| The 11th Annual Flute Fair was held on February 23, 2008 at Georgia Perimeter College. Even though that was over 2 months ago, the memories of that wonderful day still bring pleasure. It was a day of learning, listening and gathering with good friends. |
| While the Honors Choirs rehearsed early in the morning, many of our members attended a flute choir reading session directed by Lisa Mahoney. The event was a chance to play a number of pieces that were transcriptions or written for flute choir. Everyone enjoyed Lisa's varied selections and her interesting information about the pieces. |
| The 2008 AFC Young Artist Competition Finalists were fantastic. All three competitors were excellent flutists and judges, Mimi Stillman, Christina Smith and Carl Hall had a great time listening to them. The 1st Prize winner was Troy Palontonio: 2nd Prize went to Ashley Stahl and the 3rd Prize was won by Tiffany Lamb. We look forward to hearing placeTroy play at Flute Fair 2009! |
| Ron Dennis gave a lecture on Alexander Technique. Playing a non-symmetrical instrument, we flutists are prone problems that can be alleviated by proper body use. Ron's interesting session was a real help to us. We're grateful that he pointed out the necessity that we improve our body awareness. |
| Kaelah Williams, AFC 2007 Young Artist Winner, presented a fine recital of music by Bozza, C.P.E. Bach and Doppler. She was accompanied by Susan Hoskins. |
| After lunch, we were treated to an amazing concert by our Guest Artist Mimi Stillman. Her program consisted of music for unaccompanied flute and music for flute, harp and viola. The unaccompanied pieces included 2 movements of the Bach Partita, Syrinx, and two Pagannini Caprices, plus an Atlanta Premiere of Pringos by Jeremy Gill. Mimi was joined by harpist, Ellen Foster and violist, Allyson Fleck in “Elegiac Trio” by Bax and the “Sonata for Flute, Harp and Viola” by Debussy. Mimi's beautiful tone and flawless technique made the performance seem effortless. What a joy to hear music played so wonderfully. |
| Following the recital, Mimi conducted a workshop, “Song and Dance”. She explained the inner workings of music, how she approaches pieces and how to communicate with the audience. She also graciously answered many questions. |
| The AFC Honors Choirs concert was a delightful mix of music. The Middle School Choir, directed by Nancy Wilson played music of Bach, Telemann, Kocher, Amos and Wood. The High School Flute Choir entertained us with varied program of Baroque Hoedown by Perrey, Four Japanese Folksongs by Cathey and Suite by Steele. All of these young flutists worked very hard and they and their directors are to be congratulated. |
| This year, for the first time, AFC sponsored a masterclass as the last event of Flute Fair. Mimi Stillman coached 4 flutists from area colleges. Her teaching was superb and right on target. Besides being a stellar performer, she is truly a master teacher! |
| Special thanks for this flute fair go to Jennifer Jenkins and the staff at GPC, Nancy and Mike Wilson who took care of the registrations and paperwork, Lisa and Jim Mahoney who were most gracious hosts for Mimi and to Mitchell Yaksh, who served as Volunteer Coordinator. Thank you to all of you who helped to made Flute Fair 2008 a wonderful, exhilarating experience. |
| Kathy Farmer |
| Flute Fair Coordinator |