Collaboration and Creativity at NFA 2025
By Dr. Kinard Douthit
I had the incredible opportunity to attend the National Flute Association’s 53rd Annual Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, and my experience was nothing short of extraordinary. Nearly 3,000 flutists from 37 countries filled the elegant Hyatt Regency in downtown Atlanta to celebrate this year’s theme, Unity and Universal Oneness. This was my second NFA convention after a long hiatus, and what an unforgettable return it was.
Currently, I’m entering my third year as Chair of the Membership Committee, a role that beautifully aligns with my passions and goals. Previously, I served on the Career and Artistic Development Committee, but I feel most at home where I am now. In this position, I help explore ways to reach more flutists nationwide and ensure our members are aware of the many wonderful benefits of NFA membership. Being at the convention allowed me to see the impact of this work firsthand.
A Bold Musical Moment
One of the highlights of the 2025 convention was participating in the flute choirs, most notably serving as conductor for the Opening Orchestra. This ensemble was expertly coordinated by Kathy Farmer, who provided outstanding organization, digital scores, and mentorship. Inspired by this opportunity, I made the bold decision to commission a new piece in honor of conducting the group.
I reached out to the remarkable composer Kyrese Washington, and together we created something truly special. After some collaborative brainstorming, Kyrese composed Fiercely Blue, a work that exceeded all expectations. When I first listened to the score and mp3, I replayed it five times, completely captivated by its powerful dissonance and blues-infused writing for low flutes.
Preparing the piece brought both joy and trepidation. Thankfully, the orchestra was well-prepared, and Kyrese offered real-time feedback during rehearsals. Together, we refined the work, which became the centerpiece of a program celebrating African American and women composers. Our performance included:
Flourishes by Kathy Farmer
Umoja by Valerie Coleman
Three of the Four Spirituals by Phyllis Louke
Fiercely Blue by Kyrese Washington
Both Kathy and Phyllis performed in the orchestra, which made the experience even more meaningful. To our delight, Alry Publications released Fiercely Blue during the convention, and every copy sold out. Beyond that tangible success, the experience was deeply moving. Orchestra members stopped to take photos, share heartfelt affirmations, and offer words of encouragement that I will carry with me for a long time. Knowing that our music touched people so deeply was a profound blessing. The concert not only celebrated collaboration and representation in our field but also set a beautiful tone for the entire convention. I eagerly look forward to hearing more great music from Kyrese in the future.
New Music, Shared Voices
Throughout the week, I also rehearsed and performed with the Melanin Rhapsody Choir, the LGBTQ+ Flute Choir, and the Closing Orchestra. Each ensemble presented compelling programs featuring new works, with composers present to guide rehearsals. The Melanin Rhapsody Choir spotlighted composers of color, while the LGBTQ+ Choir explored queer themes and historical narratives through challenging repertoire. All groups delivered stellar performances and brought new music to life with passion and excellence.
The Closing Orchestra capped the convention with the world premieres of Mycelium by Tilmann Dehnhard and A Call to Unity by Jonathan Cohen at the Gala Concert, an inspiring conclusion to an extraordinary week.
Mentorship & Representation
Beyond performing, I participated in a sight-reading session of works by African American composers and joined a panel with fellow HBCU flute instructors. Two of my students, Richard Hankerson and Atiya Bigby-Yodlowsky, also performed in a presentation of Music by Black Composers for Flute, Vol. 1 curated by Jennifer Kennard. Featuring 15 works from the 1700s to the present, this collection is an essential addition to flute pedagogy. I was so proud to see my students represented in such important work.
Although my world music ensemble, The Travis Williams Group, couldn’t perform in full as planned, Travis composed four new world premieres—flute and oud duos based on the Arabic Maqam. These works blended improvisation with structured form and marked our first duo collaboration. (More of our music is available at traviswilliamsmusic.com.)
Another highlight was attending the HBCU Professors’ Recital and witnessing a historic performance: the Tennessee State University Flute Choir, directed by Ashley Crawford—the first-ever HBCU flute choir to perform at an NFA Convention. It was powerful and inspiring to witness history being made.
Lasting Impact
Overall, this was one of the most successful and fulfilling NFA conventions I have ever attended. The leadership of our President and Program Chairs was phenomenal; they brought us together, kept us engaged, and inspired us every step of the way.
On a personal level, I cherished connecting with colleagues, spending time with my wife Demetrice, and celebrating the achievements of my students. This convention was more than just a professional event. It was a career-defining and life-changing moment. I walked away with new memories, new music, and a renewed sense of purpose.
And I know, without a doubt… the best is yet to come.
Dr. Kinard Douthit, a renowned flutist and music educator, hails from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He currently serves as Associate Professor of Music in Music Business at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), where he is also the Assistant Director of Bands, Instructor of Flute, and Conductor of the WSSU Flute Choir.
Before his tenure at WSSU, Dr. Douthit spent seven years teaching in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System, where he notably served as Director of Bands at Philo Middle School. His academic and performance work is enriched by his research interests, which focus on African American composers of flute music and flute pedagogical techniques.
Dr. Douthit is the Principal Flutist of the Piedmont Wind Symphony and holds a musician-in-residence position at Wentz Memorial United Church of Christ. As a dynamic freelance musician, he has performed with a wide range of ensembles across North Carolina, including the Western Piedmont Symphony, Salisbury Symphony, North Carolina Black Repertory Company, and the Community Theatre of Greensboro. He is also a frequent collaborator with the Twin City Choristers.
His versatility extends to theatrical productions, having played flute and piccolo for numerous theater companies and organizations, such as Twin City Stage, Paramount Acting Company, Gallery Players, Kernersville Little Theatre, Elon University, Town of Lewisville Community Theatre, Stained Glass Playhouse, High Point Community Theatre, Davidson Community Players, and Greensboro College.
Dr. Douthit is an active soloist and chamber musician, and he contributes to various commercial and recording projects throughout North Carolina. His current musical endeavors include: The Travis Williams Group – a Middle Eastern-inspired ensemble performing world and Arabic jazz charts and Kinard and Company – a four-piece group showcasing original R&B-inspired compositions. More information on these projects can be found at traviswilliamsmusic.com.
Dr. Douthit holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Appalachian State University, a Master of Music in Flute Performance from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, and a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
He is a dedicated leader in the music education community, currently serving as: Chair of the Membership Committee for the National Flute Association, Auditions Coordinator for the HBCU National Band Directors Consortium, Student Senator Program Coordinator for the Intercollegiate Music Association, Member of both the North Carolina Music Educators Association (NCMEA) and the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Member of Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity, Inc.
Dr. Douthit resides in Greensboro, North Carolina, with his wife, Demetrice.