Ann Licater CD Release Party March 31

Ann Licater is having a party and you're invited!!

She's finally wrapped all of the recording, mixing and mastering of her first solo Native American Flute CD. So it's time to release it to the world.

Way to go Ann!

Many of you know Ann Licater from her work at the San Jose Center for Spiritual Living. She performs there often during services / meditation. She has also presented many Beginning Flute Workshops over the last couple of years, getting the 'hook' into many of you. I am blessed to know Ann and I am thankful for all of the positive ways that she influences the South Bay flute world. I encourage all of you to come and support and celebrate this event with Ann.

When: Saturday, March 31st at 7:30 p.m.

Where: East West Bookstore, Downtown Mountain View, CA

Tickets for the event are priced at $10 if you order now or $15 at the door.

Please click on the link to get all the information. The venue only holds 120 people so you may want to reserve tickets ahead: http://www.eastwest.com/march_events.html#31a

Here's a link to Ann's website: www.fluteforthesoul.com

Flyer for Zion Flute Festival now online

Click on the following Image to download a printable (PDF) version of the Zion Flute Festival.

No Flute Class on 2/20

Unfortunately I need to be out of town on business this next week and I am unable to teach class in Palo Alto this week. Class will resume with the sixth class of the series with the subject: "Composing your own music on the NAF"

The Nest by Laughing Mallard

Laughing Mallard flute cases and the Oregon Flute Store (actually one in the same...) have created a new flute case called "The Nest" designed to make your 'flute event' travels that much easier.

This flute case features a more backpack like design and it looks like it will serve you well in helping to carry not only your flutes, but the other stuff that you want to bring along on your flute adventure. Kudo's to Jeff and Joanne Calavan for designing a really innovative new flute case.

The flute case features a pocket for your water bottle (nice!), padded shoulder straps and a security pocket for your wallet (necessary for holding the cash which you'll be bringing to buy flutes from flutemakers at the upcoming NCFC Spring Festival).

I don't own one yet, but I am definitely looking at this with interest.

Cost is $200, available exclusively from the Oregon Flute Store

New Flute Arrives!

I know that if you have the same disease that I have (chronic flute fever) then I can only imagine what the image above is doing to you at the moment. I apologize for this Pavlov's dog teaser, but I wanted to you experience the same anticipation that I had as I came home two weeks ago to this beautiful triagular shaped package on my doorstep...

First a little history…

As many of you know, I have been enthralled with discovering all of the other scales which are present on the Native American Flute. In 1999, while on a trip to Monterey CA, I stopped by the farmers market and I saw and heard a fife made from hemlock root stock made by flutemaker and street vendor, Bo Bixler. Here's a picture of one of Bo's wonderful painted fifes:

Note, that I don't own the flute shown above, but I do own one of Bo's other fife's, and it’s a very cool flute. Not a Native American Flute, but a wonder flute none-the-less. The reason that I bring this story up is that Bo also had in his inventory a flute with a scale which he called “Spanish Gypsy Scale”. I was enthralled with the Spanish Gypsy scale, but chose to purchase a diatonically tuned flute instead that day. The Spanish Gypsy Scale, however had sparked my subconscious. The Spanish Gypsy scale is the sound of gypsy’s, of the middle eastern traditional music.

Anyhow, when I got home I became obsessed with the Spanish Gypsy Scale, I had to look up the Spanish gypsy scale on the web and the only sites where I found this scalte were on guitar scale sites. This suited me fine since I am guitar player, and I sat down to translate the Spanish Gypsy Scale from the guitar scale format to the Native American Flute. Unfortunately, I’ve lost contact with Bo. If anyone knows how to contact him, I’d love to find him again. He was a bit of nomad, living in the bay area on his boat.

You can click here to read my earlier NAF playing tip blog entry highlighting the Spanish Gypsy Scale for a typical, modern tuned NAF.

The Present

Fast forward to the INAFA convention last August. I ran into Leonard McGann and he had a few Native American Style flutes tuned with a straight Spanish Gypsy Scale fingering (no cross fingering required). I would have bought one of these flutes from Leonard, but I was out of cash and all he had left at the end of the event was a ‘regular fingered’ flute. I still have one of Leonard's Spanish Gypsy tuned flutes on my wish list.

The latest design from Stephen DeRuby…

Fast forward to last month. I was browsing the Zion Flute Festival and saw an ad flash up for Stephen DeRuby and his new “Gypsy Flute”. I was immediately hooked. Stephen is good friend of mine and one of my favorite flute makers, so I called him up and ordered one of his new “Gypsy flutes”.

Here’s the details on my new flute which arrived in the box pictured at the top of the blog entry, I have had two weeks to play around with it now and I really love the sound and the scale of this flute. The key difference in this flute (along with Leonards tuning as well) from the cross-fingered version which you can play on any modern-tuned NAF, is that the first note fo the Spanish Gypsy scale has been put into these flutes. The first interval of the true Spanish Gypsy Scale is a half step, and unfortunately this interval is not avialable on a modern pentatonic NAF, where the interval between the root/fundamental note and the first hole is one and half steps. (OK, before you flute techies send me nasty email, it IS possible to make a half step note if you 'quarter hole' the first hole of the flute, but I don't think that this is practical for most folks and it's really difficult to play fast...). The picture below shows the unique fingering of the Gypsy Flute design. Note that there are 7 finger holes on this flute:

Note that there are only two holes for the bottom hand (index and pinky) and there are five holes for the upper hand (all four fingers plus a thumb hole on the bottom):

I’ll admit that this flute fingering takes a little while to get used to, but once you get the hang of it, it works pretty well. On your bottom hand, you keep your thumb and middle and ring finger on the barrel of the flute and this provides the stability to remove all of the fingers and thumb of your top hand when you play the octave note.

Note also that the mouthpiece for this flute is designed like a recorder/whistle, rather than the traditional Native American Flute fipple design. I asked Stephen about this design change and he described the sound quality as much brighter and more stable for this scale than with a the NAF fipple design. I was skeptical, until I received the flute. I’ll admit now, that this is a very bright flute, and I’ve already played it with my Middle Eastern drum circle. I was able to play above the drumming with out amplification.

The only negative that I have found with this flute is that it tends to water out faster than any other flute I have in my collection. I am not sure why that is, but I attribute it to the different fipple design for now.

The wood on this flute is spalted maple, and it has a beautiful vein running through it (I don’t think that the pictures show it’s complete beauty). If you’re interested in owning one of these, contact Stephen directly or check them out at the upcoming NCFC/NoNahme Spring Festival on April 21, 2007. Stephen will be a vendor at this event. This flute is only available in the key of D.

I'll post an MP3 of this flute later, once I get a chance to get into my studio for some recording time.

UPDATE: 3/17/07 - Stephen emailed me to inform me that he is also producing this in the key of A now. He'll have a few with him at the NCFC Spring Festival...

For more information:

Love Flutes
Stephen Deruby
http://www.deruby.com/


Lone Crow Flutes

Leonard McGann

(540) 297-6077

email: caveratlc AT aol DOT net

FAITA Award announced

I am passing on the news that the First Americans In The Arts (FAITA) has voted for Mary Youngblood for an Outstanding Musical Achievement award this year. Mary will receive her award at the awards event on April 14th, 2007 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA.

"First Americans in the Arts is a non-profit organization created to recognize, honor and promote American Indian participation in the powerful arena of the entertainment industry. Incorporating areas of film, television, music and theater. FAITA presents an annual award ceremony recognizing outstanding achievement, performances and contributions by and to the Native American Indian entertainment community

Here's a couple of articles highlighting the last two years' events: 2006, 2005.

We might all have to chip in and buy Mary a bigger mantle to hold all of the music awards she has received lately! We at the NCFC are all proud of Mary's career and where she taken her art.

Cama'i my sister!

November/December Native Peoples Magazine

The November/December 2006 issue of Native Peoples Magazine features an article on the Native American flute. This article highlights the work of flutemakers: Bryan Akipa (Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux), Alex Maldonado (Pascua Yaqui), Daniel Bigay (Echota Cherokee), Charles Littleleaf (Warm Springs/Piegan Blackfeet) and Sonny Nevaquaya (Comanche).

I just ordered my copy, and I can't wait to read the article.

Workshops Featured for Upcoming NCFC/NoNahme Spring Festival

We have posted information on the workshops being offered at the upcoming NCFC/NoNahme Spring Festival. These classes/workshops will be offered during the day on Saturday, April 21, 2007. Note that we haven't scheduled the exact start times for the classes yet, but I wanted to at least let you know about the workshop topics:

"Beginning Native American Flute" Workshop with Mike Oitzman. This introductory workshop will teach you the basics of playing the Native American Flute. You'll learn basic breathing techniques, the basic scale and how to care for your Native American Flute. Length: 2 hours. Cost: $20 includes book: "A Users Guide to the Native American Flute" by Mike Oitzman, includes demostration CD. No prerequisites. Start time: TBD

"Playing from the heart" flute workshop with Scott August. This workshop features recording artist Scott August presenting a topic which he know well. While Scott is an accomplished composer, he also spends a lot of his time playing "in the moment". This is a great opportunity to learn how to improvize on the Native American Flute. Length: 2 hours. Cost: $40 . Prequisite: basic knowledge of the basic scale on the Native American Flute. Start time: TBD

"Flute Makers Forum" with Lew Paxton Price This workshop features two of the most experienced flutemakers in the business. Lew will describe the basics of flutemakers and be avialable to answer any and all questions you may have about the skills and craftsmanship of making these wonderful instruments.Length: TBD Cost: TBD Prequisite: Basic woodworking skills.

"Introduction to the Didgeridoo" Workshop with David Blonski. This workshop will introduce you to the basics of playing the Australian Didgeridoo.Length: 1 hour. Cost: TBD. No prerequisites.Start time: TBD

"Introduction to Native American Drumming" workshop with the Feather River Singers. The Feather River Singers will host this unique workshop outlining the basics of Native American Drumming. This workshops includes drumming tradition and etiquette. Length: TBD. Cost: TBD. No prerequisites. Start time: TBD

More workshop details will be provided once we get the complete day organized.
To RSVP for a workshop, contact Lew Paxton Price at: lewprice AT softcom DOT net

Tickets on Sale now for NCFC/NoNahme Flute Festival Concert

Tickets are on sale now for the evening concert at the NCFC/NoNahme Spring Festival.

Here's a list of the performers:

• David Blonski with special guest Stephen DeRuby
• Feather River Singers
• Scott August

To order tickets, send a check for the total numbers of tickets ($10 each). Make the check payable to KFOK-FM Radio (not NCFC). The last date to purchase presale tickets via mail is April 15, 2007. After April 15, you will be able to purchase any remaining tickets from the NCFC booth on the day of the event.

Send your check to:

Marion Cole, 6275 Garden Park Drive, Garden Valley, CA 95633

Presale tickets will be available for will call at the NCFC Table/Booth at the Flute Circle on Saturday the 21st from 8 AM until 6 PM, or at the NCFC Table at the concert in the evening until 7 PM.

Mark Holland NCFC Concert Schedule

We're excited to announce that Mark Holland will be in Northern California in April for a couple of concerts. Details are still evolving, but here's the concert dates:

Saturday, April 14th, Bay Area, Location TBA, Time TBA

Sunday, April 15th, Modesto, Location TBA, Time TBA

Note that Mark Holland recently updated his website. Mark was here in August 2006 and played at the INAFA convention. If you were fortunate to see him there, then you know how wonderful his music is. I hope that you all are able to here Mark play live

REVIEW: Ancient Light DVD by Scott August

"This is one music DVD sure to mesmerize the listener with its stunning visuals of the southwest and extraordinary soundtrack." - Mike Oitzman, March 2007

Scott August sent me an early copy of his new DVD: Ancient Light to review last week. I have watched it several times and each time I find myself lost in all of the great images. This DVD combines Scott’s music and his collection of images from the southwest into a stunning multimedia experience.

I have loved Scott’s music since the release of his first album, Distant Spirits. In my view, Scott August is the consummate composer, and his CD’s always take me on a musical journey. I’ve known Scott for many years now and I’ve am excited to see one more imaginative and finely produced product come out of Cedar Mesa Music.

The one talent which I didn’t realize that Scott had, until now, is that of photographer. This disc shows this talent in spectacular detail. Although I imagine that it’s hard to take a bad picture of the many of scenes included in the visuals in this disc, Scott finds a way to make every image amazing. I know that he has taken many, many photo’s of the southwest (check out this link or this link for more pictures by Scott), and I would imagine that the hardest part of this project was editing the pictures down to the one’s included in the final version of the disc.

Probably the best recommendation for this DVD comes from my six year old son who sat down and watched the DVD with me for the first viewing. He was immediately drawn to the music and the visuals and sat on my lap mesmerized while the video played. You’ll find this a great DVD to play in the background for a party, flute circle or any event where you want to enhance the music experience beyond just listening to the CD. I see something new in the pictures every time that I’ve watched it.

If you don’t own any of Scott’s music, this is a great compilation of music from his previously recorded CD’s.

About the Music

The DVD features some of Scott's best music from his previously released CD's:
Here's a list of the song titles:

• Heart of the Sky (from New Fire)
• Earth & Sky (from Sacred Dreams)
• Ceremony (from Sacred Dreams)
• Mockingbird Canyon (from New Fire)
• Yellow Light of Dawn (new)
• Coyote Dance (from Distant Spirits)
• Desert Light (from Distant Spirits)
• Sombre de la Luna (from Sacred Dreams)
• Emergence (from Distant Spirits)

The DVD also includes the following special features:

Southwest Destinations, Commentary by Scott August - in this special feature, Scott shows some of his favorite pictures from the DVD and talks about the things which he likes about the different areas, parks and features of the Southwest. I was especially interested in this part of the DVD since we're planning our trip to Utah this summer.

Animal Dreams, Wildlife of the Southwest - in this special feature, scott includes some of his favorite pictures of animals he has encountered during his travels in the southwest. Each animal picture is accompanied by sound recordings of the animals.

About Scott August - this special feature provides some additional detail about Scott August and his recording career.

You can order your own copy now, by clicking here.

News Flash for the NCFC Spring Gathering

The NoNahme Clan continues to work hard on all of the details for the upcoming NCFC Spring Gathering on April 21, 2007. You can download a flyer for this event by clicking here.




We're proud to announce that Scott August will be joining us to headline the evening concert.

You can purchase tickets now by calling Marion Cole at 530-621-3227 or Mignon Geli at 530-333-0299. Cost is $10 pre-sale, concert tickets will be $12 on the day of the event.

Scott August will also be presenting a 2 hour, "Playing from the Heart" workshop during the day on Saturday. Cost for this workshop will be $40. To signup for this workshop, email ncfc AT naflute DOT com

Reminder: Flute Class next week in Palo Alto

I wanted to post a reminder that the latest series of beginner flute classes continues in Palo Alto. We're nearing the end of this series of classes. Next week, the topic is "Improvization and playing from the heart". This topic is one which anyone can benefit, regardless of your experience, so I invite you to drop in for this class. I will be introducing ideas and exercises for improvization. The only prerequisite is that you are comfortable with the basic scale on the flute.
The class after that will focus on songwriting and techniques for constructing songs, building on the ideas of improvising and discovery. Again, any one is welcome to drop in on this class.

Tuesday March 6th, 5:30PM - 7 PM, Topic:"Improvization and Playing from the Heart on the Native American Flute"
Drop in fee: $15

Tuesday March 20th, 5:30PM - 7 PM, Topic: "Song Writing and techniques for song construction on the Native American Flute"
Drop in fee: $15

All classes held at the Marhatis Elightenment Center, Palo Alto
Directions & details: http://www.naflute.com/MIkeclass2.html

New Flutes from Spirit of the Woods

Ed Hrebec just posted pics of some new flutes for sale. Many in this release are reasonably priced. There are a couple of nice looking dual chamber flutes. Ed makes awesome flutes, you won't go wrong with a Spirit of the Woods flute.

http://www.spiritofthewoodsflutes.com/html/in_stock_flute_gallery.html

Flutemakers: Add me you to your email list if you want me to post your latest creations here.

Mary Youngblood in Berkeley - This Week

Mary Youngblood and Sister of the Earth will be performing in Berkeley this week at the Freight and Salvage coffee house. I'll be there, so if you can make it drop me a line and we can sit together as a group. Don't forget to bring along a percussion instrument...

Here's the details:

What: Mary Youngblood and Sister of the Earth
When: Thursday, March 1, 2007. Show starts at 8PM
Cost: $18.50 (adv); $19.50 (door)
Where: Freight & Salvage Coffee House
Directions: Link

Wanna learn more about Copyrights?

Here's an excellent link to help you understand more about the legal aspect of copyrights for your music, art and writing. It's a great resource to use as you determine how to protect your work: http://navigator.carolon.net/

Upcoming NoCal 2007 Pow Wow Calendar

Here's a shot list of Pow Wow dates this year for Northern California:

Feb. 24th Marysville
April 7-8 Berkeley Pow wow
May 12-13 Stanford Pow Wow
July 27-29 Vallejo Pow Wow
August 4 -5 Sacramento Pow wow
October 6 - 7 Napa Suscol Inter Tribal Pow Wow Yountville
October 13 Berkeley Indigenous People Day
November 3 -4 Travis AFB Veterans Pow Wow
November 17 D-Q University Pow Wow
November 22 Sunrise Ceremony Alcatraz

Drop me an email if you have other exciting events for 2007!

Celebrate Mexica New Year in San Jose, March 10-11

The annual Aztec dance ceremony/celebration for Mexica New Year is here again with many great dancers in beautiful regalia. With feathers flying as they dance fiercely to the powerful large Aztec "Huehuetl" drum rhythms piercing directly into your soul, is a must if you haven't experienced this before.

Xavier Quijas Yxayotl will play his Aztec flutes along with the scream of the Dead Whistle all day from 10:00 to 6:00pm on
Saturday March 10
Gardner Community Center
520 W. Virginia St., San Jose
408 324-6215 Mitlilpilli
http://myspace.com/calpullitonalehqueh
http://www.pochtecayotl.com

On Sunday Xavier will conduct an afternoon/evening mini concert presentation,
please check the above contact for this location and the time.

Both days he will have a booth with his CD's, flutes, conch shells and instruments, and some new jewelry lines and fabulous new shell and gemstone bracelets at the best prices ever.

Also March 12-13 Xavier will conduct a workshop on how to make clay flutes! Details to follow.

Pictures of Mary Youngblood and Gentle Thunder at the 2007 Grammys

I found some photos online from this years Grammy awards, there's some pic's of Mary Youngblood receiving her grammy:

http://www.wireimage.com/SearchResults.aspx?navtyp=SRH&sfld=C&logsrch=1&s=mary%20youngblood

Here's some fun photo's of Gentle Thunder, Will Clipman and Amo Daubney:

http://www.wireimage.com/GalleryListing.asp?navtyp=CLB&str=63012&styp=clbi&nm=Gentle+Thunder&nbc1=1

Check out Last Caravan

Last Caravan is Garth Brooks of Elysium Calling and Vincent Zorn, Brian Jirka and Jeribai Tascoe grooving on some Global Flamenco Funk to help the forest!

This year Last Caravan will be performing at the 5th annual LOVE THE FOREST Valentines Concert this Saturday Febuary 17th at the Black Bart Playhouse in Murphys, CA.
580 Algiers

Show starts at 7:00pm and will feature the Space Heaters, a local favorite!!

This annual concert is part of an ongoing effort to help the Forest Watch program in the Sierras...check out the website below for more info..

www.forestwatchers.org

also visit: www.lastcaravan.com

See you there!!

Save the date: April 21, NCFC Spring Gathering

The NoNahme Clan is busy at work planning the Spring Gathering for the NCFC. Marion Cole, Lew Price, Dave Blonski and the others are doing a great job putting this event together. The details are still being worked out, but here's a glimpse of what's being planned:

When: Saturday, April 21. All day.
Where: Georgetown, CA (East of Sacramento)

There will be workshops, including a NAF Beginners Workshop with Mike Oitzman. A Flute Makers Workshop with Lew Price, and a Digeridoo Workshop with David Blonski. There will be an open mic all day. The event is already posted on the Native Gatherings website.

The event will be in beautiful Georgetown, CA at the Black Oak Mine School Distict's 'Nature Area' and Ampitheater, located just north of Georgetown. At the IOOF Hall, in the evening, will be a concert benefit for our local KFOK FM Volunteer Radio Station. Details on the lineup for the concert will be announced shortly.

Upcoming Hand Drum classes at Rhythm Fusion

There are several drum classes on tap this spring at Rhythm Fusion in Santa Cruz:


Intro To Hand Drums With Dror Sinai
THURSDAYS 7:00 to 8:30 pm
MAY 4,11,25 /2006 ( May 18th 5:30-6:30pm taught by Raquy)
$80 All four classes
This class is for beginning drummers and for other musicians who would like to gain some experience and knowledge of different drums and percussion instruments from around the world. It will focus on the basic rhythm techniques used in creating the sounds and rhythms on the frame drum (Tar or Def), Riq (Middle Eastern tambourine), Doumbek (Darbuka, Durbaky, Tabla), and various sound makers.

Drum Journey
Per drummers request Tuesdays in May 2,9,16 and 23rd 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Register for 4 classes at a time $80
Or drop in $25 a class
Dror Sinai will teach this class with SPECIAL GUESTS:

Tues,May 2nd,Guest Teacher Armando Fojaco (Uncle Mafufu)-see www.unclemafufo.com

This class is for drummers who already experienced the Intro to Hand Drums and for other musicians who would like to gain some experience and knowledge of different drums and percussion instruments from around the world. We will focus on rhythms and techniques on the frame drum, Riq, Doumbek, and various sound makers.Well orchestrate polyrhythms and songs.Learn how to listen,how to express and have fun
All Percussion instruments players are welcome

Mary Youngblood WINS!!!

Congratulations to Mary Youngblood for winning her second grammy today for "Dance with the Wind". Mary certainly deserves it, this is an awesome album and I know that she poured her heart and soul into. Way to go Mary!

Tuvan Throat Singing: Chirgilchin

I watched the TV show: Digging up the Truth a few weeks ago when they investigated the history behind Genghis Chan and the Mongol dynasty. The amazing fact from the show was that Genghis Chan was such a great leader that he was able to unify everything from the far east, to the middle east to Europe. He also had so many wives and children that it's estimated that something like 10% of the people living in China are related to him today (I don't know if I've got all my facts straight, so don't quote me on this..). Anyhow, Tuva is a small country on the bordor of China (it's a former Soviet state) who's residents still live very much like Genghis Chan.
If you have never heard Tuvan throat singing, then I have a treat for you. One of the best touring groups "Chirgilchin" is in Berkeley next week for one performance on Wednesday, Feb 14th, 8PM at Ashkanaz.

I saw them last year, at the same place, and it's still one of the most amazing shows I have ever seen. I plan to be there again next week.

Ancient Flute Discovered in Utah

This story is a very cool discovery of an ancient flute discovered in Eastern Utah. The flute was discovered by accident, otherwise it would have remained hidden for a lot longer.
The flute is 27 inches long and some folks are speculating that it may be more than a thousand years old. I am a bit sceptical that that a wooden instrument would have survived intact in this exposed location for a thousand years, but it would be awesome if indeed it proves to be that old. I would expect that it's younger than that, but that's my opinion.
Regardless, this is an exciting discovery. A Ute tribal elder presided over the removal of the flute from it's location. The article hints that once the flute is investigated by archeologists, it will be placed in display for the public.

NoNahme and Loping Wolf Flute Circle this weekend

There's going to be a real fun event this weekend, if you happen to be in or near the Sacramento area. The NoNahme Clan (Garden Valley) and the Loping Wolf Clan are getting together on Saturday for a flute circle.

WHO: All interested in Native American Flutes & Drums, whether or not you can play.
WHEN: Saturday, February 10, 2007. Rain or Shine.
TIME for Potluck: 11:00 AM- If you want to eat and socialize before the F&D Circle.
TIME for Flute & Drum Circle: 1:00 PM for those who plan to have lunch before coming.
ENDING TIME: Depends or TBD.
PLACE: Mignon's: 5721 McKinley Drive, Garden Valley 95633
OPTIONAL: Tour of Georgetown Nature Area.,
OPTIONAL: Dinner in Georgetown.

DIRECTIONS:
FROM GRASS VALLEY:
CA-49 South to Auburn
Left onto ELM AVE in Auburn.
Left onto HIGH ST and follow CA-49 towards Coloma and Placerville.
Continue on CA-49 down the canyon (twisty road).
Right onto the bridge over the Confluence (Am River) and up the canyon (twisty).
Continue on CA- 49 through Cool, towards Coloma.
Left on Marshall Road towards Garden Valley (5 Miles)
Right onto Garden Valley Road (1 Mile)
Right onto Garden Park Drive,entering Garden Park Subdivision "Private", (1/2 mile)
Right onto Hood Court.
Left onto McKinley Drive.
Left into driveway of 5721 McKinley Drive.

FROM SACRAMENTO
US-50 EAST towards Placerville/South Lake Tahoe
Drive past towns of Folsom, El Dorado Hills, and Cameron Park
Exit #37 Ponderosa (in town of Shingle Springs)
Left onto Ponderosa (over the freeway)
Right onto North Shingle Rd (go 4-5 miles) towards Coloma, Lotus, Georgetown.
North Shingle becomes Lotus Rd as you veer left and continue towards Lotus (another 7-8 miles)
Left onto CA-49, go over bridge of the American River-South Fork (go 1/2 mile as you pass Shell Station on your right)
Right onto Marshall Road towards Garden Park, (go 5 miles)
Right onto Garden Valley Road after seeing Garden Valley sign. (go1 mile)
Right onto Garden Park Drive as you enter Garden Park Subdivision "Private" (go1/2 mile)
Right onto Hood Court.
Left onto McKinley Drive.
Left into driveway of 5721 McKinley Drive.

Do not use "MapQuest" as it can be inaccurate.

Don't forget to bring your flutes, drums, shakers (and your favorite dish or non-alcoholic drinks if you plan to participate in the potluck from 11:00AM to 1:00PM).

Bring your swim suit and a towel if you would like to use the unheated swimming pool. If you have a favorite chair, please bring in case we are short of chairs.

Let us know if you are interested in seeing the Nature Area, where we plan to have our Spring Gathering on April 21. Also, let us know if you would be interested in having dinner in Georgetown.

Hope you all can make it. If you have questions, please call Mignon at 530-333-0299.

NCFC Calendar is up to date

If you haven't checked lately, be sure to check out the Northern California Flute Circle Calendar online: http://www.naflute.com/Calendar.html

I have updated it for 2007 and it now has current events posted (at least all of the one's we know about).

To the grammys...

I wanted to wish both Mary Youngblood and Gentle Thunder good luck this weekend at the Grammy awards. Mary Youngblood has been nominated for a grammy in the category: "Best Native American Album" for her latest ablum: Dance with the Wind. Gentle Thunder, Will Clipman and Am0Chip Dabney have been nominated for a grammy in the category: "Best New Age Album" for their latest collaboration: Beyond Words.

We're blessed to have such great local talent here in Northern California and it's fun to be able to root for both of them to win, since they have been nominated in different categories. I read Mary's response to the MaryYoungblood yahoo group and she sounds really excited about her chances to win. She is taking her whole family down to LA for the event. I really like Dance with Wind, I think that it's one of her best albums, so I think that it has a great chance to win. I know that the whole Loping Wolf clan will be sending all of their positive thoughts to Mary on sunday night and I encourage the rest of the Northern California Flute Circle to do the same.

I was fortunate to met Gentle Thunder and Will Clipman at the INAFA convention this summer. They are both consumate showman and great songwriters. Gentle Thunder lives in Shasta, so we don't see her much, but you can expect that I am going to do everything I can to get her and Will to tour NoCal and play some of their great music for all of you. Will Clipman is also fortunate to have another nomination in the Best Native American Album, with Robert Tree Cody on Heart of the Wind. I love all of Will's work (but I am really pulling for Mary in this one...).

KODO Concert Review

I was fortunate to catch the premiere Japanese Taiko group: KODO in concert this last week. The concert was awesome. I drove up to Marin last Thursday evening to see them at the Marin Veterin Memorial Center.

I only have one word: WOW!!

This group is one of the premiere traveling Taiko groups from Japan. They usually get over the US about once every two years.

They performed some amazing songs and I am in awe at the skills and dexterity of the troop members. Their musicianship was really tight and I can't believe the stamina that these guys exhibited during their performance.

One of my favorite songs was performed by seven of the group members on the Shime drums. The Shime is one of the smallest and highest pitches taiko drums. It's about the size of a snare drum on a typical drum kit. It's tuned by standing on the edges and pulling the rope tight around the outside. Anyhow, seven of the group members were lined up on stage and started by playing 1/16 notes very quietly, they then took turns improvising and playing in rounds across the line. The sonic experience from the audience perspective was unlike anything I have ever heard live in my life. This was something which was impossible to capture with microphones, and it's something which I'll always remember.

Between songs, they entertained us with some non-verbal comedy while the drums for the next song were set up. Overall it was a great evening.

I purchased their latest compilation album: Heartbeat. It's a good collection of Taiko drumming, but as I've found with Taiko, half of the presentation is visual so it's not as good as seeing it live.

Flute Class this week, Feb 6

This week is the third class of my six session beginners class. Drop in's are welcome. This week we'll be reviewing the basic scale and T-sounds. We're going to start learning vibrato this week.

When: 5:30 -7:00 PM
Where:The Marhatis Enlightenment Center, Home of Rev. Maxi Harper
3433 Aston Ct. Palo Alto, CA
Printable Directions
Cost: $60 for 3 months (6 classes), or $15 drop in fee.

Materials: Optional purchase of "Beginning Native American Flute" book by Mike Oitzman, $20 includes CD

What to bring: Native American Flute and an open mind

If you don't own a flute, there will be excellent quality, entry level instruments available for sale from the instructor for under $100. Please contact Mike Oitzman prior to class to ensure that instruments will be available. After the class there is a Gentle Jam Circle at the Center for soft drums, flutes, didg, shakers and sound instruments. There is even a gong and singing crystal bowls that joins in and is open to voice and chants. A great way to practice what you learned in class. More info: www.marhatis.com/gentlejam.htm.

About the Class
This 3 month class is designed for all levels of Native American flute players. We will experience some traditional music as well as learning free form so you may apply your flute to accompany chants and other instruments in various circles. The sound and music that comes from this instrument and the culture are an intricate part of the energy and community that we so disparately need to recreate in our world right now. To solo to self with the flute is a healing to the soul and a comfort to the earth. It is the prayers of the heartful humanity set forth on winds of change. In this class you will learn the melodies of the heart, techniques of the intellect and the guidance of great spirit.

Please RSVP for the class: mikeoitzman AT naflute DOT com
More information: http://www.naflute.com/MIkeclass2.html

Native American Drum Building Class

My friend Ghislane also wants to schedule a Native American Drum building class, in the bay area, in March or April. If you are interested in building your own drum, this is an excellent opportunity.

The class will likely be one and half days (an evening and the following day).
Cost is not yet determined, until we find out how many folks are interested and what size drums folks want to make.

If you are interested, contact Ghislane by phone: 650-200-6195

Drum Circle in Palo Alto this Friday

My friend Ghislane will be hosting a drum circle this coming Friday evening, Feb 9th, 2007:

"The Sacred Drumming Circle starts at 7:00 p.m. and goes until 9:00p.m.
We operate on Indian time so if you are not able to come right away or have toleave early it is perfectly alright.
It is at Unity Church in Palo Alto in the fire room.
Address: 3391 Middlefield Rd,Palo Alto, 94306 - (650) 494-7222 church number.
We have a mother drum and a few more hand drums and rattles. You may bring any types of instruments you would like to play. Bring your special instrument whether it is your didge, water drum, tabla or anything else you may have for example scarves for dancing or whatever you would like to create.Everyone is welcome to play on the mother drum. And come and experience laying under the mother drum! You will be transformed...We are gathering this Friday to drum away in prayer to heal all relationships -Earth, peoples, and everything and anything that is dear to your heart.
Please come with friends, and family. Children are welcome! I am looking forwards to seeing you all.
Mitakuye Ohyasin,
Ghislaine

Long Month...

I apologize for the long period between posts last month. I've had busy time at work, traveling alot on business and it's left me with little energy to do much else.

Beginning Native American Flute Class Starting

I will be starting a new round of Beginning Flute Classes, in Palo Alto, starting next week, January 9th.

When: 5:30 -7:00 PM
Where:The Marhatis Enlightenment Center, Home of Rev. Maxi Harper
3433 Aston Ct. Palo Alto, CA
Printable Directions
Cost: $60 for 3 months (6 classes), or $15 drop in fee.

Materials: Optional purchase of "Beginning Native American Flute" book by Mike Oitzman, $20 includes CD

What to bring: Native American Flute and an open mind

If you don't own a flute, there will be excellent quality, entry level instruments available for sale from the instructor for under $100. Please contact Mike Oitzman prior to class to ensure that instruments will be available. After the class there is a Gentle Jam Circle at the Center for soft drums, flutes, didg, shakers and sound instruments. There is even a gong and singing crystal bowls that joins in and is open to voice and chants. A great way to practice what you learned in class. More info: www.marhatis.com/gentlejam.htm.

About the Class
This 3 month class is designed for all levels of Native American flute players. We will experience some traditional music as well as learning free form so you may apply your flute to accompany chants and other instruments in various circles. The sound and music that comes from this instrument and the culture are an intricate part of the energy and community that we so disparately need to recreate in our world right now. To solo to self with the flute is a healing to the soul and a comfort to the earth. It is the prayers of the heartful humanity set forth on winds of change. In this class you will learn the melodies of the heart, techniques of the intellect and the guidance of great spirit.

Please RSVP for the class: mikeoitzman AT naflute DOT com
More information: http://www.naflute.com/MIkeclass2.html

New Drum Circle Forum

A friend sent me info about a new Hand Drum and Drum Circle forum online. Here's the link: www.drumcircleforum.com

It's just getting started, so there isn't a ton of content yet, but you can help by posting your questions or responding to other comments.

INAFA Flute for Raffle

Kathleen from INAFA sent this message:

"This quarter’s raffle flute has been graciously donated by Ed Hrebec of Spirit of the Woods Flutes. The flute is a 2006 Mark Holland Signature Flute. Only 50 flutes were made of this series. It is made of approximately 800-year-old Alaskan yellow cedar. Ed and Mark collaborated with artist Clay Corbisier who masterfully painted Autumn leaves on the flute. The block of the flute is made from Claro walnut. This instrument is made to the tight specifications of renowned Native flute artist Mark Holland of Autumn's Child. It has a wonderful responsive voice and a great range. It is signed by Mark and is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity suitable for framing, and it comes with a Spirit of the Woods flute sleeve. This flute has been personally played by Mark to ensure consistency of tone and tuning. For more information about this flute and its maker, please visit: www.spiritofthewoodsflutes.com or call: 1-800-236-0406.Raffle tickets are $3 each. Purchase as many as you desire. Please send all raffle funds payable to:

INAFA
3351 Mintonville Point Drive
Suffolk, VA 23435

No Flute Class this week

Just a quick note to remind everyone that there is no flute class in Palo Alto this week. I plan to start a new round of class next Tuesday, January 9th. I post more details later this week. Drop me an email to get on the flute class mailing list for quicker notification about upcoming classes.

Happy New Year

I wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year. I hope that you and your family have a wonderful new year. It was a busy 2006 here at NCFC Central, but we have a lot of exciting things in the planning stages for 2007, so stay tuned.

I also wanted to give everyone a big THANK YOU for all of your support of this blog. From the beginning this was a big experiment to see if this could work as a method of communication to you and you all have proved that it indeed works well. We passed the 5000 site visit mark this last month!!

Kudos to Loping Wolf

It's been a week since the winter gathering hosted by the Loping Wolf Clan, and I finally have a moment to post a huge THANK YOU to Dan, Sheree, Dick, Sue, and all of the Loping Wolf member for their awesome spirit, generosity, planning and execution of their first Winter Gathering event. Be sure to check out the Loping Wolf webpage for pictures to be posted soon (well, as soon as Dan and Sheree get caught up on a little sleep...)

Look's like they may have set the standard for what I hope will become a quarterly event around the NCFC. At this event, the Nonahme Clan announced that they are going to host a Spring Gathering in Garden Valley, so stay tuned for that events (details coming as soon as they pick a date). I expect that we'll have other Gathering's hosted around the region as we finalize the 2007 NCFC calendar.

Anyhow, last weekend was a wonderful time. It was rainy and cold, but that didn't dampen anyone's spirit. There were several vendor's in attendence, including flutemakers Jim Pappas and John Lundren. The food was awesome. But the highlight of the day was an improvization workshop presented by Mary Youngblood. I think that everyone who attended the workshop came away with some great tips from Mary.

I was very excited to have Mary Youngblood play "Happy Birthday" to me on the flute. It was a great day all around.

Drop in Flute Class this week in Palo Alto

I wanted to post a reminder that I am holding the last flute class of the year this week.

When: Tuesday, Dec 19th
Time: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM.
Where: Palo Alto, CA
Cost: $15
RSVP: ncfc AT naflute DOT com

I will be starting a new set of classes starting in January, BUT this month I wanted to offer folks a chance to drop in and work on what ever skills you'd like to brush up on or learn new. If you're having trouble with anything and want a little extra input, or if you just want to get a jump start on the classes starting next month, this is a great week to attend class.

Here's a link with details on the NCFC website: http://www.naflute.com/MIkeclass2.html

Please RSVP if you are planning to make it this week so that I know we'll have enough for a class.

Also, I encourage you to stay after class for the "Gentle Jam" session which starts at 7 PM. It's a great opportunity to unwind with a little improvizational drumming during the holiday seasons. There is always the opportunity to play flutes along with the drumming. Bring your favorite percussion toys to this session.

I'll post details about the January class later this week.

Survival Tips

With all of the news lately about folks getting lost in the wilderness and having to survive. I was reminded of an awesome online resource that I found a while back about basic survival skills. This is apparently based on the basic survival course taught by the US Army.

• Table of Contents
• Water Procurement
• Firecraft

New Wind Vessels from Ron Kendall

I had the opportunity to play a song dedicated to Hawk Littlejohn with Mary Youngblood at the Winter Gathering hosted by the Loping Wolf clan this last weekend. For the song, I played drum while Mary played my Woodsong Flute. I ended the song by the playing the “sound of the wind” from the wind vessel that I bought from Rod Kendall at the INAFA convention this last fall. Mary was impressed with the wind vessel and asked where she could get one, so I wrote Rod an email earlier this week to ask him about his website (still under construction…). Dan Ricketts also mentioned at the winter gathering that he was buying a newer style wind vessel from Rod, so I asked Rod about that as well.

Below is a picture of the style of wind vessel which I own. It’s about 2.5 inches in diameter and about 5 inches long:

The newer style of wind vessel now includes a rotating “resonating chamber” which makes the instrument capable of changing the sound it produces, by rotating the lever. Here are a couple of pictures which Rod sent me to help you understand how this works:

Notice the little copper lever on the side this is used to rotate the ball-like inner resonating chamber. According to Rod:

“The decorative surface treatment is called saggar firing, kelp, little bits of copper wire, and oyster shells are placed around the bisqued piece and fired in a gas kiln. The random fuming gives each piece a patina that reminds me of an ancient artifact! They are all priced individually and range from $85 for a basic model to $150 for the deluxe professional model. The professional series is brand new and consists of an adjustable resonator, some are clay and some are hand made copper. You turn a little lever and it turns the hollow ball inside. This gives you a wider range of wind sounds, all the way from raging storm to a whistling breeze!

To contact Rod Kendall: rodkendall AT msn DOT com

Anniversary of Hawk Littlejohn's passing

I wanted to remind everyone that tomorrow (January 14th) will be the 6th anniversary of Hawk Littlejohn's passing. I would encourage everyone to find a quiet moment tomorrow and to play a song dedicated to Hawk's spirit.

When I think about Hawk Littejohn, I think about the only time that I was able to meet him in 1999 (early 2000?), about a year before he passed. Lee Johnson and Mac Lopez had invited Geri and Hawk to the west coast for a small tour. Bob Bellus and the NCFC organized a gathering in Northern California for them. This event was held on a rainy day in Calistoga, but we had over a 100 people show up to met Hawk and several other flutemakers. The performance that evening was memorable and Hawk told us a story about going to water with grandparents. Hawk told the story in Cherokee and Geri translated in English. I learned later that Hawk knew that he was already dying of cancer and this trip would be his last to the west coast.

If you have a favorite Hawk Littlejohn memory I would encourage you to add a comment to this story. I'd like to hear others stories about how Hawk touched your live's.

If you are not familiar with Hawk Littlejohn and his influence on the design of the modern Native American Flute, then it is worth a moment to recount his life's work. Hawk Littlejohn was a 5th generation Cherokee flutemaker. He can be counted as one of the handful of folks responsible for the renaissance of the Native American flute. He and others are memorialized in the video "Songkeepers". If you haven't seen this video, it is a must see for all flute players, especially if you don't have a sense of the path of the flute and its historical context over the last 200 or so years. You can find this video for sale at several online vendors. Hawk and Geri Littlejohn were the duo behind Woodsong flutes.

Here are a few links which I found online:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawk_Littlejohn
• http://www.mountainx.com/ae/2001/0124littlejohn.php
  
• Lee Johnson was one of Hawks closest friends: http://kamamaspirit.com/gallery.html
• Mac Lopez was one of Hawks closest friends and helped establish Hawk as a flute maker here on the west coast: http://www.whirlwindstudios.com/
• Geri Littlejohn continues to make flutes today with a new business called Green Grass Flutes
  

Songkeepers Video:

• http://worldflutes.org/merchandise.htm
• http://oregonflutestore.com/home/of1/smartlist_13/flute_music__video.html

Grammy Nominations Announced

Lot's of news this last week on the Grammy Award Nominations.

Here's the scoop: there are really only two categories where I found any relative interest in the artists that I know and love relative to New Age and world music.

We have a lot to be proud of in Northern California, with two of our local artists nominated for Grammy's: Mary Youngblood and Gentle Thunder (GT)!! Congratulations!

The good news is that both Mary and GT are nominated in different categories, so it could be a NorCal sweep if the stars align!

There are so many good albums listed below that it will be a tough year and I don't envy the folks who have to choose! This is a good sign for the industry, that there are so many quality artists out there producing some great recordings.

Props also to Will Clipman for his double nominations on two other albums in both categories. Will is such a talented percussionist.

Category 44
Best New Age Album (Vocal or Instrumental.)

• A Posterior - Enigma [Virgin Records]
• Amarantine - Enya [Reprise]
• Beyond Words - Gentle Thunder With Will Clipman & AmoChip Dabney [Delvian Records / GT Productions]
• Elements Series: Fire - Peter Kater [Real Music]
• The Magical Journeys Of Andreas Vollenweider - Andreas Vollenweider [Kin Kou/SLG Records]

Category 69
Best Native American Music Album (Vocal or Instrumental.)

• Voice Of The Drum - Black Eagle [Soar]
• Heart Of The Wind - Robert Tree Cody & Will Clipman [Canyon Records]
• American Indian Story - Jana [Soar]
• Long Winter Nights - Northern Cree & Friends [Canyon Records]
• Dance With The Wind - Mary Youngblood [Silver Wave Records]

For the full details check out: http://www.grammy.com/GRAMMY_Awards/49th_Show/list.aspx

Tomorrow Night: Mary Youngblood in Grass Valley

Just a reminder that Mary Youngblood is playing at the Center for the Arts in Grass Valley tomorrow evening. Once again, it will be an evening to remember, you HAVE to be there. If you're not local, come on up and spend the night in the Gold Country, make a weekend out of it, but get here!

Don't forget to bring along a percussion instrument (i.e. rattle, hand drum) as Mary always includes an audience participation element to her live shows. Dan DiCicco and I will be there before hand and during intermission at the Loping Wolf / NCFC table, so stop by and introduce yourself.

What: Mary Youngblood and Sisters of the Earth

When: Dec 9th, 8PM

Cost: $20

Where: The Center for the Arts, Grass Valley

REMINDER: Loping Wolf Winter Gathering, 12/10

The Loping Wolf Clan is hosting the First Annual Winter Gathering

When: Sunday December 10 2006
Time: 10:30 am to 6:00 pm
Where: Lake of the Pines Yacht Lounge

Special Guest: Grammy Winner Mary Youngblood

Details:
The Loping Wolf Clan is putting together an event where flutes, drums, and art can come together. Come join this gathering to share some good music, tasty food and have a chance to do some of your holiday shopping.

We are asking $5 donation per person to attend and a $10 donation for vendors. Your donation will include a raffle ticket ~ a chance to win Kokopelli Bucks.

List of vendors currently includes:

• John Lundgren, local flute maker, consented to bring his flutes
• Mary Youngblood will be presenting a flute-related workshop

Mary Youngblood
Will be presenting a flute-related workshop
Registration is $35 Her Spring Gathering workshop was a GREAT time. Please RSVP by e-mail early for Mary's Workshop, and e-mail us a note stating you are interested in attending. So bring flutes, drums and other percussion instruments, and potluck items such as a side dish, appetizer or dessertVendors do not need to bring food, unless you want to, but we will feed you All donations will go toward paying for the Yacht Lounge rental & propane heater for the deck

Tentative Schedule of Events:

10:30 to 11:00 ~ Arrival and Setup
11:00 to 12:00 ~ Welcome, introductions, play & share all our instruments, and check out the vendors!
12:00 to 1:15 ~ Potluck - Beef Stew, popcorn and bottled water will be provided
1:30 to 3:00 ~ Mary Youngblood NAF Workshop (sign up early ~ these will go fast!)
3:00 to 5:30 ~ Raffle, Questions, break-out one-on-one instruction sessions, open mic, improvisations and jams, and a general sharing of everything we know
5:30 to 6:00 ~ Clean up

Please RSVP by e-mail early for Mary's Workshop, and e-mail Dan and Sheree a note stating you are interested in attending.
Bring flutes, drums and other percussion instruments, and potluck items such as a side dish, appetizer or dessert.
Vendors do not need to bring food, unless you want to, we will feed you.
All donations will go toward paying for the Yacht Lounge rental & propane heater for the deck

To RSVP: send an e-mail at flutecircle AT lopingwolf DOT com for LOP Gate Access & Directions. If you are a vendor, contact Dan and Sheree at the same email address to sign up.
Space for this Winter Gathering is limited, so PLEASE RSVP by e-mail soon.

This invitation is also on the Loping Wolf web page at http://www.lopingwolf.com/. Please check there for the latest information.

Join the 4th annual global network of Concerts for Peace

The Music for Peace Project is happening again this year. The dates are March 30 - April 1, 2007.

"The Music for Peace Project is a global effort to fill the world with music as a call for peace. By coordinating a vast number of concerts worldwide between March 30 - April 1, 2007, The Music for Peace Project will bring popular and media attention to international peace efforts while building a global community of active, socially conscious artists. Dedicated to cultivating peace as both a means and an end, The Music for Peace Project creates a global celebration of peace and provides a voice for the vibrant community that believes in peaceful solutions for the future.

So if you are planning a concert or would like to plan a concert on these dates, please think about linking it to this project.

New Music in the Flutetree Songbook

If you haven't visted Flutetree in a while, it's worth surfing over. Robert Gatliff has been busy adding a lot of new music to the songbook. This is the best place on the web to get sheetmusic you can play. Robert includes both the fingering and the musical staff to help you play the song.
Since it's the holiday season, you can find many holiday songs there.

Added Rich Halliburton's Blog to blog roll

I wanted to send prop's out to Rich Halliburton of Querencia Woodwinds Flutes for starting a blog. I promise to add all Native American Flute blog's to my blogroll, to spread the word about other folks leveraging the "blogosphere" to discuss Native American Flutes.
I don't know Rich (yet) but he lives in Southern California, so hopefully we'll get a chance to met sometime.

Review of "World of Drumming" Event

It's been a couple of days since the World of Drumming event which was held on Friday night (12/1) in Grass Valley, and I am still recovering from memories of the event. It turned out to be a wonderful evening with a completely sold out house. It exceeded everyone's expectations.
All of the performers were wonderful and included the following groups or individuals:

• GRASS VALLEY TAIKO JAPANESE-STYLE DRUMMING
• CONGA BYA WITH BOB SCARLETT
• GARY GREENBERG Afro-Cuban Bata Group Ome Ache
• JOE FAZEN TABLA NORTH INDIAN CLASSICAL DRUMS
• CAPOEIRA RACA EM MOVIMENTO BRAZILIAN CAPOEIRA
• DA' OWAGA with AWENDES and the \ FEATHER RIVER SINGERS
• DRUMMERS CEILI CELTIC GATHERING
• TYNOWYEN MIDDLE EASTERN DRUMMING

The evening went off without a hitch and the finale was awesome, with over 70 musicians on stage, playing in sync. The amazing thing about the finale was that we only practiced twice prior to the event, so it speaks volumes about the skills of those involved that it came off as well as it did.

I enjoyed everyone's performance, beginning to end. Everyone had fifteen minutes to perform a set of 2-3 songs, and every performance left you wanting to hear more. It was a whirlwind tour of music traditions from around the planet.

I especially enjoyed the gals (form Da'Owaga, Awendes & Feather River Singers) singing and playing the mother drum. This was the first time that members of the various groups had come together to perform and it included folks from Tahoe to the Bay Area. They kicked off the performance with grace, and even though they we stressing back stage beforehand that the singing wouldn't be heard (since we didn't mic the singers), the performance was amazing.

It's hard for me to write about all of the other wonderful performers, as they were all awesome. I enjoyed each of the performances and I'll cherish the opportunity which we all had to experience the variety of music presented. I am thankful to Saul, Mitzi and Mel for letting be a part of this rare and wonderful experience. The bar was set high, but everyone involved had a great time, so I expect that this won't be the last time we present an event like this. BUT - make sure that you attend the next one!

You can still donate:

If you were unable to attend the evening, but would still like to donate to this cause you can find out more on this weblink: http://www.tibetech.org/Appeal.html

Tibetech.org is the 501C3 Non Profit founded by Melanie Sullivan of Sierra Friends of Tibet. Sullivan will be traveling to a remote refugee camp in India in January-February to purchase computers and establish the Sierra Friends of Tibet Computer Learning Lab at the Jangchup Choeling nunnery. Tibetech.org will eventually open web-portals between the camp (which is also home to the visiting monks) and Sierra Friends of Tibet, for telemedicine support, distance learning programs and an entire world of opportunity to move the camp towards sustainability. "Just last month we learned yet again, of another Tibetan nun and children who were shot trying to cross the Himalaya to freedom. Along with compassion, Technology is the weapon of choice in fighting these injustices and we are committed to bringing this project to fruition. "

Free Takitina class in Bay Area

Come participate and share the joy of TaKeTiNa, the musical group process (whether or not you have experienced it before!). Bring a friend!
**Free to the public

No experience needed. Curiousity is helpful and a willingness to learn in a completely new way.
YOU are invited to an open TaKeTiNa set! with Zorina Wolf and Susan Sullivan.

WHEN: Friday December 8, 2006
TIME: 7-9:30 PM
WHERE: The Girls' Club of the Mid -Peninsula, 2400 Ralmar Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94303

For more information:please call 650-493-8046 or info AT villageheartbeat DOT com

**There is no fee for the evening, although donations for the Girls' club are welcome!

Native American Flute Binding: How-To

Clint Goss just posted an excellent article on how to do a binding wrap on a flute to help reduce the possibility of cracking. This is especially important for cane and bamboo flutes.
In my opinion, it's not really necessary on modern wood flutes (like cedar or walnut, etc) except as decoration. However, Clint does mention in the article that some wooden flutes may crack if the humidity is low enough. In Northern California, we have sufficient humidity (except maybe in the higher altitudes of the Sierra's). Anyhow, use your own judgement here. I have never had any my wooden flutes crack, while living in Northern California, in the 12 years that I have been playing.

You will find this a great step by step article, if you have never attempted this wrap before. I would suggest trying it on a scrap dowel a few times, until you get the technique down, before you attempt on a good flute.

Here's the article: http://www.clintgoss.com/binding.html

NoNahme Clan Flute Circle, Thurs 12/7

The NoNahme Clan is meeting this Thursday at Charlie and Norma's home in Garden Park, Garden Valley.

What: NoNahme Clan Flute Circle
When: Thursday, 12/7, 6:30 PM - ??
Details: Please RSVP Charlie or Norma at 333-2590.
If you have any questions, please call Marion Cole at 621-3227 or Mignon at 333-0299.

The NoNahme Clan is trying to meet on a weekly basis. Bring your flutes, drums, snacks, shakers, snacks, beverages or whatever. If you know others who are interested please forward this note and copy us so that we can add them to our distribution list.

Directions to Charlie & Norma's in Garden Park:
From Marshall Road. Right or Left- onto Garden Valley Road. Right - onto Garden Park Drive. Right - onto Hood Court. Right onto McKinley Court. Entrance is the first white gate on the right. Charlie's home is on the corner of Hood Ct. and McKinley Ct. He also has a gate entrance on Hood Ct. before you get to the corner of Mckinley. He has a sign on his Hood Ct. gate that says "WHOA". His phone number, again, is 333-2590. (Charlie Rosenau).

Flute Class for December

I wanted to remind folks that I offering flute class in Palo Alto on two evenings this month: Dec 5th (tomorrow) and Dec 19th. I am planning to start the beginning class over again starting in January (1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month). Stay tuned for more info on this.
So, if you would to come and brush up on some skills or work on something specific, all skills are invited to join us this month, I'll answer all questions (flute related...), and if there is time, we'll work on playing together (all skills can participate).

Where: 3433 Aston Ct. Palo Alto, CA
When: Tuesdays, 12/5 & 12/19, 5:40 PM - 7:00 PM
Cost: $15

Please RSVP to: ncfc AT naflute DOT com

I will have flutes, flute bags, song books, etc for sale.