Other ventures into cyberspace

Pushing my limits in the web world (as a luddite seeking to get into this century) I have been using a few of the yahoo groups connected with the NAF and NASF. I have also successfully tried Paltalk at least once! Lets start with the yahoo groups.

Yahoo groups is pretty simple to use, even for someone who prefers to be outside playing music. Using your internet search engine you'll find the site and start the registration process. The task that may prove most difficult is finding a user name you can remember, as so many folks have already claimed the first several you think might sound good.

There really seems to be a number of very useful groups sharing sheet music that is in the common/public domain, techniques for flute making, and sharing their spiritual side of being involved in the flute. Anyone who would like a late night or Sunday discussion on the Native American Style Flute (NASF) will find something here. There is a great wealth of information.

The one bit of warning that I'll hand out which may not be obvious to all people but is on my mind of late is that not everyone feels the same way about the renaissance of this instrument called the Native American Flute. Some folks from the First Nations may be offended that other peoples are taking such great interest in their musical heritage and that non First Nations people may feel or assert any type of ownership of it. It is important to be sensitive to everyone's feelings and culture.

I claim no First Nations ancestry and do not claim anyone else's culture as my own. I do feel a great appreciation for this instrument called the NAF and the NASF and I love to play music on them. I feel very strongly that I found something very special that sounds good to me and makes me feel great. I have also seen first hand a sort of "magic" that draws people to this instrument and allows them an opportunity to express themselves in a good way. I play a number of modern flutes that are all Native American Style Flutes and from a number of makers, most of them not made by registered tribal members. All of these flute makers are very respectful of Native or First Nations culture and do not claim to be anything they are not.

I feel a big sense of gratitude and thankfulness to those out there who work with very pure intentions to see that more people share and learn about First Nations culture and history and to share this instrument with the larger world. Many folks are out on the web spreading the word in a good way and not claiming any kind of credit but giving thanks to the people who first brought us this instrument and respecting indigenous heritage. I have also seen folks do good things for the didge, its music and the people who brought us this instrument as well. They are giving back too and folks taking an interest in this type of music should on all levels keep this value set in mind.

So there are a number good groups to consider at Yahoo and I'll share the links here because I do not think it is terribly easy to navigate to them from elsewhere on your own. Another flutie shared them with me. (Thanks Sharon)

Basic NAF making group
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/basic_naf_making/
Spiritual side of flutes
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flutespirits2/
Mary Youngblood Group
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/MaryYoungblood/?yguid=192557703
Healing & NAF
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/NAFhealingandhealth/
NAF music sharing
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/NAFMusic/?yguid=192557703
NAF music sharing also good
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nativeamericanflutemusicsheet/?yguid=192557703
The BIG, NAF style woodworking site run by a great guy and lots of posts
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nativeflutewoodworking/?yguid=192557703
Flute players group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nativeamericanfluteplayers/
Flute cirlce networking group
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/NAFcirclenetworking/?yguid=192557703

That is the short list - you'll spend an afternoon reading all of what you like in those sites. Several ask that you register with the administrator and that simply keeps their space uncluttered with spam.

My Paltalk experience offers mixed results. The product works most of the time - whenit does it is really fun. Sound streaming is very fast and I did not pay for the video upgrade due to the fact that it is about music, right?

So the basic flutemaking "chat room" is open Saturdays at 10am EDT and last week saw better than a dozen folks logging in and out for most of the hour. The easiest way to describe the Saturday morning experience is like a radio show or podcast about your favorite subject (assuming that is NAF) and complete with some playing and sharing of music. Very fun.

The difference is that along with listening you can and will type and talk (sort of like passing notes in class, or talking to your TV program) to participate in the program and ask questions or say hello to folks you recognize. Busy at first and I am not a brilliant typist either but I was successful in interacting with this national type, conference call on flutemaking. Overall I say "give it a try, pretty amazing stuff" for my none-to-professional review of the service.

You may choose to contact Keith at Cherrry Cows Flutes to get more involved with this Saturday project. Last week they talked about woods, wood care, flute finish, and had a Native history lesson among other topics. Very well done I think. A number of very knowledgeable contributors volunteering their time. Additionally, three moderators volunteer to facilitate a Monday version 8pm eastern time - worth the visit!

Next time some new flute & music commentary.
Next WVNAF Circle meeting is Saturday September 9th from 1-3pm at RCCAC (see first post for details)