Sussex Flutes Day

I went to a really good flute day yesterday at All Saints Church in Hove. It was organised by Sussex Flutes, a group of 5 local flute teachers who often perform together. Their guest for the day was our Stephen Clark and he was great, as usual. Aislinn and Sarah from Just Flutes were also there with a huge display of instruments and music.

I didn't take any photos of the participants during the day, as I didn't know if the parents had given permission and one has to just be so very careful not to offend anyone. The daytime events were well attended and everyone seemed well catered for with warm up session, ensemble playing and workshops. The only downside was it was so very cold - but it is a huge church and although the heating was full on, the weather has been very cold and it takes along time to heat such a huge space.

In the evening there was a gala concert with Sussex Flutes and Stephen. Sussex Flutes performed a few excellent arrangements by Victoria Hancox and then they played Within by Ian Clarke. Stephen ended the first half of the concert with Zoom Tube again by Ian Clarke. For the second half we were treated to Mozart's D major flute concerto with Stephen as soloist accompanied by Sussex Flutes. Then Stephen played Pie in the Face Polka by Macinni. The last item was a flute choir performance of 'The Sound of Music' by the participants of the day.

It was an excellent day and congratulations go to all involved.

Aislinn and Sarah had a very long day and had planned to pack away quietly during the concert. I offered to help. There were quite a number of flutes that need cleaning and putting in their correct boxes - but the lights were off, so it was really difficult to see anything! I expect tomorrow all the cases will need to be checked to see if the solid silver Pearl flute doesn't have an Azumi footjoint and the blue flute hasn't found it's way into an Altus case! If they are all muddled up, it's my fault - I'll think of the staff of Just Flutes doing flute jigsaw puzzles with real flutes!

Were you there? Let us know what you thought.