Meet the Flute Choir: Irene

When and why did you start playing the flute?
I started playing the flute in the 2nd or 3rd grade.

When did you join the flute choir? Why?
I joined the flute choir when I was a senior in high school.

Have you played in any other flute choirs or ensembles? Where else do (have) you perform(ed)?
No other flute choirs, unfortunately! I played in the high school marching band; the high school orchestra; the Los Angeles Junior Philharmonic; and I have performed at City Garage Theatre in "The Gertrude Stein Project," and "The Bacchae." I also play with a classical guitarist, Christopher Hundley. Most recently I performed "The Emperor and the Bird of Paradise" (for flute and narrator) at a special performance at City Garage with my friend, David Frank.

Do you play any other instruments?
I play the piccolo, and bass or alto flute when someone is kind enough to loan me one!

Describe your family's musical interests and abilities.
Both my parents love music; my sister dabbles with the acoustic guitar once in awhile. One of my brothers played the trumpet for a short time. My husband is a drummer, and has played in punk bands (Magnolia Thunderpussy, Pipsqueak), free jazz groups (Halfway to Cleveland), and most recently, in Melic Sub Rosa (avant-rock improvisation) and Suffering Luna (I have no idea what classification this music falls into!).

Which famous musicians do you admire (doesn't have to just be flutists!)? Why?
Flutists: Ian Clarke, Paul Edmund Davies, Gary Schocker, Mimi Stillman... Also, the Marine Corp Band - my husband and I saw them play this year in Washington, D.C., and I think they're wonderful.

Other musicians, bands: The Police, Stewart Copeland, Melvins, Radiohead, Elvis Costello, Talking Heads, Pearl Jam, David Bowie, lots of 70s and 80s stuff... I love rock and roll, punk, pop, you name it.

Who was your first teacher? Other teachers?
In elementary school, my teacher was Kent Gregory. In middle school and high school band, Joe Nazzaretta. My private teacher was Patty Sikorski. I have had the good luck to sometimes get to play with Patty and Joe a few times for gigs. They're both excellent flutists, and I learn so much from them when we play together.

What are your fondest musical memories?
Marching band was a lot of fun, but I was thrilled to be onstage at City Garage. Also, I very much enjoyed playing (twice in performance) the William Tell Overture on piccolo with the Culver City Flute Choir. The first time, because it's so much fun (the piccolo gets to fly!), and the second time, because my dad had commented on it the first time around (he said he really liked it) and actually requested it a couple of years later.

Do you get nervous during a performance?
Absolutely.

How do you handle mistakes?
At the moment they occur, I try to forget it and move on, but sometimes just thinking that - "Don't worry about it!" - is enough of a distraction. I take it hard when I think I messed up.

What advice would you give new flutists?
Listen! My favorite part of taking lessons will always be sight-reading duets with Patty. Trying to match her and just keep up was inspirational and a huge part of my development as a flutist. Just listening to her play is educational.

What advice would you give new flute choir members?
Relax!

What do you practice? How often?
I am definitely a "have gig will practice" flutist. I love to play, but I'm pretty lazy. During flute choir seasons, I practice a lot more than usual but not as much as I guess I should.

How do you balance your music with other obligations - mate, children, job?
My husband has always been very supportive of my playing. He has an excellent ear, and has taught me a lot about music.

Is there anything else you'd like to add about the flute, flute choir...?
We have so much fun! Check us out!