Lyrics from Linda
| VOLUME 16 NUMBER 4 |
It was a hot, sunny day...it was a VERY HOT, and VERY, VERY SUNNY DAY... and the flutes
were playing, the sun was brightly shining in our eyes, the sudden blast of the foghorn
sounding startled us in mid-note, warning guests to move before the descending ship’s
elevator crushed them beneath it, we were “moist” (euphemism for sweating, perspiring,
damp)...
Well, that was the BEGINNING of our concert at the U.S.S. Lexington on November 11,
Veteran’s Day 2005. The Coastal Bend Flutes were invited by the Governor’s Office (of
TEXAS!!) to provide part of the entertainment on the U.S.S. Lexington for the State
Republican Women’s Convention that day. Those of us who performed spent several hours
rehearsing a variety of music for the occasion: patriotic music, marches, folk music, Big
Band standards and some classical pieces. It was an opportunity to perform early in the
year, which was beneficial. Both alto flutes and our bass flute as well as piccolos were
used. (Yes, sometimes even on the same piece of music! Those of you who missed it,
EVERYONE who owned a piccolo was able to play on piccolo!) But, DON’T WORRY, the
“regular” C flutes had their turn to play as well.
Playing before over 800 guests from around the state provided some excellent publicity for
our organization. Of course there were many conventioneers from the Coastal Bend area
as well. We received quite a few positive comments about our music, inquiries about “What
kind of flute is THAT? It is so BIG!” Many folks really appreciated the music we provided.
The big, BIG sound we had on that metal ship was pretty amazing, and with no need for
amplification (sort of like singing in the shower, you know?).... And, the sun went down, we
were served some much appreciated ice water (now, OTHER drinks would be
inappropriate... we were PLAYING, remember?), the day became cooler, the elevator quit
running, the foghorn stopped its off key tuning note . . . and I know all of us enjoyed
playing. In addition to providing an enjoyable evening for those in attendance, we were able
to earn something for our treasury. Many, MANY thanks to Sharon Gutierrez for all the work
she did to organize this event for us. With all the security involved with having the Governor
as the Honored Guest, and working long-distance with his office, this demanded a lot of time
and effort. Also, thanks to all of our members who performed for this occasion. The
scheduling of this event, during the day, made it impossible for many of you to join us.
Others had to rearrange their work schedule. THANK YOU ALL!
The next performance of the Coastal Bend Flutes will be our Christmas Concert on Sunday,
December 4th at First United Methodist Church in Rockport. Paul Klemm, our newsletter
editor/historian will be our host. Please invite your family and friends to attend. We will
perform several traditional Christmas tunes, some popular and some classical Christmas
pieces and additional music for flute choir. One of our features will be a piece arranged for
Flute Choir by a local composer; Joy Killian called “Were You There?” Joy is a composition
student at Del Mar College and many of her compositions have been performed for the
Composers Symposiums.
Of course your attendance at our concert is critical. Plan to wear your new Coastal Bend
Flute polo shirt, black skirt or slacks, and a “touch of red” for Christmas. (A Santa hat,
reindeer antlers, something for the holiday.) You will need your music, a music stand and
your flute.
Our performing year is well underway as you have read. Be aware of all our rehearsal and
concert dates. Two rehearsals in January are necessary to prepare for our annual concert
in Port Aransas in February. In February we also will be performing a composition by Dr.
William Bunch for the Corpus Christi Music Club. Please mark your calendar so you don’t
miss any scheduled events.
Please watch the website for upcoming dates. You also need to contribute to our calendar
as you become aware of recitals and concerts in which you may be participating.
Congratulations go to Charter Member and past President Frances Branning for a
wonderful recital with Roland Steele of music for Flute and Harp on October 30th. And, the
Corpus Christi Chamber Orchestra held their fall concert at Del Mar College on Sunday,
November 13 at 4:00 with officers, Paul Klemm and Linda Weber performing. You will have
an opportunity to hear this orchestra again in the spring.
Do support our members, and music in the community.
May all of you have a blessed Christmas season. And, let music be an important part of
your festivities. See you at our Christmas concert.
Linda Weber
President, Coastal Bend Flute Club
were playing, the sun was brightly shining in our eyes, the sudden blast of the foghorn
sounding startled us in mid-note, warning guests to move before the descending ship’s
elevator crushed them beneath it, we were “moist” (euphemism for sweating, perspiring,
damp)...
Well, that was the BEGINNING of our concert at the U.S.S. Lexington on November 11,
Veteran’s Day 2005. The Coastal Bend Flutes were invited by the Governor’s Office (of
TEXAS!!) to provide part of the entertainment on the U.S.S. Lexington for the State
Republican Women’s Convention that day. Those of us who performed spent several hours
rehearsing a variety of music for the occasion: patriotic music, marches, folk music, Big
Band standards and some classical pieces. It was an opportunity to perform early in the
year, which was beneficial. Both alto flutes and our bass flute as well as piccolos were
used. (Yes, sometimes even on the same piece of music! Those of you who missed it,
EVERYONE who owned a piccolo was able to play on piccolo!) But, DON’T WORRY, the
“regular” C flutes had their turn to play as well.
Playing before over 800 guests from around the state provided some excellent publicity for
our organization. Of course there were many conventioneers from the Coastal Bend area
as well. We received quite a few positive comments about our music, inquiries about “What
kind of flute is THAT? It is so BIG!” Many folks really appreciated the music we provided.
The big, BIG sound we had on that metal ship was pretty amazing, and with no need for
amplification (sort of like singing in the shower, you know?).... And, the sun went down, we
were served some much appreciated ice water (now, OTHER drinks would be
inappropriate... we were PLAYING, remember?), the day became cooler, the elevator quit
running, the foghorn stopped its off key tuning note . . . and I know all of us enjoyed
playing. In addition to providing an enjoyable evening for those in attendance, we were able
to earn something for our treasury. Many, MANY thanks to Sharon Gutierrez for all the work
she did to organize this event for us. With all the security involved with having the Governor
as the Honored Guest, and working long-distance with his office, this demanded a lot of time
and effort. Also, thanks to all of our members who performed for this occasion. The
scheduling of this event, during the day, made it impossible for many of you to join us.
Others had to rearrange their work schedule. THANK YOU ALL!
The next performance of the Coastal Bend Flutes will be our Christmas Concert on Sunday,
December 4th at First United Methodist Church in Rockport. Paul Klemm, our newsletter
editor/historian will be our host. Please invite your family and friends to attend. We will
perform several traditional Christmas tunes, some popular and some classical Christmas
pieces and additional music for flute choir. One of our features will be a piece arranged for
Flute Choir by a local composer; Joy Killian called “Were You There?” Joy is a composition
student at Del Mar College and many of her compositions have been performed for the
Composers Symposiums.
Of course your attendance at our concert is critical. Plan to wear your new Coastal Bend
Flute polo shirt, black skirt or slacks, and a “touch of red” for Christmas. (A Santa hat,
reindeer antlers, something for the holiday.) You will need your music, a music stand and
your flute.
Our performing year is well underway as you have read. Be aware of all our rehearsal and
concert dates. Two rehearsals in January are necessary to prepare for our annual concert
in Port Aransas in February. In February we also will be performing a composition by Dr.
William Bunch for the Corpus Christi Music Club. Please mark your calendar so you don’t
miss any scheduled events.
Please watch the website for upcoming dates. You also need to contribute to our calendar
as you become aware of recitals and concerts in which you may be participating.
Congratulations go to Charter Member and past President Frances Branning for a
wonderful recital with Roland Steele of music for Flute and Harp on October 30th. And, the
Corpus Christi Chamber Orchestra held their fall concert at Del Mar College on Sunday,
November 13 at 4:00 with officers, Paul Klemm and Linda Weber performing. You will have
an opportunity to hear this orchestra again in the spring.
Do support our members, and music in the community.
May all of you have a blessed Christmas season. And, let music be an important part of
your festivities. See you at our Christmas concert.
Linda Weber
President, Coastal Bend Flute Club
| Future Dates: Click the Link above for the complete CBFC Calendar |
Happy Birthday!
These members have
birthdays in October.
Sharon Gutierrez - 28th
birthdays in October.
Sharon Gutierrez - 28th
Directions!
To get directions to the
First United Methodist
Church of Rockport just
check the home page of
our website. If you
prefer send an e-mail to
paul.klemm@coastalben
dfluteclub.org and
directions can be
e-mailed to you
First United Methodist
Church of Rockport just
check the home page of
our website. If you
prefer send an e-mail to
paul.klemm@coastalben
dfluteclub.org and
directions can be
e-mailed to you
Updates from Sarah
This year one of our members, Dr. Sarah Gill, was one of 5 flutists worldwide to travel to
England to study with Trevor Wye. Recently she sent an e-mail to Francis Branning
describing here first few days.
England to study with Trevor Wye. Recently she sent an e-mail to Francis Branning
describing here first few days.
Hello everyone,
Thanks to so many of you for responding to my last email--it's always great to hear how
you are and what's happening in your lives!
It's hard to believe that I've been in England for almost a month! My days are filled with
practicing/preparing for class. On average, I practice 5 to 5.5 hours, and I am starting to
feel real improvement in my fingers and in my tone. Trevor is quite the task-master! Every
week we have to prepare tone studies, scales galore, technical exercises, multiple etudes,
an orchestral excerpt, and solo repertoire.
Every week, I make a list of all that's assigned. This week it added up to 19 different things,
of which 4 have to be newly memorized (in all major and minor keys) for Monday. I was
amazed to realize the other day that half of my practice time (2 and a half to 3 hours) is
involved in playing studies that I have memorized since I arrived! And Trevor says we have
much more to memorize before the year is out!
While most of my time is devoted to practicing or research, I have managed to get out of
the village a couple of times. I had a very quick trip to London on Sep. 26, but didn't get a
chance to do any sightseeing. Last weekend, my host family took me to Canterbury where
we visited the cathedral and a Roman museum. The Roman museum was a wonderful
surprise for me--I had always thought about the cathedral and not considered that this city
was an important Roman town called Durovernum Cantiacorum (for all you Latin lovers!).
In the museum were replicas of Roman living rooms and vases and tools that had been
excavated. My favorite section, however, was the floor of an actual Roman home that was
discovered when the British were cleaning the rubble from buildings that had been bombed
by the Germans in WWII!
After the the museum, we went to the cathedral, which was incredible. The sheer size of
this building (which took over 400 years to complete) is breathtaking, especially when you
are standing in the nave and look straight up. The color and detail in the stained glass
windows was unbelievable. I was so excited to be there that I took over 100 pictures--a little
overkill, I think!
Next weekend, the host family and I are planning a trip to Leeds castle, which has been
called the most beautiful castle in the world. I can't wait!
Thanks to so many of you for responding to my last email--it's always great to hear how
you are and what's happening in your lives!
It's hard to believe that I've been in England for almost a month! My days are filled with
practicing/preparing for class. On average, I practice 5 to 5.5 hours, and I am starting to
feel real improvement in my fingers and in my tone. Trevor is quite the task-master! Every
week we have to prepare tone studies, scales galore, technical exercises, multiple etudes,
an orchestral excerpt, and solo repertoire.
Every week, I make a list of all that's assigned. This week it added up to 19 different things,
of which 4 have to be newly memorized (in all major and minor keys) for Monday. I was
amazed to realize the other day that half of my practice time (2 and a half to 3 hours) is
involved in playing studies that I have memorized since I arrived! And Trevor says we have
much more to memorize before the year is out!
While most of my time is devoted to practicing or research, I have managed to get out of
the village a couple of times. I had a very quick trip to London on Sep. 26, but didn't get a
chance to do any sightseeing. Last weekend, my host family took me to Canterbury where
we visited the cathedral and a Roman museum. The Roman museum was a wonderful
surprise for me--I had always thought about the cathedral and not considered that this city
was an important Roman town called Durovernum Cantiacorum (for all you Latin lovers!).
In the museum were replicas of Roman living rooms and vases and tools that had been
excavated. My favorite section, however, was the floor of an actual Roman home that was
discovered when the British were cleaning the rubble from buildings that had been bombed
by the Germans in WWII!
After the the museum, we went to the cathedral, which was incredible. The sheer size of
this building (which took over 400 years to complete) is breathtaking, especially when you
are standing in the nave and look straight up. The color and detail in the stained glass
windows was unbelievable. I was so excited to be there that I took over 100 pictures--a little
overkill, I think!
Next weekend, the host family and I are planning a trip to Leeds castle, which has been
called the most beautiful castle in the world. I can't wait!
Flute Tips
from Larry Krantz Flute Pages
www.larrykrantz.com
from Larry Krantz Flute Pages
www.larrykrantz.com
Changing Flute Embouchures
by Patricia George
Over my years of teaching, I have changed very few student's embouchures. I prefer to
think of embochures evolving into what the player needs to be successful. We certainly will
not all look the same when we play in the third octave or when we have quick wide interval
skips.
You must remember that each of us is a different size--I have students ranging in size from
6'4" down to elementary sized students. Yet, we play the same sized flute. Each of us has a
different face--some lips seem to aways be in a smiling position at rest--others have more of
a downturned expression and then most of us are a combination of the two--one side up
and other side down. So, obviously each of us will look different when we play the flute. Do
check out the flute embouchure pictures for Roger Stevens' book ARTIST FLUTE on Larry
Krankz's web site. Each of these players has a professional sound, but look at how
differently each is set up.
I would suggest you let your ear direct your embouchure changes. Work for sound and
agility and when you have it where you want it, you will look like what YOU need to look like
to get the best results. Playing lots of harmonics will help you in this area. I prefer playing
the Marcel Moyse DE LA SONORITE at the harmonic (third partial with the lowest note
counting as partial no. 1). For me, I get a much better and quicker benefit from doing the
book this way.
Control in the third octave is as much about the air stream as it is embouchure. Size and
speed--two important air stream S's. Most problems occur when the flutist does not keep the
air stream moving. When things begin to sound rough, they stop blowing and everything
gets worse.
Playing and practicing a lot in the high range will help you feel comfortable. Besides doing
the Taffanel and Gaubert 8va--check out Thomas J. Filas--Leger Domain and Top Register
Studies. I have the students double and triple tongue each note the first time through these
books. Then various rhythmic patterns before setting in with the slurs. Practice with a
metronome at both slow and fast settings. Control is being about to play very fast and very
slowly.
by Patricia George
Over my years of teaching, I have changed very few student's embouchures. I prefer to
think of embochures evolving into what the player needs to be successful. We certainly will
not all look the same when we play in the third octave or when we have quick wide interval
skips.
You must remember that each of us is a different size--I have students ranging in size from
6'4" down to elementary sized students. Yet, we play the same sized flute. Each of us has a
different face--some lips seem to aways be in a smiling position at rest--others have more of
a downturned expression and then most of us are a combination of the two--one side up
and other side down. So, obviously each of us will look different when we play the flute. Do
check out the flute embouchure pictures for Roger Stevens' book ARTIST FLUTE on Larry
Krankz's web site. Each of these players has a professional sound, but look at how
differently each is set up.
I would suggest you let your ear direct your embouchure changes. Work for sound and
agility and when you have it where you want it, you will look like what YOU need to look like
to get the best results. Playing lots of harmonics will help you in this area. I prefer playing
the Marcel Moyse DE LA SONORITE at the harmonic (third partial with the lowest note
counting as partial no. 1). For me, I get a much better and quicker benefit from doing the
book this way.
Control in the third octave is as much about the air stream as it is embouchure. Size and
speed--two important air stream S's. Most problems occur when the flutist does not keep the
air stream moving. When things begin to sound rough, they stop blowing and everything
gets worse.
Playing and practicing a lot in the high range will help you feel comfortable. Besides doing
the Taffanel and Gaubert 8va--check out Thomas J. Filas--Leger Domain and Top Register
Studies. I have the students double and triple tongue each note the first time through these
books. Then various rhythmic patterns before setting in with the slurs. Practice with a
metronome at both slow and fast settings. Control is being about to play very fast and very
slowly.