Starting a Community Flute Choir

Starting a community flute choir program can be an exciting way to bring together a diverse group of people through a common passion. It can offer an opportunity for individuals of all ages and skill levels to create beautiful music while building relationships, and importantly, having fun. Here are some steps to help you get started with your own community flute choir program.

Step 1: Define the Purpose and Goals of the Program

Before you begin organizing your flute choir program, it is important to determine what you hope to achieve – define the purpose and goals of this program. Do you want to provide an outlet for amateur flutists to come together to casually play music, or do you want to create a high-level performance ensemble to perform at events? Do you want to focus on repertoire for C flutes, or expand to include the whole flute family? Do you hope to be paid for your time and, if so, how do you plan to handle finances? Do you have a library, plan to use music in public domain, or need to fundraise to purchase new music? Write out all of the goals and purposes of your program in a list, but know that list might need to be flexible as your ensemble grows.

Step 2: Recruit Members

The success of your flute choir program will depend on the members who join. Start by spreading the word about your program through local schools, music stores, and community organizations. Post flyers in community centers, libraries, and other public spaces. Reach out to local flute teachers and ask them to refer their students to your program. Flute teachers can also be a great resource for borrowing or renting music parts. Consider hosting an open house or audition to attract interested flutists.

In these first contacts, be clear about the expectations for members, including rehearsal schedules and performance commitments. Survey those interested to see what instruments they have from the flute family (piccolo, C flute, alto flute, bass flute). Also be ready to provide resources to returning flute players.

Step 3: Find a Rehearsal Space

You will need to find a suitable space to rehearse. Consider renting a space from a local school or church, or contact your local parks and recreation department to see if they have any facilities available for use – some might even be willing to officially host, collect fees, and provide payment. Consider if the space has music stands, chairs, and other useful tools, or if the members will need to bring their own. Be sure to choose a space that is large enough to accommodate your group and has nice acoustics for larger groups. Make sure it is accessible to all members and has adequate parking.

Step 4: Choose Music and Arrange Parts

Choosing music in an important aspect of organizing a flute choir program. Consider the skill level of your members and choose pieces that will challenge them but are manageable. Select music that appeals to a wide variety of musical tastes and styles, and be sure to include both classical and contemporary pieces. Once you have chosen your music, arrange the parts for your ensemble. Consider the strengths and weaknesses of your members, and make sure that each part will be well-suited to highlight their abilities in an uplifting way.

Step 5: Rehearse Regularly

Rehearsal is essential to the success of your flute choir program. Schedule regular rehearsals at a convenient time for all members and be consistent with your schedule. Make sure that members are prepared and have the necessary music and equipment for each rehearsal. Use the time to work on technique, blend, balance, and expression. Provide feedback and encouragement to your members.

Step 6: Plan Performances

Performances are a great way to showcase the talents of your flute choir program. Consider performing at local events such as fairs, festivals, and community concerts. Also, consider hosting your own concerts and inviting friends and families to attend. The local retirement centers can also provide a welcoming audience. Be sure to plan and promote your performances well in advance, and make sure your members are prepared and confident.

Starting a community flute choir program can be a rewarding experience for everyone involved. It requires a lot of work and dedication, but the end result is a beautiful and harmonious ensemble that brings people together through music. By following a simple plan, you can create a successful flute choir program in your local community.

​Find the Joy in Playing on Days Where Things Aren’t as Easy
Learning to play or master a musical instrument, such as the flute, can be a deeply rewarding experience.  However, there will be times when you don’t feel like you’re playing at your best.  Maybe it’s the weather, a stuffy nose, what you ate for lunch, your energy, your attitude, or so many other reasons - within or out of your control.  It can be frustrating and discouraging, and it’s easy to lose motivation.
But don’t worry.  There are ways to find joy in practicing the flute even on those difficult days.  Let’s explore some tips and techniques to help you stay motivated and find joy in playing, even when things aren’t going quite as planned.

1. Focus on the process, not just the outcome.

One of the keys to finding joy in practicing the flute is to focus on the process, rather than just the outcome.  Learning an instrument is a journey, and there will be ups and downs and bumps along the way.  Instead of getting frustrated when you’re not playing at your best, try to see the full process and observe where you are making progress.  Celebrate the small victories, such as playing a particular passage correctly, nailing one tricky fingering, or the sound in a favorite phrase.  Remember that every step you take on this journey is progress, and progress is something to be celebrated.

1. Set achievable goals

Setting achievable goals is another important factor in finding joy in practicing the flute.  If you set unrealistic goals, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment and frustration.  Instead, set small, achievable goals that you can work towards each day.  This could be something as simple as practicing one particular scale or arpeggio or playing a short piece of music.  When you achieve that goal, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment that might motivate you and your next practice.

1. Practice mindfully

Mindful practice is a technique that can help you stay focused and engaged.  Mindfulness involves being fully present in the moment and focusing your attention on what you’re doing.  Perhaps take a moment to focus on your breathing and posture.  From there, stay in the present moment by focusing on the sound you’re producing.  Listen to the tone, the pitch, the rhythm, the notes.  Make small adjustments when needed to improve the playing, while staying grounded and focused.  By practicing mindfully, you will enjoy the process of playing from a more complete perspective.

1. Practice with a purpose

Practicing with a purpose can also help you stay motivated and find more joy in your practice.  Instead of simply going through the motions or routines, try to focus on a specific aspect of your playing that you want to improve.  This could be as simple as playing with more dynamics, focusing on your breathing, or feeling the smooth movement of your fingers.  By practicing with a purpose, you’ll feel more engaged.

1. Find inspiration

Finally, finding inspiration is a great way to stay motivated and find joy in playing the flute.  Listen to your favorite flutists or watch performances on YouTube.  Read a blog or an article, or listen to a podcast.  Surrounding yourself with music and other musicians can be incredibly inspiring as well, and help you stay motivated on even the most challenging days.  Look for a group or community in which you can participate.  Maybe you join a flute choir, community band, or a virtual group like the Solo of the Month on Facebook.
In conclusion, learning to find joy in practicing the flute is a skill that takes time and effort to develop consistently.  By focusing on the process, setting achievable goals, practicing mindfully, practicing with a purpose, and finding inspiration, you can stay motivated and engaged, even when things aren’t going perfectly.  Remember, playing the flute is a journey, and every step you take is progress.  Enjoy the journey, and remember to celebrate your achievements along the way.

​Finding time to practice flute – or any skill or hobby –  can be challenging, especially when you
have a demanding career or family responsibilities.  However, dedicating time each day to
practice can lead to significant improvements in your skills and overall well-being.  In this blog,
we will discuss some tips to help you to find time to practice daily while balancing your work
and personal life.
1. Prioritize and plan.
The first step in finding time to practice is to prioritize and plan.  Make a list of the most
important things to you, including your career, family, and music.  Identify which activities
require the most time and which ones can be minimized or eliminated.  Create a daily or weekly
schedule that includes your work time, family time, and practice time.  Stick to the schedule as
much as possible, but make adjustments as needed.
2. Use small pockets of time.
You may not have hours of free time each day to practice, but there are likely small pockets of
time that you can use.  For example, you can wake up 30 minutes earlier or use your lunch break
for practice.  You can practice while waiting for your children’s activities or appointments to
finish.  You might consider leaving your flute accessible but protected (consider a stand and a
cover), during certain periods of your day to make for a quick practice session between tasks.
Even just 10-15 minutes of practice each day can make a difference.
3. Involve your family
Practicing a skill or hobby can be a great way to bond with your family.  Consider involving
your family in your practice sessions, especially if you are working on music that can be enjoyed
by everyone.  Play music as a family, encourage your kids to move and dance along, or have the
family create a drawing based on what they hear you playing.  You might even play a few
familiar tunes as a warm-up or part of your practice to strengthen their appreciation of your
music.  This can be a fun way to spend time together while productively improving your skills.
4. Make it a habit.
To make time for practice in your busy schedule, it’s important to make it a habit.  Set a specific
time each day to practice and stick to it.  Over time, practicing will become a natural part of your
routine, and you’ll be less likely to skip it.  You can use habit-forming techniques such as setting
reminders or tracking your progress (consider a practice notebook) to help establish the habit.
5. Be flexible
Despite your best efforts to stick to a schedule, life can be unpredictable and plans can change. 
It’s essential to be flexible and adaptable when trying to find time to practice.  If something
comes up and you can’t practice at your usual time, try to schedule an alternative time or an
additional practice the next day.  Don’t beat yourself up if you miss a day or two, but try to get
back on track as soon as possible.

In conclusion, finding time to practice daily while balancing career and family responsibilities
can be challenging, but it is possible!  By prioritizing and planning, using small pockets of time,
involving your family, making it a habit, and being flexible, you can carve out time in your busy
schedule to improve your skills and well-being.  Remember that consistency is key, and even a
few minutes of practice each day can lead to significant improvements over time.