Flute Circle Jams

The activity of a flute circle is a very interesting thing. Every meeting is different and so far I have spent the day with different people every month. All I have to say is – “How cool is that?” VERY COOL. This month we were joined by some regulars as well as by drummers and harmonica players.
I know you are wondering the same thing I was “OK I naturally hear drums sounding great but how is a harmonica going to sound with the flute? Different scales, different sounds, different style of music right?”

Well try to imagine a name for this quartet of two flutes in harmonizing keys, and two harmonicas in sync with them… Try Really, Old School Steam Train. I have never claimed any degree of musicianship – only an appreciation of music. I am not a music critic either but I’d say the sound was awesome. Very fun as well as really different while surprisingly not at all discordant. Remember the harmonica is an aerophone too – just with shorter tubes and the key was pretty easy to match up.

Those of you that have not taken a class/workshop with Clint Goss [www.flutekey.com] should try to sit in on one. When I did last fall I felt like I walked away with so many good “tools” in my back pocket about how to play with other folks. These skills came in handy, to play for the new type of jam going on in the great hall. We even found a way to get in and out of the groove we were playing. I wish I had a pocket studio to record some clips!

The other great perk of this meeting was that we were playing and socializing amidst the newest juried exhibit at the Randolph County Community Arts Center which included 42 artists in three dimensional and two dimensional works. Several gallery patrons were treated to a free concert of sorts and we were clearly inspired to play by the great works in the hall & on the walls. We are very fortunate to have the support of our Arts Center for a gathering space.

Three announcements for readers - the new dates have been determined for the 2007 Potomac Flute Festival in Rockville, MD. February 23-25, 2007. This is an event coordinated between the Potomac Flute Circle and the Maryland Flute Circle. Their efforts are heroic and the event is a must attend event. The Vendors, Concerts, Workshops and sharing are tremendous – giving you time with folks from all aspects of the flute.
Visit http://potomacflutecircle.net/ for details as they are updated.

Leonard McGann (aka Lone Crow Flutes) goes all out to produce a Flute Fall Inn every year and this is a great event as well with the dates set for October 20, 21, 22, 2006. The retreat is held at Camp Bethel again this year and is near Fincastle, VA. (North of Roanoke and Bedford, VA right on I-81). Great vendors, talented players, some workshops and a lot of great sharing make for a great weekend. Leonard goes a step further and has a big night out at his place where you can see the Lone Crow shop up close and holds a concert in a cavern nearby on Saturday. Big fun will be had and you can reach Lone Crow at caveratlc@aol.com to ask about reservations for the event and costs – but act fast.

In Elkins a great Irish Band and Irish flute player will be here December 9th & 10th for two shows with the band Blackbird and Thrushes. Wendell Dobbs on flute is fantastic and the band will be playing an evening show on Saturday as well as a matinee on Sunday. Sounds to me like a compelling reason to come to that Saturday’s flute circle! A schedule for the concert is at www.randolpharts.org

I have added some links to other circles and blogs that are worth checking out as well. I learn a lot by listening and reading about what everyone is up to so I recommend a visit.
Until next time -