If you were one of the flutists at tonight's honor band rehearsal, I want to thank you for such a really fun evening. Your private teachers and band directors should be proud that you are fantastic flutists and really wonderful people. I was really impressed with your enthusiasm and smiles.
We went over several aspects of flute playing, flute culture, and flute life. I'll try to include some of the topics we covered.
You can minimize cracking and strange pitch by anticipating the sound (and air pressure) needed for slower pieces that have large intervals that ascend or descend. Sing the melody, then play.
Articulate with intensity when playing in a large flute section especially with staccatos and various types of accents. Practice the groove of a fast piece by clapping with intention and counting out loud. Play the rhythm with one note with the same dry sound you created when clapping. Try not to get behind the beat when playing isolated up beats.
Practice that double tonguing, but don't forget about single tonguing! Both are essential.
There are 3 ways to play Bbs: "Long" or 1 and 1, Thumb, and Lever. I think I'll write a separate post on that topic.
Strive to play full range. If you've been told to not play what's on the page, especially if there's an 8va in the top octave, still practice it at home.
Use your metronome and reduce the amount of beats to see how accurate you really are! This is great technique for learning a new solo and band music!
Yes, circular breathing does exist for flutists though we don't have the advantage of having a reed or mouthpiece! Revolutionary flutist Robert Dick has a great book: Circular Breathing for the Flutist. Robert will be performing a at NJCU on Mon 2/8/16 at 7:30pm! Free! He's unique and absolutely worth hearing live! Maybe he'll play his Glissando headjoint!
Flute gatherings (flute fairs, flute days, flute conventions) are very common across the US and offer lectures, playing opportunities, competitions, concerts, and exhibitors that have instruments to try and music/accessories to buy. Annual fees cover membership for the flute society and support the yearly publications and resources. A flute fair/convention fee covers the cost to attend the actual day/s of the event. Students usually pay a smaller fee or teachers can often sign up his/her studios for a discounted rate. Here are a couple local clubs/societies that host a flute day or fair during the year:
National Flute Association (Flute Convention)
NJ Flute Society (Flute Fair Day)
NJ Annual Flute Choir Day (Flute Fair Day)
NY Flute Club (Flute Fair Day)
Pocono Flute Society (Flute Fair Day and also hosts a 1 week summer flute camp for HS-adults)
Flute Society of Greater Philadelphia (Flute Fair Day)
The Flute Society of Washington (Midatlantic Flute Convention in Virginia)
If you are a senior, NJCU would love to have you come audition in March. The academic scholarships are amazing and we would love you to check out the campus and to play for us! Visit NJCU Woodwinds for some specialized information for flutists!
Finally, hedgehogs are not as cute as they seem.
We went over several aspects of flute playing, flute culture, and flute life. I'll try to include some of the topics we covered.
You can minimize cracking and strange pitch by anticipating the sound (and air pressure) needed for slower pieces that have large intervals that ascend or descend. Sing the melody, then play.
Articulate with intensity when playing in a large flute section especially with staccatos and various types of accents. Practice the groove of a fast piece by clapping with intention and counting out loud. Play the rhythm with one note with the same dry sound you created when clapping. Try not to get behind the beat when playing isolated up beats.
Practice that double tonguing, but don't forget about single tonguing! Both are essential.
There are 3 ways to play Bbs: "Long" or 1 and 1, Thumb, and Lever. I think I'll write a separate post on that topic.
Strive to play full range. If you've been told to not play what's on the page, especially if there's an 8va in the top octave, still practice it at home.
Use your metronome and reduce the amount of beats to see how accurate you really are! This is great technique for learning a new solo and band music!
Yes, circular breathing does exist for flutists though we don't have the advantage of having a reed or mouthpiece! Revolutionary flutist Robert Dick has a great book: Circular Breathing for the Flutist. Robert will be performing a at NJCU on Mon 2/8/16 at 7:30pm! Free! He's unique and absolutely worth hearing live! Maybe he'll play his Glissando headjoint!
Flute gatherings (flute fairs, flute days, flute conventions) are very common across the US and offer lectures, playing opportunities, competitions, concerts, and exhibitors that have instruments to try and music/accessories to buy. Annual fees cover membership for the flute society and support the yearly publications and resources. A flute fair/convention fee covers the cost to attend the actual day/s of the event. Students usually pay a smaller fee or teachers can often sign up his/her studios for a discounted rate. Here are a couple local clubs/societies that host a flute day or fair during the year:
National Flute Association (Flute Convention)
NJ Flute Society (Flute Fair Day)
NJ Annual Flute Choir Day (Flute Fair Day)
NY Flute Club (Flute Fair Day)
Pocono Flute Society (Flute Fair Day and also hosts a 1 week summer flute camp for HS-adults)
Flute Society of Greater Philadelphia (Flute Fair Day)
The Flute Society of Washington (Midatlantic Flute Convention in Virginia)
If you are a senior, NJCU would love to have you come audition in March. The academic scholarships are amazing and we would love you to check out the campus and to play for us! Visit NJCU Woodwinds for some specialized information for flutists!
Finally, hedgehogs are not as cute as they seem.
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