Why a Flute Choir?

By Regina Masters

For many musicians, playing an instrument is a major part of growing up. We spend years taking lessons, practicing, rehearsing, performing in concerts, and making music with others. Then life happens. College ends, careers begin, families grow, and the instrument that once played such an important role in our lives may sit untouched for years.

So, why have a flute choir?

A flute choir gives musicians something that can be surprisingly difficult to find as adults: a place to play again.

Unlike a traditional band or orchestra, a flute choir is made up entirely of instruments from the flute family. Along with the familiar C flute, ensembles may include piccolo, alto flute, bass flute, and sometimes even larger members of the flute family. Together, these instruments create a much wider range of sound than many people expect. Flute choirs can perform everything from classical works and transcriptions to popular, seasonal, and contemporary music.

But a flute choir offers much more than an opportunity to perform. It teaches us to listen, count, blend, adjust, cooperate, and contribute to something larger than ourselves.

For someone returning to the flute after many years, a flute choir can provide both motivation and encouragement. There is suddenly a reason to practice again. Fingerings begin to return, embouchures strengthen, rhythms become more familiar, and notes that once seemed impossibly high start sounding a little better!

Just as importantly, we get to experience the camaraderie of being part of an ensemble again.

Some members may have played professionally or studied music in college. Others may be picking up their flute after decades away. What brings everyone together is the desire to make music.

Perhaps that is the best reason of all for having a flute choir.

Music shouldn't have to end when school ends. A flute choir gives us a place to continue learning, performing, challenging ourselves, building friendships, and experiencing the simple joy of making music together.