Well this year is off and running! I’ve had my first orchestra rehearsal and conducted the first flute choir rehearsal of the year. We’ve got new programs to learn for both groups, oh boy! I’ve submitted my intonation practice book for publication as an eBook for people with Nooks, Kindles, iPads, etc and soon itContinue reading “Fluting in the New Year”
Tag Archives: practicing flutist
practice vs rehearsal
I believe that words have power. Whether I’m teaching or coaching or practicing on my own, I try to use words to communicate my meaning clearly and positively and to evoke the most productive images possible. What does this have to do with ‘practice vs rehearsal?’ While on a break from orchestra rehearsal this weekContinue reading “practice vs rehearsal”
Amazing Harmonic and Multiphonic Exercises
I’m doing it again, pointing you away from here to what someone else has done. Of course, when someone else has done something fantastic, there is no reason to keep it to yourself. I’ve followed Helen Bledsoe’s comments on Flute List with interest, but I had no idea that she had put together such fantasticContinue reading “Amazing Harmonic and Multiphonic Exercises”
Preparing for Intonation Contingencies
At last week’s flute choir rehearsal, we were discussing how often we might have to tune during the concert because of people having to change to different instruments for different pieces. There were several suggestions made about how to peed the flutes warm so they wouldn’t be so flat when they are picked up forContinue reading “Preparing for Intonation Contingencies”
Phoning it in: Practice apps for Smart Phones
It’s amazing what smart phones can do! They not only relay phone calls and email, text messages and Facebook updates, they can also make practicing better and easier. I’ve had a metronome app for awhile (an Android app, nothing against iPhone, just my carrier doesn’t support them) and have enjoyed it immensely. I had beenContinue reading “Phoning it in: Practice apps for Smart Phones”
Inspiring greatness
I was sitting in orchestra rehearsal last week, looking around at all the different people, and thinking about what makes a great musician ‘great.’ Everyone in the orchestra tries hard to play well, to get the notes and entrances right, to satisfy the wishes and directions of the conductor, but probably no one in theContinue reading “Inspiring greatness”
New Flute Goddess
I’ve read about Jasmine Choi, but this week is the first time I’ve listened to her play. Turns out she has several videos on YouTube in which she plays everything from JS Bach to Ian Clarke. I had gotten the idea that she is seriously good, but I had no idea she was this good.Continue reading “New Flute Goddess”
Tanked Audition
I am still recovering from a badly botched audition that I took for a local orchestra. I thought I was relatively well prepared, though I hadn’t practiced that much. I admit, I was relying on previous experience and practice to get me through, but I was still shocked at what happened. It was like aliensContinue reading “Tanked Audition”
Christmas in August, and September, and ….
I’m planning the winter concert for the flute choir that I conduct and listening to CD after CD of Christmas music. You’d think this would be the easiest concert to plan, everyone loves Christmas, right? But who wants to rehearse it for three months!!! I’m trying to put together a program that is about halfContinue reading “Christmas in August, and September, and ….”
Flute Student Check Up
With school starting up soon and the prospect of new flute students coming in the door, now is the time to devise a little check up on some flute basics to ensure that students are in a good position to get going on a new school year. These suggestions are especially useful if you areContinue reading “Flute Student Check Up”