Meet the flute choir: Diane

When and why did you start playing the flute?
When I was in the fourth grade, music lessons were offered at my school for all the common orchestra instruments. I wanted to play them all, I picked the flute pretty arbitrarily. Now I'm glad I did.

When did you join the flute choir? Why?
I joined the flute choir two years ago. I had been looking for a local group to play with and just stumbled upon the description in the adult school catalog.

Have you played in any other flute choirs or ensembles? Where else do (have) you perform(ed)?
I played in the Jr. Phil. when I was in Jr. high school. No other flute choirs. I didn't even know what a flute choir was until I joined this one!

Do you play any other instruments?
I started playing the drums in Jr. High, but the boys in the percussion section made it difficult to be the only girl, so I went back to the flute section.

Is your family musical?
Not until this past year when both my parents picked up the ukelele!

Describe your family's musical interests and abilities.
Besides the ukelele serenades?

Who is your biggest fan?
My boyfriend, Josh.

Which famous musicians do you admire (doesn't have to just be flutists!)? Why?
The LA philharmonic. Their peformances are always so flawless and beautiful!

Who was your first teacher? Other teachers?
My most significant teacher's name is Ellen Burr. She really helped me improve as a player and the things she taught me come out every time I pick up the flute.

What are your fondest musical memories?
Playing with the Jr. Phil in the big grand concert halls and of course every concert with the flute choir in the cafetorium.

Do you get nervous during a performance?
Yes, but not as much as I used to.

How do you handle mistakes?
What mistakes? I pretend they didn't happen so I can continue on and focus on the rest of the piece.

What advice would you give new flutists?
Chop up the hard parts into small sections and play them over and over and over...

What advice would you give new flute choir members?
Come back, we miss you!

What do you practice? How often?
Pretty much only flute choir music at least an hour a day.

How do you balance your music with other obligations - mate, children, job?
It's tough but I make time. No TV. No children.

Is there anything else you'd like to add about the flute, flute choir...?
I am so thankful to have the opportunity to play and be a part of this group!