The Atlanta Flute Fair, held on February 28 at Clayton State was an awesome experience! Every aspect of the day was stimulating and fun. There were approximately 125 flutists in attendance. The atmosphere of learning and sociability made for a joyful experience.
The day began with the Honors Flute Choirs rehearsing. At the same time, The Atlanta Festival Flute Choir rehearsed for their part in the final program. At 10:30 Young Artist Competition Finalists, Brandi Babb, Megan Lomonof and Tammy Evans Yonce each played a 30 minute program. The excellence of these young flutists was obvious! In addition, from 10:20 -12:00, Cathy Hancock Hicks presented a seminar on selecting a flute to aid parents of students who are planning of purchasing a new instrument soon. The second part of the session she conducted an interesting flute choir sight reading session of 20th century American music. At noon, Linda Ramsey, the 2003 AFC Competition Winner played a Winner's Recital. She is a wonderful performer and the audience greatly enjoyed her program.
After the lunch break, Guest Artist, Tadeu Coelho, performed a solo concert that was truly amazing. He has unlimited technique, facility and tone, which he used to totally `wow' the audience. He knocked our socks off!! His program consisted of both familiar and unusual flute solos. After a short break, Mr. Coelho conducted a workshop of warm-ups, using a CD of jazz harmonies to make things more interesting. He worked on getting everyone to play without tension. He talked about breath being the life spirit of music and how flutists must breathe life into music. Both the recital and the workshop were completely fabulous. In addition to being a stellar musician, Mr. Coelho is a warm and friendly person, whose love of the flute and music shines in everything he plays.
The final event of the day was the flute choir concert. The program opened with the Atlanta Festival Flute Choir, an exceptional group ranged from 6th graders to adult professionals. Included on the program was the premiere of Kelly Via's haunting arrangement of Wayfaring Stranger. Due to Mr. Via's illness, Kathy Farmer conducted. Lisa Mahoney conducted the Middle School Honors Choir. This group of 11 young flutists was totally attentive to Ms. Mahoney and they performed with precision and great flair. The High School Honors Choir was directed by Sarah Baird Fouse, former flute professor at the University of Florida. These 16 talented high schoolers played a challenging program of varied music beautifully.
Many thanks are due to those who helped make Flute Fair possible including Tadeu Coelho, Sarah Baird Fouse, Lisa Mahoney, Cathy Hancock Hicks, Carl Hall, Robert Cronin (Young Artist Competition Judges), Craig Keir and Sharon Berenson (pianists), Paul Scherr (Exhibits Coordinator), Nancy Wilson (volunteer coordinator), Kate Siegel (program design) and the Clayton State Music department. Without the time and hard work done by these members, our fair would not have been as successful.
This Flute Fair was a true inspiration to all. The concerts and workshops gave much pleasure and reminded everyone why playing the flute is so much fun. The challenge is to making more beautiful music.