top of page
Celebrating the Musical and Cultural Expressions of the World's Indigenous and Folk Flute Traditions
2024 Classroom Presentations
"Embellishments with Mary"
Mary Youngblood, half Seminole and half Aleut, is the first woman to professionally record the Native American flute, and the first Native American person to win two Grammy Awards for “Best Native American Music Album,” which makes Mary one of the premier Native American musicians in the country. She garnered the 2002 Grammy Award for her recording, Beneath the Raven Moon, and the 2006 Grammy Award for Dance with the Wind. She has a lifetime of musicianship behind her, beginning with piano lessons at age six and guitar at ten. Mary is also an accomplished classically-trained flutist. In addition, Mary is an Emmy nominee for the musical score to Spirit of Sacajawea.
When Mary performs, it takes only a moment to acknowledge the profound spirituality of the Native American flute and its historical courtship and wooing attributes. Her haunting music is much more than a song; it is both liquid poetry and a prayer.
Mary will offer private flute lessons at the convention. Please contact
her directly before or at the event to arrange flute lessons.
"Melodies of Japan"
Why does Japan have such a specific sound? How did it develop? In this course, you will learn about the melodies of Japan. From gagaku (ancient court music) to common songs in the Edo period, hear and experience them not only through word but through live example from performer Shawn Renzoh Head who will play examples of these melodies on voice, hitoyogiri, and shakuhachi.
Shawn will offer private shakuhachi lessons at the convention. Please contact him directly before or at the event to arrange private lessons.
"Creativity with Looping and Effects Pedals"
This interactive workshop with Dr. Melissa Keeling will cover what gear you need to get started playing any flute with effects pedals, how to set up the equipment, demonstrations of various effects, and a quick lesson on looping. This session goes beyond the gear itself to explore how effects can be used creatively to expand the capabilities of your flute. Dr. Melissa Keeling will walk-through her process of writing and arranging music for effects pedals and loopers, and attendees will have the opportunity to try the pedals in various contexts. While she plays silver flute, the concepts can be applied to any instrument!
Dr. Meliss Keeling will offer private flute lessons at the convention. Please contact her directly before or at the event to arrange private lessons.
bottom of page