Behind the Scenes on Broadway!

Featuring New York flutist David Weiss

Sunday, April 17

2:00 - 5:00 pm

Umstead Park United Church of Christ

8208 Brownleigh Dr, Raleigh

Just off US-70 (Glenwood Ave)

(near Umstead Park entrance)

Join us for an exciting afternoon as New York flutist David Weiss shares stories, music and videos in a multi-media presentation, giving us a glimpse into the fascinating life of a Broadway musician!

Dave Weiss' list of Broadway credits include The Lion King, Riverdance, Miss Saigon, Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Cats, A Chorus Line, and more, and the list of major movie soundtracks, commercials, video games, and operas that he has performed is just as impressive. He will share how he developed the music for The Lion King and Miss Saigon, and talk about what real life is like for a flutist on backstage Broadway and NYC's recording studios through his endless array of charming, amazing, and sometimes hilarious stories. Hear Dave play on Irish and Native American flutes, panpipes, East Indian bansuri and other flutes, watch clips of his movies and commercials, and learn how he uses technology in the ever-changing New York musical scene.

Don't miss it! Mark your calendar and plan to join us!

August 11-14, 2011

Charlotte Convention Center and Belk Theater

Don't miss this amazing opportunity to see many of the world's leading flutists -- all gathered in one location in North Carolina this summer! It promises an exciting four full days of concerts, masterclasses, workshops, lectures, recitals, and special events.

Some of the highlights include:

• Flutists Rhonda Larson, Carol Wincenc, Marina Piccinini, Jill Felber, Bradley Garner, Goran Marcusson, Paul Edmund-Davies, Susan Milan, Paula Robison, and many more.
• Masterclasses in jazz, baroque flute, piccolo, orchestral excerpts, and low flutes.
• Ensembles from Japan, Italy, Turkey and all across the U.S. (including Raleigh Flute Choir and RAFA's YouTube Choir).
• Pedagogy workshops & classes in yoga and body mapping.
• Youth Flute Day - special events specifically for middle and high school flutists.
• Exhibits featuring a wide selection of the best flutes, music, and accessories.

Details at http://nfaonline.org/ 

at National Flute Association Convention, August 2011 - Charlotte, NC

Want to participate?

Final commitment needed by APRIL 12th

This year's National Flute Association (NFA) convention will be held  August 11-14 in Charlotte, NC. RAFA's YouTube Flute Choir has been invited to perform on Thursday the 11th at 11:30 a.m., featuring the music of North Carolina composers and arrangers.

As of April 1st, we have 19 adults performing in this group for the convention. They are all professional or semi-professional flutists or advanced adult amateurs. Advanced high school students and advanced college students are highly encouraged to participate. Having a group of post-college participants is great, but having a mix of students and adults would be fabulous! Remember, all advanced (advanced high school, advanced college, and advanced adult amateur) and professional flutists are invited to join the group for this performance. This is a great opportunity!

If you would like to participate, email the attached registration form IMMEDIATELY to director Sonja Noykos at sonjanoykos@gmail.com. She will need a final commitment by April 12th, and your NFA dues MUST be paid by April 15th.

Click here for more information... 

ASHEVILLE CHAMBER

JUNE 13-18, 2011

Asheville Chamber Music Institute at UNC-Asheville gives adult amateur musicians the chance to refresh and enhance ensemble skills while being immersed in chamber music in a beautiful mountain setting - Asheville, the cultural and culinary center of Western North Carolina.

This program is designed for those who want to further develop their abilities in ensemble techniques and general musicianship in a concentrated and energetic setting and play, play, play!

Escape your daily routine and find inspiration with others who share your passion!  Discover new creative approaches to music making in a motivating and supportive atmosphere.  You will receive insightful personal attention from outstanding faculty within an informal, noncompetitive environment. The number of applicants is limited to ensure maximum participation for each individual.

Intermediate to advanced level players are welcome. Individuals or pre-formed groups may apply. The 2011 institute will focus only on repertoire for woodwind and brass players.

BE SURE TO REGISTER EARLY - spaces are limited!

Details at http://pan-harmonia.org/chamber-music-institute/

by Ami Allgeier 

My twelve-year-old son, Nick Allgeier, was invited to Athens, Georgia for three days in February to perform on NPR's "From the Top," which was taped before a live audience at the Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall at the University of Georgia's Performing Arts Center. 

"From the Top" is a popular classical music program hosted by pianist Christopher O'Riley. The show celebrates the passion, dedication and personal stories of America's best young classical musicians.

Sir James Galway was a special guest on the show. Nick, my husband, and I ended up spending a good amount of time with Sir James in the Green Room, a lounge where performers hang out before and after the rehearsals and performances.

As you can probably imagine, I was a bit star-struck. One of the greatest flutists of all time was sitting across the table eating pizza and telling jokes! From the moment we met until the moment we said farewell, he was "tech-savvy." He was constantly juggling his iPhone and iPad. I'd find him playing chess with someone in England via his iPad. Being on the tour so often, he certainly has mastered his electronics.

At the taping of the show, Sir James ended up playing an extremely funny part during Nick's interview portion (right after Nick's piano performance of "Rhapsody in G Minor Op.79 No.2" by Johannes Brahms). Sir James impersonated Nick's pet chicken Clementine. He even sang a bit of Brahms' "Lullaby" in "chicken-talk." Yes, that's right.... IN CHICKEN! He did such a superb job playing the part of Clementine that I had to ask him if he had ever owned chickens in his life. Sure enough, he had! It was one of the funniest things I've ever heard. Who would have imagined the great Sir James Galway would impersonate a chicken for my son!? Not in a million years - but it actually happened!! :)

We had a wonderful and unforgettable time with Sir James Galway and all the cast and crew of "From the Top."

Listen to the show: 

http://www.fromthetop.org/content/show-228-athens-georgia

(Nick is the second performer after a violist.)

Nick talks about his experience with NPR on his web/blog site: 

http://www.classicalchickens.com

---Ami Allgeier, founding coordinator of RAFA's Second Winds adult amateur group, lives in North Raleigh with her family. Her talented son Nick performs his third Carnegie Hall concert on April 17.

by Helen Spielman 

Last night I had the privilege and pleasure of attending a flute masterclass taught by the eminent composer Lowell Liebermann. Mr. Liebermann is one of the most highly regarded composers of our day. He has produced two operas, two symphonies (one with chorus), many concerti, and his works continue to be commissioned and performed by major orchestras around the world. He has written one flute concerto, a piccolo concerto, and a trio for flute, cello and piano, each commissioned by James Galway. A CD of his songs is soon to be released with Mr. Liebermann on piano. At this masterclass, six of his flute compositions were masterfully performed by the flute performance majors at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Liebermann, casual in jeans and a long-sleeved tee shirt, addressed the students with warmth, respect, kindness, and amiability. His comments were insightful and always positive and encouraging, although truthful and corrective when appropriate. I was fascinated to hear the stories he interspersed about how each of the pieces came to be written. He allowed each student to perform her/his respective work from start to finish, allowing us all to experience a wonderful recital of sorts throughout the evening.

Click here to read more. . . 

RAFA member Brooks de Wetter-Smith shares this

"The link below is to a video created by Astronaut Cady Coleman on the International Space Station for the 2011 Dart Music International House. This is the first time music was recorded from space for a music/cultural event and was debuted on Tuesday, March 15. The video is simply incredible. She gives us a tour of the station, shows us the breath-taking views of the earth from space, and performs music on a flute loaned to her by Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull. It's a unique insight into space that we all hope will be shared by as many people as possible. Please check it out on YouTube and pass it on to your family, friends, and colleagues."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vy6uOooVFuw

RAFA member Sindhu Ravishankar is seeking donations of new and used clothing and blankets that will be given to HIV positive individuals and township communities in Cape Town, South Africa.

Last summer, Sindhu began public health field research related to HIV in the townships of Cape Town, and she has now received a research grant to go back to Cape Town for two months this summer. Sindhu says, "The people I work with live in extreme poverty and are in dire need of clothing and blankets to stay warm, especially during the cold and rainy winter months that I will be there."

If you are able to donate clothing or blankets, please do the following:

• If the clothing/blankets are used, wash them beforehand. Please do not include items which are significantly damaged or dirtied.
• Separate clothing into tops, bottoms, jackets, scarfs/gloves/socks, and blankets, and place them in separate bags/boxes.
• Include a minimum $10 donation to offset shipping costs.
• Any additional monetary donations would be GREATLY appreciated and will be used towards organizing the community-wide education initiative.
• Include a slip of paper with your name, phone number, and address so you can receive a photo of the communities that benefit from your generous donations.

Contact Sindhu at (919) 607-5597 or flutesindhu@yahoo.com  and she will follow up on dates/locations for collecting items.

The Second Winds met on Sunday, March 27th. The next meeting will be held on Sunday, May 22nd, at St. Philip Lutheran Church, 7304 Falls of Neuse Road, in Raleigh. 

RAFA members are invited to submit flute news, concert announcements, etc. for publication in Tune In. Photos are encouraged! Please email items to info@RaleighFlutes.org. Deadline for next issue is April 25.