Post-convention interview: Michael

Was this your first time attending the flute convention? If no, what keeps you interested in returning? If yes, will you go again? This was not my first time attending the flute convention. Flute conventions I have attended (and their attractions):

• Kansas City 1994
• Orlando 1995 (Disney World!)
• Phoenix 1998 (inaugural season of the Arizona Diamondbacks, at BankOne Ballpark aka the BOB
• Atlanta 1999 (Coca-Cola museum)
• Dallas 2001
• Washington DC 2002 (after 9/11/2001, Library of Congress, Smithsonian museums, Arlington Cemetery, Kennedy Center, numerous monuments and memorials, seat of national government, etc.)
• Nashville 2004 (Grand Ole Opry)
• San Diego 2005
• Pittsburgh 2006 (riverfront in Old Steel Town)
• Albuquerque 2007 (spicy chilies)
• Anaheim 2010

For me, the convention being held in different cities makes for an opportunity to tour and vacation in a new place every year. I will continue to attend the conventions.

Were there any performances that stood out for you in particular? Who was the performer and what did they play? The flute choir showcase of the Kirameki Flute Orchestra stood out above all the others – flawless and easy to listen to, including featured soloists’ cadenzas/highlights. (The Kirameki Flute Orchestra consists of professional flutists from major orchestras and ensembles throughout Japan. I recognized one of their members, a contrabass flute player, as having performed in a previous convention, with Concert Lumiere.

What was your favorite part of the entire convention? My favorite part of the convention is being able to meet other flutists, and occasionally offering tips/insight on selecting/purchasing a harmony (alto or bass) flute.

What special thing, if anything, did you buy in the exhibit hall? No purchases in the exhibit hall. I did pick up a free poster of the Kirameki Flute Orchestra. Tried mostly bass and alto flutes. (“I went to the convention and all I got was this T-shirt” J)

If you made a major purchase (flute, headjoint, etc.), what did you buy and what did you replace? No major purchase this year.

Is there anything else you'd like to talk about (concerning the convention, flute playing, the flute choir, etc.)? For some reason, I found myself volunteering/assisting/chatting with Kelly Via often (moving chairs and music stands before/after flute choir performances, handing out music at reading sessions, etc). Kelly is the NFA Flute Choirs Coordinator. I enjoy his flute choir arrangements; the Culver City Flute Choir has performed many of them.

Not to be over-saturated with the flute in four days, I have also taken diversions to Major League Baseball games, usually on Friday night, whenever they were easily accessible (Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves [cap night], San Diego Padres [hat night], and Pittsburgh Pirates [bobble-head night]).