Starting to get pretty excited about the flute convention

This morning I woke up thinking about the convention. This year it's going to be in Anaheim, and since I live in Long Beach, that's pretty cool - a nice 20 minute drive instead of a trip across the country! And no hotel stay! I can come home and sleep in my own comfy bed with my own perfect pillow!

The NFA has posted a schedule already, so I downloaded it and started checking off the things I'm interested in. There's something cool going on all the time, and my day will be pretty full.

Here's a taste of what's got my attention so far (list subject to change!):

Piccolo Gems
Thursday, August 12; 10:30-11:45

This concert will feature Nan Raphael, Walfrid Kujala and a host of other piccolo players accompanied by the CSU Fullerton Wind Symphony. I've seen Walfrid Kujala a couple of times before, and he's awesome. He's one of Patty's favorite players, so that's how I'm familiar with him. And it's impossible to pass up a piccolo concert when the players are as good as these!

Headliner Recital
Thursday, August 12; 12:15-1:15

This concert features Demarre McGill from the San Diego Symphony. I'm going to wait and see what's on the program, but I'm sure it's going to be good!

Flute Choirs in Concert
Thursday, August 12; 12-1

The fun thing about the convention is scrambling from one thing to the next. When the program is posted, I'll see if I can do both this and the headliner recital without missing anything I really want to see. The flute choirs to be performing are the Central Arizona Flute Ensemble and Bel Canto Flutes.

All that Jazz
Thursday, August 12, 1:30-2:30

Louise DiTullio! Louise DiTullio! Need I say more?

Headliner Recital
Thursday, August 12, 3-4

This concert will be featuring Mexican and Mexican-American composers. I know very little music by Mexican/Mexican-American composers. I'm looking forward to learning something.

Headliner Recital
Thursday, August 12, 5-6

Jim Walker! Need I say more?

Gala Concert - Chamber Music with a Twist
Thursday, August 12, 8-10

Aside from all the recitals and music and stuff you learn and shopping... the gala concerts are not to be missed at the convention. Greg Pattillo (the beatboxing flutist) will be performing at this one, and it sounds like fun.

Chamber Music for Flute and Percussion
Friday, August 13, 9-10

Come on, I'm married to a drummer; I an contractually obligated to attend this concert. Maybe I'll even convince Patrick to come with me. Plus, one of the flutists is Alexa Still, and I've seen her before and love her playing.

Music for Piccolo and Piano
Friday, August 13, 10-11

More piccolo! One of the pieces is by one of my favorite composers, Francis Poulenc.

California Innovators and Australian Composers
Friday, August 13, 10-11:30

Alexa Still is performing again. Conflict with the piccolo/piano concert, but I can catch the last 30 minutes.

Strange Bedfellows-Music for Flutes, Piccolo and Unlikely Partners
Friday, August 13, 11:30-12:30

Not much information is provided, but the title is certainly intriguing. Featuring Jan Gippo, Madera Winds, Maria Ramey, and Debora Harris.

Flute Choir Showcase
Friday, August 13, 1:30-2:30

I love seeing other flute choirs perform!

Anyway, I made notes through closing ceremony on Sunday, and I'll post the rest of the things that interest me later. Are you getting excited yet? Have you registered and started making plans?