Overview

The Flute Haven Native Flute School is an intensive workshop for people who play (or wish to play) the Native American Flute. It is a chance to deepen our experience with our music in general, and Native Flutes in particular.

Flute players with all levels of experience are welcome! We encourage the sounds of all players in a supportive and non-critical environment.

This year, we have three options:

• a Three-day weekend program,
• a Five-day program, and
• a Facilitator Training Program that runs seven days and is designed for people who lead or wish to lead flute circles and Native Flute workshops.

Workshop sessions throughout the Native Flute School focus on building confidence playing the flute in many settings and styles and expressing your inner voice. Topics include:

• The elements of music - melody, harmony, rhythm, texture, and silence;
• Basic Native Flute modes, techniques, and ornaments;
  
• Basic improvisation techniques such as call-and-response, solo over drone, and repeated patterns;
  
• Song forms such as A/B/A contrast, blues, and rounds.

Philosophy

We believe that musical self-expression is a joyful and healthy means of communication available to absolutely everyone. There are no “unmusical” people – just people with more or less musical experience.

We also believe that participants learn the most when they are actually playing the most. Participants will be playing most of the time! You will get an opportunity to play solo and in ensembles in many settings and many types of instruments, and work with facilitators from many different corners of music.

Regardless of your current level of experience, if you want to bring your flute playing to a new level, this is the workshop to attend!

Program Details

The Flute Haven Three-day program runs from Friday August 20, 2010 at 5PM through Sunday August 22 at Noon. The Five-day program runs from Wednesday August 18, 2010 at 5PM through Sunday August 22 at Noon. Workshop sessions focus on:

• playing technique
• improvisations styles
• jamming with other musicians, including flute, piano, guitar, etc.
• adding your voice to your music
• incorporating rhythm, and
• song forms

You will come away with the ability to play with confidence and an understanding of rhythms, tones and improvisation. The closing session is on the morning of Sunday Oct 18th and concludes at Noon.

Recording

Professional recording equipment will be on-site throughout the program, recording workshop sessions as well as small groups and individuals in studio sessions.

Copies of the audio recording of the workshop will be available to participants to take home at the end of the workshop for a nominal cost. Also, if you wish to schedule time for a studio recording session, speak to Eric Miller to set up a recording session.

Facilitator Training Program

The Facilitator Training Program is designed for people who lead or wish to lead flute circles and Native Flute workshops. This program begins on Monday August 16th, 2010 and continues through the closing session on Sunday August 22th at Noon.

Participants in the Facilitator Training Program will get coaching in the art of music workshop facilitation from instructors with a collective 30 years of experience in music facilitation. Topics include:

• Structuring a music workshop event
• Dozens of activities for Native Flute players
• Facilitating ensembles

In addition, participants will get direct hands-on experience facilitating groups of flute players in the Five-day and Three-day Native Flute School programs that run Wednesday evening through Sunday.

Group Jam and Celebration

On Saturday evening we all gather for a big jam session. This is open to all and we encourage you to invite friends and family to come and participate in the music-making.

Location

The Flute Haven Native Flute School is located in a true haven: the Stony Point Retreat Center, on 32 acres in the Hudson River Valley just South of West Point. The retreat center has a labyrinth, a dedicated meditation room, a Japanese garden, and a pavilion for outdoor performaces. All rooms are a very short work to the dining hall and our workshop spaces.

The address at Stony Point is 17 Crickettown Road, Stony Point, NY 10980. (845)786-5674.

Visit the Stony Point Retreat Center Web Site for information on their facilities and accomodations.

Click for Directions to the Stony Point Retreat Center, or click for a Mapquest Map centered on the Stony Point Retreat Center, or click the map below for Google Maps:

Transportation

The Stony Point Retreat Center is easily accessible by many public transportation options. Please Scroll Down on the Stony Point Directions Page for Public Transportation Options.

Tracks from 2008 participants:

“Exceptional opening ceremony at registration orientation. Lots of subjects covered. Great for a full immersion. I got my money's worth the first day.”

“What fun to listen to such outstanding musicians in an informal setting! The Jazz class was awesome-a blast! I don't have any prior experience with jazz.I want to continue to explore. ”
— Advanced Student, 2008

“Thank you! What a blessing this has been for me!!! The outstanding presenters, varied and diverse curriculum, good organization & scenery made this a life changing experience!”