Book Reviews

Fall Book Review

I wanted to share two discoveries with folks who are interested in the history of the flute and sharing that story with others. I am always looking for materials to assist me in occasional school visits that I do – visits with hopes of sharing the flute with others. A great flute maker by the name of Barry Higgins had these resources listed on his web site and taking that “referral” of sorts I ordered them through my local bookseller.

The first is Love Flute by Paul Goble (Aladdin paperbacks, copyright 1992) This award winning book is written for a child of 5-8 years to enjoy but I feel that it is for everyone to enjoy. Paul Goble has done a good job of re-telling the story of how the flute came to the Santee Dakota people of the Great Plains. While this is not the definitive tale of the courting flute it is one told with good intention and tells of the Elk and the woodpeckers role in helping the young hunter to find his voice and express himself to his true love upon returning to the village.

The author has also provided very rich and skillful illustrations for every page of the book. The illustrations include sixteen different Native American flutes. I think that it is a very fun read and the adults at flute circle have enjoyed browsing the book as much as children will love a good tale well told. Support your independent bookseller and check it out.

The second book is The Flute Player by Michael Lacapa (Rising Moon Books, copyright 1990) The book re-tells the Apache story of the flute player as a young man seeking to court the young woman he loves. The author suggests that he is recounting the tale as it was told to him in his youth. I like this story in how different it is from the others I have heard and read. No animal totems and no happy ending for the couple are in the recounting. Yet the courting ritual and the eternal feeling of the flute and the powerful messages it can convey are all in this story. Again the author has provided the illustrations and they are inspiring and beautiful. Kids and Big Kids have enjoyed this one as well and both books have a great perspective on the history of the instrument.

Fall Events Upcoming

Cool evenings and warm days are the hallmark of fall here in West Virginia. I hope your weather is as good where-ever you may be. This coming weekend is the first annual Oklahoma Flute Festival and they expect a huge turnout from what I hear. Visit their website at http://www.okflutefest.com for details and to plan your trip.

The Silverhawk gathering takes place in October also. Gathering is at Withlacoochee River Park, October 13-14, 2007. This is in Dade City, FL. Contact number for the event is 813-754-8990

Leonard McGann is still accepting registration for the Flute Fall In (near Roanoke, VA) October 18 – 21. The cost for the four day Flute Fall In is $185 per person and includes bed and all meals. Leonard’s e-mail is CaveRatLC@aol.com Phone 540-297-6077