Spring Flute Cleaning

Hello Everyone, 

As the seasons change, so do the humidity levels that our flutes live in. Unless you have the virtually indestructable Aulos Stanesby model, you'll need to insure that your flute (transverse flute, baroque flute, traverso) stays in good playing condition. 

That means a few things: 

1. Oil your flute, especially if you have not done so in a few months. I mean it. Seriously. Really. Oil. The flute. It needs it. Each flute maker has specific instructions on the type of oil you use. I recommend following those instructions. 
2. Take ten minutes and re-wrap your tenons (if they have thread and not cork, that is). Silk thread is preferred. As with outdoor equipment, long underwear, etc., the silk thread absorbs moisture and keeps it off of your nicely oiled flute. This in turn prevents swelling of the tenon which could lead to cracking, especially when folks get around to logging extra practice time before attending a week-long workshop where they could be playing for an extended period of time for several days in a row, or a concert. You only need to do this once or twice a year. 
3. Lubricate the tenons (and thread) before assembling the flute. Each time. Cork grease or something similar may be used (avoid animal-based products). I use a homemade concoction of raw linseed oil and beeswax. It works well but unless you are really good at home chemistry, I don't recommend this option. When my current batch runs out I'm just going to go out and buy some cork grease from the local music shop. 
   

That's all for now. I'm looking forward to some blog dialogue (blog-alogue?) between the workshop participants and also to any questions anyone may have along the way. 

If this is your first time at the workshop, I recommend the following earlier posts: 

• http://baroqueclinic.blogspot.com/2008/03/20-minute-workout.html
  
• http://baroqueclinic.blogspot.com/2008/04/long-tone-exercises.html
  
• http://baroqueclinic.blogspot.com/2008/04/smoke-mirrors.html
  
• http://baroqueclinic.blogspot.com/2008/06/process-vs-goal-choice-is-clear.html
  
• http://baroqueclinic.blogspot.com/2008/07/flute-players-rx-or-spoonful-of-long.html
  

And for a few laughs (not funny at the time): 

http://baroqueclinic.blogspot.com/2008/04/what-not-to-do-names-changed-to-protect.html

There are also photos of previous baroque flute and continuo player boot camps here too. 

kp

The 11th Annual Baroque Flute & Continuo Player Boot Camp (July 26-August 1, 2009)

Hello Everyone, 

It is time to announce the 11th annual Baroque Flute & Continuo Player Boot Camp

(BF&CPBC)

• Where: Seattle, Washington 
  
• When: July 26-August 1, 2009
  
• Who: Faculty 2009 (projected) 
  

Kim Pineda, Janet See, and Ingrid Crozman, Flute 

David Morris, Viola da gamba & Cello 

Ronnee Fullerton, Viola da gamba 

August Denhard, Theorbo, Baroque Guitar, Continuo Ensemble

• Why: Because the BF&CPBC is open to baroque flute players of all levels, and intermediate-to-advanced viola da gamba, baroque cello, and lute/baroque guitar players looking to improve their technique and continuo playing skills. We are very supportive and encouraging to those new to the baroque flute. For the advanced players of all instruments, we offer a stimulating and challenging environment (we throw down the gauntlet and challenge you to pick it up). The BF&CPBC offers predominantly flute and continuo instruction and technique by day, with smaller group classes, large and small ensemble playing, and technical clinics by night. Participants also have time to meet in smaller groups on their own to work on various types of ensembles, with and without coaching. Enrollment is limited to 16 flute players, 8 bowed-string players, and 4 lute/guitar players.

The BF&CPBC gives you the chance to work hard under close supervision. Here is some of what to expect at the workshop:

1. Your instructors will push you out of your comfort zone to improve your playing technique.
   
2. Expand your knowledge of baroque style and interpretation.
   
3. Integrate this by playing in small groups, large groups, and in the class recital.
   
4. Learn how to lead, accompany, play together, and learn the difference.
   
5. Gain confidence in a non-competitive environment.
   
6. Group classes in Alexander Technique as it relates to playing your instrument
   
7. Fundamentals of baroque improvisation 
   
8. Fundamentals of music theory (it comes in handy, especially for #7!)
   
9. Have fun in the process.
   

N.B.--This is a PROCESS-oriented, not goal-oriented, workshop.

All you need is a positive attitude and a baroque flute or continuo instrument that plays at a=415 Hz.

For more details, check out: http://baroquenorthwest.com/nfbfbc.html

2005 Boot Camp Photos (BF&CPBC VII)

From the 2005 Boot Camp

Post-Recital Photo

(Front row l-r: Bill, Janet, Blaise, Asuncion; 

Middle row: Rebecca, Ingrid, Laverne, Sue, George, Katherine, Pauline, Cindy, Trice, Ronnee, Robert;

Back row: Anne, Rod, Ernie, Ramon, kp)

kp demonstrates the benefits of being flexible in your technique

(Susan, kp, Rod, Katherine, Trice)

The transition between sessions

(Ingrid, Susan, kp)

The joy that occurs at the end of the day! 

(Asuncion, Ramon, Sue)

2008 Boot Camp: Before & After Photos (BF&CPBC X)

Hey Everyone,

Here are a couple of shots of the gang on the Sunday Ice Cream Cruise and after the class recital.

Ernie, Nell, and Laura enjoying the houseboats. Please note Rich's and Asuncion's feet.

Pauline and Ron enjoy the Seattle summer day.

The Survivors after the class recital.

2008 Boot Camp Epilogue: I feel like practicing

Thanks, everyone, for making this particular boot camp the most enjoyable in the 10 years I've been having it. It was quite an experience to have everyone dive in with such gusto, and work well while being out of your respective comfort zones.

As I was walking the dog after leaving Hale's Ales, I really felt like practicing. I suppose I could take the afternoon off, and perhaps Sunday as well, but I do have what is essentially a solo recital on September 2, here in Seattle. On the other hand, and I hope I am not alone, I am what one might call exhausted, mentally and physically.

During the coming week it will all sink in and all of the things I made mental notes of to address in my own practicing will make themselves evident. The workshop really does help me to become a better player. The nitpicking on individuals are almost always things that I see in my own playing. You all are, in a sense, teaching me.

There were some awards to be handed out today but, as usual, I ran short of time between Friday night and Saturday morning, so I will have to send them via the post.

I'll post photos as they come in to me. For now, watch this space for those few I (or Sam, Rich, and George) took with my camera.

Thank you all again!

kp

2007 Boot Camp Photos (BF&VdGBC IX)

Courtesy of Joan.

Click HERE.

Maintenance (or, things change from year to year)

OK, after hearing about a few inconsistencies on the boot camp website based on some comments from the members, I decided to take a look and I was HORRIFIED by what I saw.

So I fixed a few things, removed, I hope, the inconsistencies, updated things such as schedule and format, and now feel as if I'm quite ready . . . for boot camp 2009.

As for 2008, I hope everyone is ready, with workbooks printed, 3-hole punched, and placed in a notebook, ready for the handouts I'll give them during the week, including, but not limited to, a DAILY SCHEDULE of where to start the day, etc.

Still have two days to refine the masterclass matrix. Watch this space for details and see you all on Sunday night at 6:30 PM in Otto Miller Hall Rooms 118 and 119.