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From the Fall, 2024 Issue - Highlights on Creative Mental Practice from The Mindful Musician, by Vanessa Cornett
This is a book for flute teachers and the advanced-intermediate through professional flutist, including the adult amateur musician. It would be especially relevant to advanced high school students through collegiate. It is an accessible read that is very broad and deeply rich in content; it’s chock full! A good part of the book is devoted to practical applications and exercises to bring the mindful musician principles to life and into our flute practice. The book has too much content to meaningfully provide highlights for the entire book. Therefore, here we focus on giving you highlights from one section within the chapter called - “Habits of Successful Performers” the subsection on “Creative Mental Practice.” Please read on for these highlights.
Link to Article: We Read The Minful Musician and Creative Mental Practice.pdf
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The Portland Piper Front Page Summer, 2025 News & Knowledge Sharing from the Greater Portland Flute Society (Best viewed on a tablet or computer.) |
To read the prior issue, click here: Spring 2025 Portland Piper |
Navigation Links for The Portland Piper |
The entire issue is below, simply scroll down. Use the navigation links below to go to the "column" webpages which have the current issue's articles on this frontpage as well as an archive of some past articles for that column. |
| Meet Our Commercial Members & Sponsors Please support GPFS sponsors and commercial members. These partners helpt to keep GPFS and the region's musical community going! A FEW COMMERCIAL SPONSORS NOW HAVE A VIDEO YOU CAN WATCH. Fun and informative! |
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GPFS News & Events
Announcing the 2025 GPFS Fall Guest Artist - Flutist Wissam Boustany with Pianist Yoko Greeney! Guest Artist Workshop & Masterclass - Saturday, October 25, 2025, 2:00 - 5:00: Workshop and masterclass with guest artist Wissam Boustany - 'Method Called Love.’ "Inner Journeys: A Method Called Love" is for all levels, ages and different instrumentalists. Portland State University Lincoln Hall. Link: Wissam's Website Link: Fall Guest Artist
First Tuesdays Online with GPFS 25-26 Announced! December 2, 2025, 7:00 - 8:00 pm Robert Wakeley presents - Flute music of 20th century Argentinean composer Jacobo Ficher. January 6, 2026, 7:00 - 8:00 pm Linda Bailey presents - Playing the E flat flute including delightfully quirky bits about it and new repertoire. February 3, 2026, 7:00 - 8:00 pm Alison Baker presents - An Introduction to playing traditional Irish music for classical flute players. March 3, 2026, 7:00 - 8:00 pm Alison Baker presents - Looking at Mei by Kazuo Fukushima through the lens of shakuhachi technique. Thank you to the presenting artists and to GPFS Volunteers Donna Maebori and Deborah Johnson who put this season's plan together. Link to First Tuesdays Webpage: First Tuesdays |
Announcing the 3rd Annual GPFS Playing Get Together/Ensemble Event Sunday, November 9th, 1:00 -4:00 at the Multnomah Arts Center in Portland. This is an easy going, fun event. There will be a vendor exhibit or two as well as an opportunity to socialize a bit. There will again be two playing groups lead by experienced teachers - "beginner-intermediate" and "intermediate-advanced." You get to look at the music in advance and select the group you want to participate in. Watch for registration to open as registration will be limited to a certain number of participants. Link: Flute Ensemble Gathering
Volunteers needed! Do you know of anyone? Are you curious to learn more? GPFS is currently looking for a few volunteers to fill three important positions. GPFS is a very flexible, friendly volunteer organization. Modest amount of time annually. Flexible time.
Training and mentoring as needed is available for all positions. No stress here! If you are curious or know of anyone you would like to recommend we connect with, please contact president@gpfs.org.
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National Flute Association Convention in Portland for 2026! NFA will be holding their annual flute convention in Portland in 2026. You can stay informed about the event at their website - NFA Convention 2026 Website. GPFS will also provide you with regular updates. NFA will be relying on our regional flute community to help promote participation in the conference, create enthusiasm for regional performance and workshop proposal submissions, and encouraging area flutists to volunteer.
Are you interested in submitting a proposal to perform or present at the 2026 NFA Convention? NFA invites you to this free online workshop on Sept. 9, 7pm CT. The program team and NFA staff will discuss crafting a strong proposal and navigating the proposal form - Zoom Link to Register. |
From the Spring Issue - Meet Your 2025-26 GPFS Board Members Please meet our board members for the 25-26 GPFS season - Greater Portland Flute Society Board Members 25-26.pdf We welcome our newest board member Bruce Tabb. Bruce Tabb holds music degrees from Yale University, having studied flute performance with Thomas Nyfenger. Other teachers include Jean Pierre Rampal and Julius Baker. He placed in several national and international competitions and played in a number of orchestras throughout New York and Connecticut before joining the UO faculty as Rare Book Curator. Amy Norton is stepping down from the board but will continue her support serving as our Web Administrator. Cheryl Thompson Merrill is stepping down from the board but will continue her appointment as the C-flutes Rental Coordinator. Donna Maebori will be the new Secretary replacing Rebecca Olson Towers who will continue on this year as a Member-At-Large. Gabriela Gimenes will serve as Vice President/Artistic Director. |
NFA Proposal Prep Zoom Workshop
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News from GPFS Members and Flutist Friends Around the World Column
Vancouver Symphony Announces New Season The flutists of the VSO call our attention to their 25-26 Season! This newsletter editor is especially looking forward to their performances of Carmina Burana on September 27th/28th. Be sure to read the profiles of the VSO flutists in this issue of The Portland Piper, below. Link: 25-26 VSO Season
Listen to The Switchlings - Live music throughout the Fall, with Flutist Megan Tapley Portland-based, they perform a repertoire of Celtic Folk tunes, infused with influences from other European ethnic music. This editor heard them perform at the Rocky Butte Farmer's Market. Loved it, as did the crowd! Link: Upcoming Shows |
Orchestra Nova NW Announces New Season The flutists of Orchestra Nova NW call our attention to their 25-26 season! ONN is formerly the Portland Columbia Symphony Orchestra. ONN Flutist Gail Gillespie says - I'm excited about our coming season for so many reasons. For me, it is a major delight to play concerts which include pieces that I know nothing about, yet, and pieces that I have loved for decades. They can each magnify our enjoyment of the other. In our recent seasons, I have particularly loved seeing the powerful impact of these major works, on both the musicians and our audiences. I've been curious about Peter Boyer's "Ellis Island: Dream of America", and I particularly look forward that concert (March 14-15, 2026), which also includes a fabulous piano soloist, Artina McCain, on Gershwin's Concerto in F. But, how can I not mention the November 15-16 concerts, featuring music inspired by nature, where we'll hear another marvelous piano soloist, local wonder Maria Garcia. Plus I get the chance to close the concert with playing Dvorak's wonderfully optimistic Symphony # 8 in G Major, with flutist Adam Eccleston (I love playing with Adam!)! Oh, come on, all the concerts are going to be wonderful! Hope to see you there!" Link: ONN 25 - 26 Season
The Austin Flute Society Cordially Invites You... ... to an online Open Masterclass (meaning anyone can play) with NFA Lifetime Achievement winner, Sheryl Cohen on 9/28 at 2 pm CDT. $10 for non-AFS members. Please join us! Link: Masterclass Tickets Bring your flutes! This is an interactive session to explore techniques and daily habits that are easy to master to liberate the artist within. Participants will experience ways to facilitate effortless breathing, to create vibrant articulations, and to empower technical freedom, while promoting expressive playing. |
Orchestra Nova NW Names Adam Eccleston as New Executive Director Congratulations Adam and ONN! Among many accomplishments - Eccleston currently serves as Executive Director of Orchestra Nova Northwest, bringing to the role a strong background in strategic planning, fundraising, and organizational development. A dedicated advocate for access and innovation in the arts, he has led national initiatives to amplify underrepresented voices in classical music, including his work as Chair of the Recording Inclusivity Initiative at All Classical Radio, where he also serves as a host and producer. He previously held the title of Artist in Residence Emeritus at the station. (ONN website)
Flutist Hugo Romero Off to College - $$$ A message from Hugo to our flute community - I'm writing to ask for your help in spreading my GoFundMe fundraiser. I know not everyone can donate, but sharing the information can get it to someone who can! It would mean the world if you could share this with the GPFS network. I wouldn't have gotten this far without you or the Greater Portland Flute Society, and I am so grateful for all the opportunities that I've been given! Even if you only share it with your inner circle, I will be eternally grateful. Link: GoFundMe |  Pro-Flutes Will Be in the Area this Fall! Schedule soon to try instruments! Discover your sound this fall with Pro Flutes on their 2025 Fall Trip! If you're in the market for a new flute, let them help you find the flute that inspires you. They are now accepting early appointments for the tour. Call them to schedule your spot at 970-773-6656.
RACHEL RENCHER TO PERFORM GORDELI FLUTE CONCERTO! You are invited to the FREE opening concert of the Chehalem Symphony’s 25-26 season will feature George Fox Flute professor Rachel Rencher performing the Gordeli flute concerto. The show will be anchored by Sibelius’ The Mouldau, and will also feature Tchaikovsky’s delightful nod to Mozart, his Suite no. 4. FLUTIST RACHEL Rachel Rencher is a freelance flutist in the Portland area. She is the principal flutist for the Vancouver (USA) Symphony Orchestra and is a member of the Portland Opera and Portland Chamber Orchestra. She teaches at George Fox University and Pacific University. She has performed with the Oregon Symphony, Oregon Ballet Theater and several area summer music festivals, including the Astoria Festival of Music, Sunriver Music Festival and the McCall Summer Music Festival. She maintains an active flute studio in the Portland area. She also is in demand as a clinician and adjudicator. LEARN MORE: Concert Information |
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Musician/Ensemble Profiles
(GPFS needs volunteer writers for this and other columns. Contact newsletter@gpfs.org.)
Welcome Flutist Alison Baker Meet Alison who been working as a freelance musician and flute teacher for the past twenty+ years. She recently moved from Austin, TX to Portland, OR. As a freelancer, she has quite the range of experience playing in orchestras, chamber music, orchestra pits, drag shows, Latin dance bands - you name it and she has probably done it! Link to Profile: Musician Profile - Alison Baker Summer 2025.pdf |
Flutist Sofia Peck Meet Sofia who recently graduated from Ida B. Wells high school and is headed off to Skidmore College this fall. Sofia was a very active flutist in the area, including with the Metropolitan Youth Symphony. Best wishes Sofia! Link to Profile: Musician Profile - Sofia Peck.pdf |
Meet the VSO Flutists - Principal Rachel Rencher Meet Rachel who is Principal flute with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. She also is the Events Director for SoundsTruck NW, a state of the art mobile stage non-profit whose mission is to bring music and the arts to underserved communities. Read more about Rachel! Link to Profile: Musician Profile - Rachel Rencher.pdf |
Meet the VSO Flutists - Corrie Cook In addition to playing in the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Corrie has a flute studio of 35 students. She coaches flute sectionals at schools and summer camp in the Beaverton School District, as well as freelances in various groups around town. Link to Profile: Musician Profile - Corrie Cook.pdf
If you are a flutist or an ensemble in Oregon who would like to have a profile in The Portland Piper please message contact@gpfs.org with your request. |
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Teaching & Learning Column
(GPFS needs volunteer writers for this and other columns. Contact newsletter@gpfs.org.)
Insuring Your Instruments By Erik Nugent From our flutist friends at FluteWorks Seattle, this article by Erik Nugent provides perspective on the importance of instrument insurance! "Knowledge is definitely power when it comes to protecting your instruments. If your flute isn’t insured, this article will arm you with the basic knowledge and questions to ask your insurance company before purchasing insurance." (article webpage) Link to Article: Insuring Your Instruments |
From the Spring Issue - Know How to Assess How Your Flute Is Functioning At Flute Fair 2025, Sharon Floyd presented “Know Your Flute," a workshop on how to assess the working function of your flute. Not to become your own repair person, as bad things easily happen with that, but to assess its condition and have the language when talking to a flute repair person. She gave some good pointers, like wiping out your flute with lint free fabrics such as linen, silk microfiber or ultra suede. From there she showed detailed and specific ways to visually inspect your flute, and to test the qualities of action with working the various keys. Her information was impressive and we need to hear more from her! Link to Handout: Getting to Know Your Flute Handout by Sharon Floyd.pdf |
Carolyn Nussbaum Music Company Performance Blog Did you know about this fantastic blog on flute performance? Follow this link to over a dozen blogs worth a listen to! Link: Performance Blog This one might be especially interesting to middle and high school youth and flute teachers - When I Was Your Age, 10 Quick Tips for Success |
Teaching & Learning Column Archives Enjoy past information from the The Portland Piper's Teaching & Learning column here - Teaching & Learning Column |
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Low to High Notes Column, Specialty Flutes (GPFS needs volunteer writers for this and other columns. Contact newsletter@gpfs.org.) |
NFA 2026 Program Chair Daniel Pardo on Bass Flute Listen to Daniel Pardo on bass flute - Into the Mist. Be patient with the intro, stay curious. The piece is very cinematic in nature and Daniel delivers a very resonant, colorful, even bass flute sound. |
From the Spring Issue - E-Flat Flute Insights and New Repertoire In April, GPFS Flute Fair 2025 participants were treated to a unique and engaging program of pieces including E-Flat flute, curated and commissioned by Dr. Linda Bailey – “Quirky & Delightful E-flat Flute Northwest Premieres, Music for E-flat and C Flutes” performed by flutists Dr. Linda Bailey, Rhonda Bowen, Christina Steffen, and Jim Turner. Read this short article to learn more about the E-flat flute - Low to High Notes Column - E-Flat Flute Insights and New Repertoire Spring 2025.pdf |
Spiritual Alto Flute Solo Enjoy this beautiful, spiritual alto flute performance with improvisation of Hildegard von Bingen "O quam mirabilis est," played over a pre-recorded drone track. Link: Arranged and Performed by Katie Althen Here, flutist Katie Althen plays on a Trevor James copper alloy alto flute. This piece is a 12th century antiphon. Born in 1098, Hildegard von Bingen was a composer, as well as an abbess, artist, author, mystic, pharmacist, poet, preacher, theologian! She produced one of the largest repertoires attributed to a medieval composer. (Katie's YouTube program notes) |
Repertoire News & Reviews |
New Librarian Judy Fischbach Reminder Regarding Donations to the GPFS Lending Library Thanks to your generous donations our library is currently at capacity. We do still maintain a wish list of music we could use to significantly improve the GPFS lending library’s modern music selections. If you wish to donate new or lightly used music from this wish list, this document will explain how to do this and a few of the pieces we are hoping to purchase or add to the library. Do you have sheet music you would like to rehome? If you have sheet music you are ready to part with and you want to give it to other members, we can help. We will put you in touch with members interested in free sheet music. Contact the librarian at library@gpfs.org. Would you like to be included on the list of members interested in receiving free sheet music? Contact the librarian at library@gpfs.org. |
New Composition by Composer Adrian Dee - Agnus D.E.I. “(March 2025) I am watching the systematic dismantling of our federal government, and all the achievements of the Civil Rights, Women’s Rights, and Gay Rights movements of the past hundred years being erased too easily. I wanted to write something to mourn this. It is full of sadness and dismay. Don’t let the dissonance offend you. Dissonance is rich with texture and expression and longing and hope. I originally wrote it for flute quartet or flute choir. I have also made an arrangement for string quartet. Sheet music is available at SheetMusicPlus.com. Here are links for the flute choir version, and the string quartet version. You can listen to a computer rendition of the flute quartet version on Adrian Dee’s website. Link to Adrian’s Compositions: https://adriandee.com/music/ |
GPFS Initiative Continues - Flute Repertoire from Regional Composers GPFS continues the work of shining a light on flute repertoire composed by Oregon and Pacific Northwest Region composers! We'll again have a table at the 2026 GPFS Flute Fair - this time making purchase options available - and we will have this repertoire represented at the 2026 National Flute Association convention in Portland, OR. For Flute Fair 2025, eight composers provided a list of their repertoire for flute - Adrian Dee, Deena T. Grossman, Lisa Neher, Nicole Buetti, Paul Safar, Phyllis Avidan Louke, Sarah Bassingwaite, and Lisa Ann Marsh. If you missed the table at Flute Fair you can find the lists through the link below. If you have composers of flute music in the general region you would like to see included please share this with Donna Maebori, who led this project for the Fair, at donna.maebori@gpfs.org. |
Recorded Premiere of Trio Version of 2020: The Year We Could Not Breathe A trio version of 2020: The Year We Could Not Breathe by Adrian Dee received its premiere April 5, 2025 at the Greater Portland Flute Society annual Flute Fair. Here is that performance by Alexis Evers, Savannah Gentry and Robert Wakeley.
Insights on Jennifer Higdon with NPR As flutists we love Jennifer Higdon’s pieces. You might enjoy this article of an NPR interview with her. Link: NPR with J Higdon
This editor was put onto this article through the Musicians Way newsletter. Link: Higdon's works for flute |
We Read Column
New Book from All Classical Radio Newly released, a gorgeous and celebratory of artists from Portland and the region - music, visual, dance+ - All Classical Radio Artist Anthology: 40 Creatives of the Pacific Northwest. "Through original storytelling by notable Pacific Northwest writers, and rare glimpses into artist’s studios and spaces by prominent regional photographers, [the book] profiles trailblazing contemporary artists from Portland and the wider region. These luminous portraits of the creative life will resonate, engage, energize, and galvanize artists and art lovers throughout the region and beyond." For purchase online at allclassical.org, at the studio gift shop or at select local bookstores - Annie Blooms, Broadway Books, and the Hallie Ford Art Museum. Link to Learn More: Artist Anthology |
The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocum This was indeed a "riveting" as well as an insightful, inspiring, accessible mystery. In addition to being an engaging tale, it reminds one how important it is to be an active participants in making the arts inclusive and accessible. "The riveting story of a young Black musician who discovers that his old family fiddle is actually a priceless Stradivarius: when it’s stolen on the eve of the world’s most prestigious classical music competition, he risks everything to get it back." (author's website) Link to Learn More: Brendan Slocum, The Violin Conspiracy |
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General Information to Know About |
A Baker's Dozen of Opportunities - A request for volunteers for the current and upcoming program year - please take a quick look and consider volunteering in a way that fits best for you! <Read> Writers Needed: Please consider contributing to the content of this publication by writing reviews, articles, sharing your awareness of flute resources and events, photography or anything else you can think of - newsletter@gpfs.org. |  Can you help GPFS reach our goal of $1500 in donations this year? The GPFS mission is to inspire, educate, and connect flute enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. However, membership dues cover only one-third of our annual operating expenses. Your generous support helps us sustain and grow our programs.Learn More: Every little bit counts! How to Support Your GPFS Thank you! Track our progress below! Goal: $1,500.00
Collected: $135.00
9%
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C-Flute Loan Program for Members - The flute loan program is available to members in good standing for short term and long term rental of flutes. We have beginning, intermediate and advanced flutes available for rent. The cost is nominal at 25$ per three months, with the first three months free. Members interested in checking out a flute short term can contact Cheryl Thompson-Merrill at library@gpfs.org. Interested in donating a flute? If you have a flute in good working order that you would like to donate, contact Cheryl Thompson-Merrill at library@gpfs.org.Flutes - Flute Loans for Students |
How to Stay Tuned with GPFS
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| 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 |
