Flute Workshop in A minor

This months Mother’s Day flute extravaganza was cut short due to family crisis (my toddler caught the Chicken Pox)

We did have two new “never-ever” participants in the workshop, join Bob Willasch and myself in making flutes from what Bob affectionately calls “urban pine” or PVC pipe. We cranked out some flutes and had time to play them as well as enjoying some great flutes from Bob’s collection. We had a very fun morning and extend a BIG thanks to Bob for coming out to run our workshop.

Prior to this event I was aware that Bob has a wealth of flute making experience and that he can speak knowledgably about a number of topics. His expertise really shines when you see how easy it is to build a working and very playable flute in PVC. Bob has his system down and with just a tape measure, drill press, needle files, wood dowel and a Dremel-style grinder we were in business in short order. We even went fast enough to botch one or two and this again allowed Bob’s experience to shine as he was able to guide us through fixing the problem back to playable.

The remainder of our time was spent getting to know the new flute players and learning about Bob’s flutes from a number of well known makers. Bob also has a sort of “petting zoo” of historical and reproduction style flutes that show the difference in styles for the instrument. They make a great reference for the discussion of how the flute works and where it has been.

His flute making template, with permission, will provide many a great start for flute folks who want their first instrument to be sweet and simple. I would consider trying this again with circle members who wish to give it a whirl, as we had many folks with prior commitments that could not attend. You all missed a great workshop so we’ll try an encore sometime.

We did have several flute circle members contribute to Bob’s travel expenses and your help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I have not even finished tuning mine – it is very close to A right off the drill press and by untrained ear you cannot tell the difference. Digitally at 440hz; it needs a little bit of filing and of course it would be nice to get the water pipe tattoo off the side but do you want to play it or sand it?! When the toddler has the pox you spend the scant few moments you have playing it I think.

Our next meeting will be at the RCCAC on Saturday, June 9^th from 1-3pm and you can see for yourself how well a .57 cent flute plays.