leave their homes and
dance ecstatically
with him in the forest.
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Jalal ad-Din ar-Rumi, called
the greatest Sufi mystic and
poet in the Persian language,
was believed to have
composed much of his poetry
in a state of ecstasy induced
by the music of the flute.
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Tribes of the Sierra Madre
Oriental of Eastern Mexico
perform a ritual dance in
which the flutist,
accompanying himself on
drum, joins with a group of
four dancers. They climb up
a rope ladder, and each in
turn dances on a two foot
platform. During the flight
songs they launch
themselves into space with
ropes tied around their
waists and descend head
down in 13 ever widening
circles until they reach the
ground. The flutist often
performs special acrobatics,
leaning back in an arc as he
salutes the four directions.
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Send me an email at:
lisa@lisaflute.com
or call at: 229-9901
and we'll set up a time to meet!
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