About Us
GPFS Mission
Our mission is to provide times and places for flutists to meet, exchange ideas, gain performance experience, play in ensembles, and generally promote and enhance flute playing in the greater Portland area. The GPFS is dedicated to the furthering of music education, including the increase of accessibility of knowledge through scholarship and study grant programs, instrument loan programs, and volunteer support in our schools.
GPFS is dedicated to:
- The advancement of music education throughout the greater Portland area. We provide an up-to-date list of Flute teachers available to students of all ages. We also offer an extensive music library, available as a no-charge loan to our members, to promote access to this important body of artistic knowledge.
- Scholarship and study grant programs in support of furthering flute education.
- Instrument loan programs that ensure that many students who would otherwise be unable, because of financial considerations, are able to study privately and have instruments that function properly.
- Providing access to student Flute Choirs. This not only acquaints them with the large repertoire of flute ensemble music but also promotes the development of intricate ensemble skills (e.g, tuning and balance).
- Events that promote flute education and musical appreciation such as the annual Flute Fair, Members’ Recital, Masterclasses, and other community events.
GREATER PORTLAND FLUTE SOCIETY HISTORY AND BACKGROUND
Music EducationGPFS is dedicated to the advancement of music education, increased accessibility of knowledge through scholarship and study grant programs, participation in student Flute Choirs, instrument loan programs and volunteerism in our schools. Because of GPFS and its programs, many students who would otherwise be unable, because of financial considerations, are able to study privately and have instruments that function properly. The Greater Portland Flute Society offers a chance for all flute students to take part in one of our flute choirs. This not only acquaints them with the large repertoire of flute ensemble music but also promotes the development of intricate ensemble skills (e.g, tuning and balance). GPFS EventsEach year, the Greater Portland Flute Society aims to sponsor events that provide encouragement, education, and enjoyment for both our members and our community. We do this by bringing nationally and internationally acclaimed artists to Portland to perform, lecture and teach. In the past we have attracted many prominent flutists, including James Galway, Jean-Pierre Rampal, Julius Baker, Samuel Baron, John Barcellona, Robert Dick, Matthias Ziegler, Steven Kujala, James Walker, Ransom Wilson, Valerie Coleman, Trudy Kane, and many more. These events provide important opportunities for young flutists, teachers, and local players to learn from leading professionals of national and international stature. GPFS Member Resources
GPFS maintains an extensive music library available for loan at no charge to our members, thus allowing access to a greater range of music than might otherwise be affordable to many. The GPFS also owns a bass flute and an alto flute which are available for loan to our members (at a nominal daily charge), providing an opportunity to experience playing an instrument that most would not otherwise have. We also offer a free flute loan program for GPFS student members who need an instrument. MembershipOur membership draws from all walks of life! We have professional performers, flute teachers, students of all ages, homemakers, accountants, teachers, computer specialists, civil servants, doctors, nurses, retail employees, and retirees. Our organization provides valuable performance experience to flutists in our community in events such as our GPFS Members’ Recital and Flute Fair, as well as access to our Music Library and our bass and alto flutes. Annually, we have at least one free event available to both flutists and non-flutists. Our GPFS Member’s Recital is a free event that is open and advertised to the entire community. Our “Cocoa, Cookies & Choir” Flute Choir Reading Session is another free event open to member and prospective member flutists for an informal get together sight-reading through flute music. | National RecognitionThe Greater Portland Flute Society has gained national recognition as a leader among flute clubs due to its very successful annual Flute Fair. This event is held at the beginning of April and attracts up to 400 flute enthusiasts from as far away as Seattle and distant parts of Oregon. Flute Fair participants take part in seminars related to the flute and in flute performance including flute choir reading sessions, masterclasses, and scheduled seminars. Recent Flute Fair attractions have included Extended Techniques, Musicality Seminars, Wooden and Bamboo Flute Demonstrations, Piccolo Sessions, and Pedagogy Seminars. Many of our business members look forward to Flute Fair as a means of getting acquainted with the Portland flute community. Our members often use this occasion to test new and different models of flutes. Non-GPFS EventsIn addition to the annual events sponsored by GPFS, we periodically sponsor events such as the Northwest Composers Concert, providing a popular forum for new compositions from area composers; and the Portland Flute Choir Festival, providing a performance and networking opportunity for flute choirs throughout the Northwest, as well as the chance to work with a well-known guest conductor in performing a mass flute choir piece as the finale of the program. GPFS NewsletterAlong with our many events and activities the Greater Portland Flute Society sends a newsletter, The Portland Piper, six times per year. The newsletter provides an opportunity to get to know the Greater Portland Flute Society and its yearly activities, plus concert, music, and recording reviews, interviews with local and national performers and composers, and other flute-related materials and information. |
GPFS Policies
Policies for GPFS Calendar Submissions
The purpose of the GPFS Newsletter and Website is to be the source of information about flute related topics and events. Local flute events, as well as special events of interest in out-of-town areas may be listed on the GPFS Events Calendar of both the Newsletter and Website on a space available basis. Events pertaining to sales of products or services, roadshows, special showings, etc. should be made by purchasing newsletter advertising, newsletter insert, or mailing labels for a one time mailing to GPFS Members. Current rates can be found below.Submissions for GPFS Calendar listings should consist of the name of the artist (or event), location, date, time, ticket price information, and contact person for further information.
Policies for Event or Other Announcements in Newsletter & e-mailed GPFS News
- Event announcements via e-mailed GPFS News are made twice monthly (approximately on the 1st and 15th of the month). Please allow at least 2 weeks for the publication of your announcement.
- Announcements of a commercial nature (i.e. promoting the sales of products or services) by either commercial or regular members will not be made via e-mailed GPFS News. Announcements pertaining to sales of products or services, roadshows, special showings, etc. should be made by purchasing newsletter advertising, newsletter insert, or mailing labels for a one time mailing to GPFS Members. Current rates can be found below.
- Concert and workshop announcements may be printed once on a space available basis. Articles may be edited for length and content at the discretion of the Newsletter Editor.via
- Recurring events may be announced once or twice per program year.
- Announcements in excess of the above limits should be made via one page insert in the newsletter or by purchasing a set of mailing labels for a one time mailing at purchaser’s expense (see advertising rates below).
- Advertising space in the newsletter may also be purchased at current rates to publicize events, concerts or flute-related products.
- Concert series with multiple performances of the same program within approximately thirty (30) days are not considered recurring events.
| Fred Meyer Community RewardsThis program makes it easy for you to donate to the GPFS with the shopping you do every day! To connect your Fred Meyer Rewards Card to the GPFS, CLICK HERE |
