These are a few of my favorite things!
Favorite chamber piece
Striulation for Two Flutes and Cello, composed by Nicole Chamberlain in 2014. The word “stridulation” describes the sound that crickets make when they rub their forewings together. This fabulous chamber piece has the flutes imitate the cricket’s music by employing extended techniques such as flutter tonguing and jet whistles.
Favorite chamber piece
This piece is really fun to play! I performed it twice in 2017 with my trio which has a marimba player instead of a cellist. There are challenges in the technique and rhythm but the real fun was imitating a cricket. Extended techniques are used, but the techniques aren’t excessively difficult. If you have a handle on beat-boxing you can play this piece. I think for me the most difficult part was playing the jet whistles. Playing a couple in a row made me feel a bit light headed!
You can find Stridulation for Two Flutes and Cello at the composer’s website:
Protec Flute Case
This flute case by Protec combines a hard-shell protective case with an outer nylon carry case in one.
Protec Flute Case
What I really like about this case is how the inner padding protects your flute. The flute pieces are held securely in place without jiggling around when you carry it.
Where to buy the Protec Flute Case:
Pocket Flute Stand
The Compact Flute Stand is made by Konig & Meyer. It has a 4-leg base for stability, and folds up into its case. It’s lightweight but fairly sturdy for low traffic areas. This version is made to hold the C flute only.
Pocket Flute Stand
What I really like about this stand is convenience: it’s small and light and will fit in your pocket or purse, and it’s fast and easy to set up or put away. This is one of 3 stands I demonstrate in my beginner flute course.
Where to buy the Pocket Flute Stand:
Favorite Flute Retailer
When it was time for me to replace my professional model flute, I spent the day with Jeff Weissman. Jeff and his staff were extremely helpful. My husband and I had a fabulous flute finding experience!
I tried out several flutes from multiple makers. Then, we narrowed down the selection based on the sound I wanted to achieve until I found the right flute for me.
It’s well worth the trip to NYC to visit Weissman Music.
