Monthly Archives: March 2009

Norwich this time

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Posted by Liz Goodwin on March 19, 2009 – 6:39 pm
Filed under Liz's Blog

It’s really, really busy here in Flutewiseland. Even though I’m busy and haven’t got much time to read things, I’m very disappointed that hardly anyone is leaving comments. Why?!

On Monday, Gareth and I went off on the train to Norwich. We had a really good journey, so good that I’ve decided to go up North tomorrow on the train. More about that soon.

Gareth with Norwich flute players

Gareth with Norwich flute players

We had an incredible time in Norwich. There were loads of great young flute players and their teachers. It was really good to see so many flute teachers supporting. Gareth did a great warm up, then we looked at Soldier’s Joy Hornpipe and Threekey. We then had a break and Gareth played Zoom Tube and we followed this by starting a bit of work on Mike Mower’s Folk Song Medley.

Loads of the flute players there said they wanted to come to Fluteiwse Live! I hope they do.

So I’m off for a few days – York, Darlington, Newcastle, Darlington and York again. I’ll let you know why when I get back.

Milton Keynes – the best?!

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Posted by Liz Goodwin on March 15, 2009 – 10:53 am
Filed under Liz's Blog
Flute players in Milton Keynes - sitting down!

Flute players in Milton Keynes - sitting down!

This Saturday morning I was up at unearthly hour (I’ve never understood that term really because it is lovely at dawn) to drive all the way to Milton Keynes to meet up with Abbie for yet another Flutewise event. I always enjoy all Flutewise events – why else would I do them – and I’m always thrilled with the young flute players we meet and work with. But this one was pretty impressive. I was a bit concerned when they all came in and sat down on chairs to play (it’s not good for posture) – but they sat beautifully, they are obviously well taught.

What impressed Abbie and I more than anything else was the amount of work we got through. Keep in mind this was only a morning session – we played Soldier’s Joy Hornpipe, Greensleeves, Mike Mower’s Threekey, we played Erich’s game and then we started work on Walk Like This. Not only did everyone manage to sightread that really well, but we also worked on Zig Zag Zoo and we got all the way through it – TWICE! Amazing. If you’ve had a go at Zig Zag Zoo you know it is great, but quite tricky. I’ve only experienced getting all the way through it at this level once before and this was when Ian Clarke did it with his students at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. So well done Milton Keynes flute players.

Thanks also to Abbie for all her hard work. Now I’ve got to get ready for another one – Norwich with Gareth tomorrow. Will this ever stop?

Queens Park Again

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Posted by Liz Goodwin on March 14, 2009 – 8:48 pm
Filed under Liz's Blog
Queens Park this March

Queens Park this March

It is a busy time here at Flutewise. Events are being done thick and fast. This Wednesday Abbie, Gareth and I were back at Queens Park School in London. We had a fabulous time with the young flute players there. We played Greensleeves, Pachalbel’s Cannon and we did a bit more ork on Zig Zag Zoo, but best of all, we played Erich’s Game!

Many thanks to Joss Campbell at the Brent Music Service for making this happen and of course to Abbie and Gareth for all their hard work, but most importantly, to all the flute players. Were you there? Leave a message – please!

Sevenoaks

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Posted by Liz Goodwin on March 9, 2009 – 4:04 pm
Filed under Liz's Blog
Sevenoaks flute players

Sevenoaks flute players

I think I’m one of the luckiest people ever. Sometimes I’m even jealous of me. I have such great fun with Flutewise and meet and work with such amazing people. This weekend was no exception. It was great! Stephen told you about Saturday (but not the horrible incident – you’ll have to wait for that). On Sunday we went to Sevenoaks School and had an all day event.

In the morning we had a select group of more advanced players who took part in a warm up and then worked on Donizetti’s Sonata and Gossec’s Tambourin with Stephen. We had a yummy lunch and then lodas of younger flute players arrived. Andy Thomson was there from Top wind with his travelling shop, which was wonderful.

During the afternoon we had a good go at Zig Zag Zoo, heard Stephen play beautifully, played Greensleeves and Canon of Peace and performed to the parents. It was a packed afternoon.

One of the really unsual things was we had 3 excellent pianist! Toby Carden, who teaches at the school, offered his skills, we also had Susan Suart who has played for us before and a year 11 boy, Alex from the school asked if he could be involved. What luxury.

If you were there, leave a message about what it was like.

It’s me!!!

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Posted by Stephen Clark on March 7, 2009 – 11:15 pm
Filed under Stephen's posts
Flutewise at Greycoat Hospital School

Flutewise at Greycoat Hospital School

Well, hello everyone.  It has been ages since I left a wee message for you all on Liz’s Blog so today I was thinking it’s time I changed that. I am currently in Flutewise HQ because Liz and I have had a very exciting day today in London.  Let me tell you all about it:

The day started off with a visit to All Flutes Plus where we had a quick chat with Des and Eimer who work there and a quick nosey round the shop and a look at the most expensive flutes I could find and also a look at the new Flutemats that are on sale (and I believe you may be ble to win one of these in the Flutewise magazine very soon).

Lunch – We had sandwiches. I had a very tasty one filled with vegetables and salad and some kind of strange but yummy sauce. Liz had different vegetables. That all sounds a bit disgusting but actually they were very good. I drank a Diet Coke and Liz had a coffee.

Following lunch, we went to an Exploration Flutewise event at Greycoats Hospital School in central London. Karen Bertalocinni is the flute teacher here and she obviously does an amizing job because her pupils where ace. (Top fact – Karen is also a world class photographer. Did you know it was Karen who took the now legendary photo of me with Emmanuel Pahud.  To see this photo please visit my website).

Anyway back to the flute day… the flute players were brilliant.  They worked very hard and achieved a very high standard.  My only complaint was that they were all so quiet!  But I can forgive them for that.  We played Zig Zag Zoo which is such a fantastic piece.  Wait until you hear it. You will be blown away – Ian Clarke is officially a legend.  We also played Hungarian Round as well as a few games and a big flutey warm up at the start.  If you were there you must comment and tell us all about it.

After the event, Karen kindly gave us a lift in her Rolls Royce to Top Wind which was only round the corner.  There we had a quick cup of tea and chat with Andy and Patrick who work there and again another nosey around the shop with more attention spent on the flutes I can’t afford.

After a very, very, very, very long walk…

Dinner – Garfunkels Restaurant eatery (Ahem – Ed.).  I had a chilli cheese burger and Liz had a veggie burger.  We both had a glass of red wine (Merlot) and side salads (because we are greedy).  Mmmmmmmm.

And so following that we swiftly got on the tube to head back home when something terrible… and awful happened, but, I have run out of room here so I will tell you about that another time.  Hope everyone is having a great and flutey weekend and looking forward to seeing you all at the Barbican for Flutewise Live! (because you better be there or else!).

Please do comment or I will cry.

Love, Stephen