Uncategorized « Practicing Flutist

Flutes for sale! Among other things . . .

February 11, 2012 at 3:43 pmCategory:Uncategorized

I just got back from an auction for a local music store that is closing up shop. There were all kinds of things there, guitars, band instruments, amps, rainsticks (so cool!), etc. I went to check it out and see if there were any alto or bass flutes, pennywhistles, music or electronic gizmos that I could use.

In the flute category it was a sore disappointment. All the flutes were ancient, already used and abused when the store acquired them. Besides being ancient, they were all lower quality or no-quality brands. They would all have required work to make them decently playable. I toyed with the idea of buying some if they went cheaply enough and donating them to someplace that has a real need for them, but that would have taken more money and time than I have to make them usable. Besides, they were really bad! The kind of bad that makes you cringe when a student walks in the door with one, even before the case is opened. The kind of bad that makes you think “This flute would make a nice lamp or something!”

What surprised and intrigued me was a man and woman who were staking a claim on them along with some clarinets (which were also pretty scary). She was really jazzed about them, but it was clear that she wasn’t a music store owner or a flutist. I wanted to ask her what was exciting her so much about these decrepit instruments, but I stayed out of the way as she hunted and gathered. Then it occurred to me that she was possibly an online seller, somebody that sees these things solely as commodities, but has little real knowledge of them, ready to resell them to unsuspecting people looking for a deal or needing a break on getting an instrument for their kid. The kind of reseller that might shine the flute up a little, and sell it for $100 or so, but bears no responsibility as to whether the flute actually plays or not.

Maybe this is harsh, but I have seen plenty of ads, placed by resellers that have no idea what they are selling, and are just trying to make some money and move on. The ads sound so good but once an actual brand name is mentioned or a picture is posted, it is clear that the product does not match the hype. I hate the thought of unknowledgeable people being taken advantage this way, I think it sours their musical experience and that is unforgivable. Sure there are lots of stories of a treasure that was found at a pawn shop, which is what I was hoping for today, but instead I only found disappointment and opportunism. I hope I’m wrong.

ALRY Music Liquidation

October 18, 2011 at 5:47 pmCategory:Uncategorized

Hey everybody!

Flute ensemble music publisher and distributor ALRY is closing and is liquidating all of their stock. Much of it is 70% percent off! If you play in an ensemble or teach them, this is a great opportunity to add to your library. I am buying an outrageous amount of music to help out with the start of my local choir. The owner, Amy Blumenthal, wants to clear her shelves and asked me to let all my flute friends know, so I’m telling everyone I can. The catalog is online at “http://www.alrypublications.com” Go check it out, help out Amy and yourself at the same time!

Flute Tip of the Week: Protect your flute from your cats

August 31, 2011 at 8:00 amCategory:Flute Tip of the Week | Uncategorized

For those of you with cats, you probably already know that they do not always mix. Here are a few things you can do to safeguard your flute from your beloved pets.

1. Cats have a tendency to want to knock things off shelves, desks, or tables so if you must leave your flute out in between practice sessions, make sure you put it somewhere that the cat cannot lie on it, try to play with it, or knock it onto the floor.

2. Open cases are also tempting to kitties to use as impromptu kitty beds. I know, it doesn’t look all that comfortable, but they don’t seem to care. You don’t want them leaving their fur in your flute case where it can get into your flute’s mechanism, so keep your case closed.

3. Don’t use your flute as a toy to tempt your cat with. If you provoke your cat into batting at your flute with his paw, you may end up with some new scratches on your flute, or worse, a claw could hook and tear a pad.

4. Even in its case, your flute can be vulnerable. The best thing to do is to always keep your flute somewhere that is inaccessible to your cats, whether that is on the highest shelf possible (still risky int my opinion), in a drawer, or behind a securely closed and latched door.

If your cat is drawn to your flute or your music paraphernalia, it is probably because he has observed how important it is to you. That seems to make cats want to be on your stuff, whether it is in an effort to be closer to you, to get your attention, or just to be in the way, who knows? Taking some common sense steps to keep your flute safe will keep things harmonious between you and your cat.

Who Has Time to Practice?

May 2, 2011 at 8:03 pmCategory:Uncategorized

Well, not too long ago I wrote about not making excuses for being too busy to post or practice, but what have I done now? Besides my 9-5, I’ve taken on a contract editing job that will keep me incredibly for the next month. Ah, the things we do for a little extra money! So when am I supposed to practice? Do you know the saying, “The busier you are, the more you get done?” I’ve got a strategy!

First, I’ll get up a little earlier (not an easy feat for me) so I can practice for 15-20 minutes before going to work. Then in the evening I’ll get in another 20 minutes or so. Not much all together, but enough to keep my basic chops up so I won’t embarrass myself teaching lessons or on a gig. One thing I know for sure is that if I try to practice after I have everything else done, it either won’t happen, or it will be so unproductive that it could even be harmful. I’d love to hear other people’s strategies!

So, is it possible to learn Ian Clarke’s Zoom Tube and memorize Piazzola’s Tango Etudes in just 15 minutes a day? I guess for the next month, it’ll have to do!

Flutist or Flautist?

April 25, 2011 at 8:38 pmCategory:Uncategorized

Flutist or Flautist? This has to be the question I am asked most when I meet someone and they find out I play flute. It’s funny how much of a controversy this simple issue of what someone who plays flute should be called.

One of my teachers insisted on flutist. She reasoning was, “I speak English and I live in the 20th century.” (Guess I’m dating myself here!) But she made perfect sense. I like Nancy Toff’s discussion in her book, “The Flute,” of this all-important issue. It turns out that the term “flutist” predates “flautist” in the English language by over 200 years! Flautist is the word for flute player in Italian and Spanish.

Granted, flautist sounds more sophisticated, and maybe that’s what people are going for when they say it. I’ve noticed that the people who say “flautist” are usually non-musicians, have some knowledge and enjoyment of classical music, and maybe even go to a concert once in awhile.

When I was in high school, I thought being called a flautist was cool. At a summer camp I went to, the flute section had Tshirts made up that said “If you’ve got it, flaut it.” We were also trying to be cool. Now, I prefer “flutist”. It just seems logical to me. How about you?

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