News & Events

Teaching & Learning Column

Flutist & Ensemble Profiles

Low to High Notes

Inside the Library Column (Reviews)

We Read (Book Reviews)

Archived Issues

Message from the GPFS Board - A message of gratitude to individual volunteers. <Read>

A Baker's Dozen of Opportunities - A request for volunteers for the new program year - please take a quick look and consider volunteering in a way that fits best for you! <Read>

There are no scheduled GPFS activities at this time. Events will begin again starting in September. Stay abreast of each event on their respective GPFS webpages below. You will also receive emails announcing upcoming events:

• Fall Guest Artist Recital
• First Tuesdays Online
• Flute Academy
• Flute Fair, Guest Artist Masterclass and Workshops

We anticipate bringing back the Member's Recital this year as well as holding a half day, online "wellness for musicians" themed event.

Officers and Members at Large Nominations - A summary of the Officers and members-at-large approved by members for the upcoming program year. <Read>

Can We Reach $2,000? This current GPFS program year which is soon ending (9/21 - 8/22), GPFS was gifted $1,729 in donations by six individuals. These monies go either into the general account or are designated by the donor to go to Student Study Grants, GPFS Youth Memberships or the Sara Lasky Memorial Masterclass fund.

It's not too late for you to donate and every little bit counts! GPFS Donation webpage.

Thank you!

Perspectives on Teaching Rhythms - From the flute studio of Phyllis Avidan Louke, here are some suggestions for teaching rhythm. Based on many years of experience teaching, you may take away new ideas from this piece or, at the very least, reaffirm some "knowns." Phyllis' perspective may be especially useful to younger teachers. Please pass it along. <Read>

Throw Back Article, Guest Artist's Workhops - From the April issue, a summary of the guest artist's two workshops on tone and contemporary techniques. Includes links to his presentation materials. <Read>

Throw Back Article, Breathing - From the April issue, a review and summary highlights from GPFS member Donna Maebori of flutist/teacher Amy Likar's The Breathing Book. Immediate "take-aways" and inspiration to look into this valuable resource for improving our playing. <Read>

Reminder - International Low Flutes Festival - June 16th - 19th. Recordings available for 3 months after. If you are interested in low flutes then read this article to learn of a quality, online, affordable opportunity to hear and learn from some of the world's best. <Read>

Bass Flute Music - snowy egret, january messenger, a piece by Oregon composer Deena T. Grossman reviewed for this issue (see article below), works well on bass flute, alto or C flute. Flutist Amelia Lukas performed it on bass for a benefit concert premiering Wildfires and Waterways album release which is also reviewed below. Download the piece here.

Throw Back Article, Bass Flute Project - From the April issue, a feature of low flute player Daniels Mars and her Bass Flute Project. Learn more about her, the project, and how you too could be involved. <Read>

Go to this Low to High Notes Column page to read past articles. Tessa Brinkman's three-part articles on low flutes is worth reading again.

Throw Back Article - Featuring the winners of the 2022 GPFS Young Artist Competition. <Read>

Senior Division 1st Place,

Victor Ceja

Senior Division 2nd Place,

Diego Fernandez

Junior Division 2nd Place,

Jamie Chen

Message from Librarian - No new news this month. However, you may be interested in knowing about GPFS sharing its library resources with students and teachers. As GPFS moves forward, we want to continue with this type of activity. Contact the Librarian if you have an interest in contributing. Written by Librarian Cheryl Thompson Merrill. <Read>

GPFS Free Sheet Music Lending Library

Two Pieces for Solo Flute - These two pieces for solo flute are composed by Deena T. Grossman and were featured in the premiere concert for her recent Wildfires and Waterways album release (see right). Island of the Spirit for solo flute is inspired by Danse de la Chevre. snowy egret, january messenger is inspired by shakuhachi flute music and can be played on C, alto or bass.  Click here to read a description and review of each piece. Both are available for download at her website, no charge.  <Read>

Album Release, Wildfires and Waterways - Oregon composer Deena T. Grossman releases new album of three works inspired by nature and the Northwest. The entire album is absolutely listening to. And, purchasing it gives full proceed so Columbia Riverkeeper. OR Symphony flutists Martha Long and Zach Galatis perform with a violist and cellist for Waterways, a beautiful piece that traces the path of the Columbia River. You'll never look at a river again without hearing music. <Read>

Not Too Late, More Summer Fun Still to Come!

June 20th. Amelia features in a program that revisits Fear No Music’s groundbreaking last season of music by Black American composers. RSVP for in-person or online viewing. Learn more here.

June 25th. Chamber Music Northwest Milestone Gala - Join Amelia and fellow musicians for cocktails, an elegant dinner, and David Shifrin’s “dream concert” featuring his favorite chamber music performed by longtime friends and festival artists - Chamber Music Northwest 

June 26th. Makrokosmos Project is a new festival in downtown Portland, bringing cutting-edge contemporary American music to chic, accessible urban settings and featuring world-class performers and composers from the greater Portland area. 

Non-GPFS Events - Use this GPFS webpage to find other opportunities

Book Review - A touch of poetry just for fun. Poetry has often inspired music and music has often inspired poetry. Read this just to have a little poetry fun. For some, you may appreciate this introduction to the Poetry Foundation! <Read>

The Oregon Back Festival Has a Book Club! A Literary Offering of Bach, Books and Banter -While they have reached the end of this season, their selections, focused on the music programmed for their performance season, can be found on their website. There may be some new ideas for summer reading!  You'll also find recordings of some of their discussion groups. OBF Literary Webpage. One of the books they used was Sounds and Sweet Airs: The Forgotten Women of Classical Music, a book reviewed by GPFS. <Read>

Throw Back! Go to the Portland Piper "We Read Column" page to peruse past articles. You'll probably find something interesting to read - We Read Column Archives.