Attention, Adult Amateur Flutists!  

*Do you avoid playing for people because of performance anxiety?

*Have you recently started playing again after a long time?

*Are you a beginning adult flute student?

*Do you have questions about playing that you are afraid to ask because you think you should already know the answers?

If you have answered "yes" to any of those questions, then you should consider coming to Second Winds meetings in the new year.  Attendees range in age from the early 20's to mid 70's.  Some people have not played in years; some are beginning players; some have had several years of lessons but fear playing in front of other people.  Second Winds provides the perfect opportunity to practice performing and building confidence with plenty of support, understanding, and encouragement.   

A typical meeting begins with the group (usually four to eight people) sight-reading some easy music just for fun -- no stress!  Then people who have prepared solos (or perhaps a duet) play for the group.  There is always informal talk about various flute-playing and musical challenges.

Is performing a requirement?  Absolutely not!  Come to a meeting just to see what Second Winds is like, but bring your flute so you can play with the group.  You may find that later you would like to play something by yourself.

The group gathers every other month at St. Philip Lutheran Church, 7304 Falls of the Neuse Road in Raleigh.  The meetings start at 2:30 and last for approximately an hour and a half.   

The next meeting happens on Sunday, February 5, 2012.  Come one and all!!  For more information, contact Mary Croghan at croghanm@gmail.com or 919-835-4378.

by Helen Spielman

Now I know why Jill Felber, flute, and Dianne Frazer, piano, are such popular guest artists at flute events. I've previously hung out with them and heard them perform, but never have I witnessed their total immersion, energy, brilliance, and musicianship over the course of an entire day. The experience for me, and the members of our flute association, was exceptional.

These two women are authentic beings, down to earth, fun-loving, and devoted to their art at the highest level. The master class was filled with wisdom, clarity and breakthrough moments. Our RAFA members raved about Jill's Extreme Makeover: Flute Edition. I witnessed a huge roomful of flute players of all levels as they learned her sequence of transformative exercises. The level of passion, joy, skill, and encouragement that Jill brought to this class energized me, and I didn't even have my flute along!

The highlight for me, though, was the concert, in which these two who've been friends for 25 years displayed a breathtaking level of performance. Besides the standard flute works of the Undine Sonata, the Fantaisie Pastorale Hongroise, and the Rutter Jazz Waltz, Jill and Dianne performed several selections from their new CD, Fusions. These are classical pieces "fused" with popular standards. Audience members were so touched that many sniffles were heard and tears flowed. Their music, played with sublime skill and from the heart, touched my soul deeply. While some might say that performing outside standard concert fare is not to their liking, I say that those who walk the path of their own individual spirit, the way these women do, are those most fulfilled in their music making and who most resonate with their audiences.

Jill and Dianne laugh a lot, on stage and off. They love life, and they love all the people, art, nature, and, of course, chocolate, they encounter.

Yes, now I know why.

RAFA member Catherine LeGrand is now publishing a monthly email newsletter. You are invited to sign up for this free newsletter to receive her latest ideas and inspirations, news, and more. 

The November issue included Flutorials^TM video lessons on the NC District Band audition pieces:

• Honegger's Danse de la Chèvre
• Herbert's Serenade

The next newsletter will include Flutorials^TM on North Carolina Honor Band Audition Pieces:

• Quantz's Concerto in G, Movement 1
• Bizet's Minuet

Submit Information for Tune In

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 (February 2012) is January 25.