NFA Preview!
This year’s conference looks like a lot of fun- here are a few of the events I’m planning to check out:
I’m interested in all career and entrepreneurial events that are scheduled this year, so I’m attending: Thursday C.R.E.A.T.E project competition to see what fellow flutists are dreaming up, and the Career Session 1 as well. I love the idea of the World Music petting zoo – so I plan to check out one of these sessions and learn something new about world flutes.
I have some friends from far away performing on Thursday, so I’ll attend the Flute Duets Concert 1 to hear Patricia Nagle and the Around the World in 80 Minutes concert and hear Barbara Kortmann (as well as Marco Granados and Adrianne Greenbaum). And if you are around at 5pm on Thursday, come and hear me on the Video/CD stories concert where I’m performing Sidney Corbett’s Lineage for Flute, 5 pre- recorded flutes and video.
I will be at all the exciting Gala concerts but also plan to be at the Cabaret Tribute to fellow borough (NYC) flutist and great jazz player Dave Valentin. On Friday if I’m awake I’ll attend the early morning “The Future is Now electroacoustic music recital and stop in to the Young Artist Competition as well. I’m also interested in the free mini lessons on historical flutes which is from 11-1 on Friday. But, of course that conflicts with lunch with Valerie Coleman- and I think the topic of this lunch is timely and inspiring...what to do!!
For some reason all my favorites are at the same time because I want to attend the Jazz Flute Big Band reading session with Ali Ryerson. At 3pm that day the composers of the 2018 Commissioned composers will be holding a masterclass and I can’t wait to see some of my old friends from my busy new music days. And then to hear the new works in concert at 5pm. I’m especially excited that all the composers are women this year. If I still have energy after the Gala I’ll attend Ernesto Fernandez’s Latin Jazz Cabaret.
On Saturday, the master class with Andras Adorjan caught my eye and Jamie Baum’s jazz workshop for classical artists sounds inspiring, learning from these 2 excellent artists. The Concerto Concert and artist meet and greet will be tremendously exciting, and on Sunday after sleeping in, I’ll have to get ready for the panel I’m on, Educational Outreach: How to Create Innovative, Interactive Programs at 1:30.
In between, I will be visiting the booths, trying flutes, finding new music, and greeting friends, so it should be a wonderful conference of both inspiration, friendship, and wonderful music. See you there!!
--Barbara Siesel
I will be on a panel called "The Entrepreneurial Flutist" on Friday from 11:30-1:00. It should be interesting, as Adam Workman from Flutistry will be the moderator, and will feature myself, Viviana Guzman, Zara Lawler, Greg Pattillo, Katherine Emeneth, and Rozalind MacPhail, who submitted this fantastic idea.
If you're looking for Fluterscooter flute bags, NFA is the place to try them before you buy. Visit Flute World, Flutistry, Flute Specialists, The Flute Gallery, and many more to see the latest in flute fashion. Make sure to stop by Gemeinhardt to see a special bag in which we have collaborated, launching at the show!
Other events: Powell booth signing and bag giveaway on Friday at 4, and Saturday at 4:30. Meet and greet with Nicole Esposito at Flutistry on Friday at 3.
Eva Kingma, the 2018 NFA Lifetime Achievement Award winner, will be presenting a concert on Thursday from 5:30-7 featuring Wissam Boustany, Robert Dick, Shanna Gutierrez, Gareth McLearnon, Carla Rees, Ali Ryerson, Henri Tournier, David Weiss, Matthias Ziegler, and others. A diverse program reflecting the depth and breadth of Kingma’s innovative dedication to the flute community. A must see!
There are really so many great events and exhibits, I hope to see as much as possible and reconnect with flute friends worldwide!
--Fluterscooter