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Top tips from Doctor Flute

Hey all! I’m on vacation this week, so I thought I would share a great online resource for flutists of all ages, from a professional flutist and educator, Doctor Flute–also known as Dr. Angela McBrearty. Dr. McBrearty received her DMA in Music Education from The Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. Her dissertation addressed flute pedagogy as it pertains to the beginner flute. Previously, she earned her MM in Flute Performance from Binghamton University and an undergraduate degree in Music Education from Houghton College. Her website, doctorflute.com, is a wealth of knowledge about everything from making your first sound to advance techniques. Here are a few of my favorite informational articles/videos:Relax Your Embochure to Improve Your Tone Live Flute Lesson on Beginner Vibrato Double Tonguing Troubleshooting Happy learning, and I’ll see you next week!

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Jul 25, 2022 No Comments

Flutists in mourning

The flute community is mourning two huge losses this week with the passing of Emerson DeFord and William “Wibb” Bennett. DeFord passed away at his home on Monday, May 9th and Bennett passed Wednesday evening after a brief battle with motor neuron disease. Both of these men left an indelible mark on the flute world, and they will be greatly missed. After serving with the U.S. Army during the Korean War, DeFord began his flutemaking career at the W.T. Armstrong Flute Company in Elkhart, Indiana, and quickly rose to the position of vice president of production in 1962. A few years later, he started the Heritage Division, where he mentored many flutemakers including Bickford Brannen, Jack Moore, Tom Green, John Yeater, and Larry Earnhart. DeFord and Mark Thomas worked together to improve the quality and design of student flutes and to develop the complete flute family (including bass, alto, E-flat soprano, C, treble G, and B-flat flutes) and, later, a wood piccolo and professional C flute. His name is now synonymous with the modern student flute. One of DeFord’s most important contributions to the flute world is his work with flutists who have been injured or have developed physical conditions

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May 12, 2022 No Comments

Flute Day with Dr. Cate Hummel

I am beyond excited to announce that flute performer, educator, and Altus artist Dr. Cate Hummel will be joining us for our 2022 Flute Day on April 2nd! This event will feature opportunities for play-testing some high-end Altus instruments not normally seen in the shop, which will be by appointment only. In the evening, Dr. Cate will present a recital featuring music written during the pandemic, followed by a masterclass with area high school and college students. Dr. Cate Hummel loves performing, especially music that is not well known by both recognized and forgotten composers. She is active as a performing artist and clinician around the U.S. and internationally. Some memorable events have included being a guest artist at the Festival International de Flauta in Monterrey, Mexico, playing the premiere of Douglas Townsend’s Sonatina for flute and piano (lost for 40 years), presenting on the teaching of Marcel Moyse at the British Flute Society Convention, playing a debut recital in Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, a recital at Bruno Walter Auditorium in Lincoln Center in New York, and on the Dame Myra Hess Series at the Chicago Cultural Center. She received her DMA and MM degrees from the Manhattan

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Mar 3, 2022 No Comments

Teacher spotlight: Karen Moratz

If you’re in the Indianapolis area–or even if you’re not!–there’s a good chance you’ve come across Indy’s flute GOAT, Karen Moratz. Not only is she an accomplished performer, professor, and entrepreneur; she also has an incredibly diverse background and set of interests! I was lucky enough to study with Karen as I got my Masters degree at Butler University. Please enjoy getting to know a little bit more about her. Karen Evans Moratz is Principal Flutist with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and Artist in Residence at Jordan College of the Arts at Butler University. She has been on the faculty at the Grand Teton Festival Orchestral Seminar and the Aria International Summer Academy, as well as Visiting Professor at Indiana University/Bloomington and the University of Illinois/Champaign-Urbana. Her cadenzas for Mozart’s Flute Concerto in G major have been published by Southern Music. She was the Coordinator for the National Flute Association’s Young Artist Competition from 2003-2008. She is a founding member of the Greater Indianapolis Flute Club (Indyflute) and of the Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra. Ms. Moratz holds a bachelor’s degree from the Peabody Conservatory and a postgraduate degree from the Musikhochschule Freiburg im Breisgau. She was a member of the New

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Feb 15, 2022 No Comments

Re-introducing myself

Hey there! In the spirit of getting back to more regular posting on here and social media, I thought it would be appropriate to introduce myself to any new followers and re-acquaint myself with others. My name is Erin, and I manage the Indy Flute Shop at Paige’s Music, which was opened in 2008 to better serve the needs of intermediate to professional flute players in Indiana. I’ve been here since March 2013, after finishing my Masters in Music Education at Butler University, where I studied with Karen Moratz. Although this isn’t a traditional teaching job per se, I still get to work with students of all levels to help them choose their next perfect instrument, so it truly is a perfect fit for me. My undergraduate degree is actually in Psychology from the University of Evansville, so I consider myself pretty well-rounded and can psychoanalyze you while you shop for a flute (kidding, kidding). In all seriousness, I really do love what I do, and I always hope that comes across when I’m working with anyone from an excited beginner to a professional player. I’m married to my high school sweetheart, Colin–we’re celebrating 20 years of togetherness this summer!

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Feb 10, 2022 2 Comments

Ball State Flute Day 2021

If you have been anxiously awaiting the return of in-person events, wait no longer–the BSU Flute Studio is presenting their 2021 Flute Day live and in person, this Sunday the 17th! We are proud to help sponsor this event, featuring artist Shannon Sparrow of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra! All events are FREE and open to the public–bring your flute! Register here and find more information.  Sharon Sparrow is currently Acting Principal Flute of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. She earned a Bachelor’s degree at The Juilliard School and a Master’s degree at Mannes College of Music, studying with renowned teachers Julius Baker, Thomas Nyfenger and Geoffrey Gilbert. She has given master classes all over the world and locally is the Instructor of Flute at Oakland University and Wayne State University. Sharon is a sought-after trainer for orchestral auditions on all instruments, and she has coached players who have won major jobs in orchestras throughout the US. Her specialty is helping musicians with their mindset, confidence and certainty through preparation so they can master the audition experience. Sharon Sparrow is a hands-on advocate for music education at all ages, and has hosted and written children’s shows for both the Detroit Symphony and

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Oct 12, 2021 No Comments

Nestor Torres virtual clinic

I have some BIG news for you – the Indy Flute Shop, along with Eastman Music and Haynes Flutes, is hosting a virtual clinic with jazz flute master and Haynes performing artist, Nestor Torres! Join us Tuesday, September 21, at 7pm on Zoom or Facebook Live for this exciting and dynamic event. This will be an improvisation clinic and participation is encouraged – bring your flute and come ready to play! Registration is required; visit www.wmshaynes.com/register to sign up for your spot. ABOUT MR. TORRESStanding on the shoulders of flute giants from worlds as diverse as Rampal & Galway in classical music; Richard Egues’ Cuban Charanga style; rocker Ian Anderson’s Jethro Tull; Herbie Mann and – most influential of all – Hubert Laws as pioneers of Jazz Flute, Latin Grammy Award winning Nestor Torres’ rhythmic and mellifluous flute sound remains apart in a class all by itself. His 14 recordings as a soloist; 4 Latin Grammy nominations, one Grammy nomination and one Latin Grammy Award; collaborations with diverse artists such as Gloria Estefan, Kenny Loggins, Dave Matthews, Herbie Hancock, Tito Puente, Michael Camilo, Paquito D’ Rivera and Arturo Sandoval; as well as performances with the Cleveland, Singapore, and New World

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Aug 31, 2021 No Comments

Paige’s Music History Spotlight-Episode 6

We’re chugging right along in our Paige’s of History series, looking today at 1945-1960! A famous comedian from Indianapolis, the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, as well as one of the most famous clarinets of all time were born during this time period. Watch the video to find out the answers, and to learn what else was happening in our country and with our company between these years! TRANSCRIPT:Hello everyone! And welcome back to another episode of our “Paige’s of History” Spotlight.This week we’ll be looking at the years 1945 through 1960…On April 12, 1947, comedian and talk show host extraordinaire David Letterman was born right here, in Indianapolis.That same year, in a YMCA on the West side of Chicago, approximately 120 directors assembled for a six-hour clinic and new music reading session. Today, what is now known as the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, hosts 18,000 attendees from all 50 states and more than 40 countries.in 1950, Robert Carree developed the Buffett R13, which is still one of the most popular clarinets in the world.On June 25th, 1951, RCA Broadcasted its first color television program on CBS.On October 4th, 1957- The Cold War began to heat up when Russia

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Mar 26, 2021 No Comments

Paige’s Music History Spotlight-Episode 1

We’re here with the first “Paige’s of History Spotlight”, celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Paige’s Music. Join us as we look back at the events that shaped our country, our state, and our company. For this video series, we’ll be looking at snippets of local and national history as they relate to music education, music industry and our company. So…it’s 1871…The great Chicago Fire rages through the city for two days straight.A breathtaking 3,500 square foot Mile parcel of land was on its way to becoming Yellowstone National Park, and in the industrial city of Terre Haute, Indiana, William Harlan Paige, founded W.H. Paige and Company on the corner of Main and 6th Street with his business partner, W.B. Wharton. The downtown Terre Haute store was a full-line shop for everything related to music. W.H. Paige was known for his fine tenor voice and sold his own choral arrangements at the store as well. Some might argue that W.H. Paige’s success is due to William’s experience of being THE first music teacher in the Terre Haute Public Schools, giving him first hand knowledge of what schools would need for years to come. Just nine years after the opening of the

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Feb 11, 2021 No Comments

Re-introducing myself

It’s been a while since I’ve said “hey” around here, and I know I have a lot of new followers since this video came out, so I wanted to take a moment to re-“introduce” myself. Hi! My name is Erin Nichols, and I’m the manager of the Indy Flute Shop at Paige’s Music. I work with everyone from new players to students looking to upgrade their beginner flute from Paige’s Music to local and area professionals to help them find their next perfect forever instrument! I genuinely love what I do, even though I never saw myself in this kind of position. Other random things about me: I’m an I/ENFJ (who else loves Meyers-Briggs??), I have 3 senior pets (a 13-year old beagle, a 9-year old miniature pinscher mix, and a 12-year old red tabby cat), and I LOVE to read. I live in a historic neighborhood in Indianapolis with my husband of 13 years, Colin, and my almost-2 year old daughter, Ailey. If you want to know a little bit about me and my background, feel free to watch this video from about 3 years ago. Enjoy!

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Jan 19, 2021 No Comments

Volante Winds

If you’re looking for some wonderful music performed by top-notch musicians to usher in Christmas and close this year out, look no further than Volante Winds. Now in their 5th Season, Volante Winds has reached high acclaim in the field of chamber music for their “beautiful sound”, “perfect ensemble”, and “excellent, mature poise.” All former doctoral candidates of Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, they have continued to collaborate this year with virtual recordings of the highest caliber. Suyeon Ko is the Instructor of Flute at Western Illinois University. Dr. Ko is also the founder and the Artistic Director of the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music Flute Academy, and is a founding member of Volante Winds. Originally from Jeju, South Korea, Dr. Ko received Doctoral of Music degree in flute performance from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, Performer’s Diploma at Indiana University, Master of Music degree in flute performance from the University of North Texas, and a Bachelor of Music in flute performance from Jeju National University in South Korea. With the Volante Winds, Dr. Ko has toured across the U.S. and East Asia. Formed in 2016, the quintet has been a featured ensemble at premiere

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Dec 22, 2020 No Comments

Performer Spotlight: Stefán Ragnar Höskuldsson

This Saturday, Ball State University’s flute studio is presenting their annual Flute Day–the virtual edition! All sessions are free, from 9am-4pm, and will be held on Zoom. Registration is open through tomorrow at https://ballstatefluteday.weebly.com/. A schedule of events and materials can also be found there. This year’s featured performer is none other than Chicago Symphony Orchestra principal flute, Stefán Ragnar Höskuldsson. Höskuldsson is the principal flutist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, as well as a distinguished international soloist and chamber musician. Prior to joining the CSO, he served as principal flute of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra from 2008-2015. A native of Iceland, Stefán has been praised by the New York Times for his agility and warmth of expression. He also currently teaches at DePaul University in Chicago and has been a faculty member with the Pacific Music Festival in Japan since 2010. He has given master classes at The Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, Mannes College of Music, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and the Royal Academy of Music. Mr. Höskuldsson attended the Reykjavik School of Music in Iceland where he studied with Bernhard Wilkinson. Following his graduation, Stefán attended the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester,

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Nov 5, 2020 No Comments

Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra

Indianapolis is chock-full of amazing performing groups, and I wanted to take some time to highlight some of them in the coming months. This week, we’re talking about the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, a small chamber group based in the Butler University area, with a roster packed with amazing musicians. Founded in 1984 as the Musicians of the Cloister, the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra first performed at Trinity Episcopal Church. In 1987, Maestro Kirk Trevor was appointed Music Director and Conductor, a position he held until 2015, when Matthew Kraemer took over. The ICO joined the Indiana State University Contemporary Music Festival as Orchestra-in-Residence in 2007 and remains in that position today. During this three-day immersive educational event, the ICO sponsors a nation-wide competition for the composition of new works for chamber orchestra. In 2012, ICO became the professional Orchestra-in-Residence for Schrott Center for the Arts at Butler University. Of course, since we’re all about all things flute here, let’s introduce the flutists of the group. Alistair Howlett is Principal Flute, in addition to being Assistant Professor of Music at DePauw and Professor of Music at Anderson University. Howlett has performed as Guest Principal Flute with the Indianapolis Symphony, East Coast and

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Oct 20, 2020 No Comments

Private teacher spotlight: Jenna Page

Continuing with our private teacher spotlight series, this month I’m featuring local performer, teacher, and composer Jenna Page! 1. When did you start playing flute? Did you always know you wanted to play an instrument, and what drew you to the flute?I started playing the flute like most students do – in my sixth grade band class. I went to my school’s instrument “petting zoo” to try out various instruments. I gravitated towards the flute and the saxophone, but when it came to finally choosing, it was actually my parent’s choice. My dad took me to the music store one afternoon and surprised me with a flute. Music has always been a big part of my family and growing up. My mom gave me piano lessons. I sang in choir in elementary school. Joining the school band was just a natural extension of my musical education. 2. What made you decide to pursue music as a career?When choosing a college major, I was torn between elementary education and music performance. I decided that if I wanted a shot at a music career, I needed to pursue that first. If it didn’t work out or if I didn’t like it, I

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Sep 22, 2020 No Comments

Private teacher spotlight: Jill Mandell

I am very fortunate in my job to work with many local professionals, and the backbone of great flute players in the state is definitely our amazing private teachers. These teachers work both in their homes (mostly virtually now with COVID precautions) and in local schools to help flute players progress in their skills, and when they are ready for their next flute, I often work with both parents and the private teacher to find their perfect instrument! Today’s spotlight is on Jill Mandell, a prolific private teacher in the Carmel/Westfield area. Please enjoy this interview and learn a bit more about Jill! 1. When did you start playing the flute? My father was an elementary principal in Bloomington, Minnesota and in our school district, band was started in the 6th grade. He would bring home instruments from his school for me to try, and when I was in 5th grade he put the flute in my hands– I knew I had found my instrument. I could not make a sound out of it, but he could, so he was the one who taught me how to make the correct embouchure. 2. Did you always know you wanted to play

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Aug 25, 2020 No Comments

A Virtual Evening with Karen Moratz

I am so excited to announce the very first Indy Flute Shop virtual event, featuring none other than Indianapolis’ finest, Karen Evans Moratz! I have so missed hosting artists and events here at the shop, but unfortunately it looks like it’s going to be a while before we will be able to safely do that again, so along with the rest of the music industry we are making the best of the situation! I can’t think of a better, more talented, or kinder person to collaborate on this event with, and I really think you are going to enjoy what we are putting together for you. Please join the Indy Flute Shop for a very special virtual event with Karen Evans Moratz– Indianapolis performer, author, entrepreneur, and Win-D-Fender representative. The Win-D-Fender sound guard was originally invented to help flutists play outside without the fear of wind silencing the sound. However, in the past few months it has gained notoriety as a tool to help combat the spread of air when playing related to COVID-19. Karen will give a brief talk on the Win-D-Fender and answer questions about the product. She will then perform a short recital of unaccompanied pieces. Read

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Jul 28, 2020 No Comments

Remembering Christel DeHaan

The Indianapolis arts and education community has suffered a profound loss with the passing of Christel DeHaan. A self-made millionaire, DeHaan dedicated the last decades of her life to philanthropy in the areas of music, the arts, education, and global poverty. She was a huge supporter of local music programs and the arts community. DeHaan emigrated to the United States from Germany at age 20, settling in Indiana. In 1974, she founded Resort Condiminiums International with her then-husband Jon DeHaan, and in 1987 she was awarded half the company and purchased the other half when they divorced. In 1995, she sold RCI for $825 million. From that point on, she dedicated her life to philanthropic ventures focused heavily on Indianapolis arts programs, as well as other global initiatives. In 1998, DeHaan founded and donated $220 million to Christel House International, a non-profit organization for assisting impoverished children, both abroad and locally. The organization operates two learning centers in India, one in Mexico, one in South Africa, and four schools in the United States, including one in Indianapolis. She also donated to the creation of the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center on the campus of the University of Indianapolis. This award-winning

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Jun 9, 2020 No Comments

IU Flute Academy

If you live anywhere near the Bloomington area and are interested in you or your student receiving the very highest caliber of private and group study, you need to check out the IU Jacobs School of Music Flute Academy. The Flute Academy is a flute study course for pre-college and adult amateur flutists of all levels, beginner through advanced, led by Jacobs School of Music flute instructors! They offer private lessons, group lessons, performance opportunities, and flute choir participation to elementary, middle, and high school students. In addition, participants have access to Jacobs School of Music flute events, including faculty recitals, guest recitals, student recitals, and masterclasses, all led by esteemed professors Dr. Thomas Robertello and Dr. Suyeon Ko. Dr. Robertello was appointed associate professor of flute at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music in 1997. A former member of the Pittsburgh Symphony, The Cleveland Orchestra, and the National Symphony, he has performed as guest principal flutist with the Chicago Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Dallas Symphony, Chicago Philharmonic, Louisiana Philharmonic, Houston Grand Opera, and Nashville Chamber Orchestra. He has been featured as a soloist with the Pittsburgh Symphony and appears as a soloist on numerous other recordings. Robertello’s former

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Feb 18, 2020 No Comments

Emerson DeFord

At the National Flute Association convention in Salt Lake City this past August, the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to master flute maker and entrepreneur Emerson DeFord. Many aspects of the flute that we take for granted today, particularly on student instruments, can be traced back to DeFord’s ideas, and some instruments still bear his name. After an unsuccessful start as an aircraft inspector after the Korean War, he quickly found his calling in the flute world, and we are so grateful he did. Emerson Ford started his time in the flute business in the mid-1950s when he applied for a position as a flutemaker at the W.T. Armstrong Flute Company in Elkhart, Indiana. He quickly rose through the ranks there and became the vice president of production in 1962. From there, he founded the Heritage Division of flutes which produced higher-end silver instruments. Some of the biggest names in modern flute making, such as Bickford Brannen and Jack Moore, worked under DeFord at that time. In addition to developing some of the finest silver flutes of that time, they also “worked together to improve the quality and design of student flutes and to develop the complete flute family.”

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Jan 7, 2020 3 Comments
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