The convention took place in Portland, Oregon, a destination that represents westward expansion, hopes, and dreams. Honoring origins, the products of imagination, and what has come to life in the hands of trailblazers throughout the world. Recognizing the pathways of the flute in America as we celebrate the history of the United States.
More than 3,000 flutists gathered at the annual NFA Convention for four days of performances, masterclasses, competitions, and workshops. The convention welcomed flutists of all kinds - professionals, amateurs, students, and everyone in between - to learn, listen, grow, and bond over their shared love of the flute. In between events, students wander the lively exhibit hall to shop for instruments, music, and accessories from their favorite vendors, or step outside to enjoy all that Portland has to offer.
Our five UMD students attended and got to meet leaders in our field including alumni presenting, performing and premiering works.
Aluma Ramona Douglas, Eden Miller and Dr. Gudmundson
Alumna, Eden Miller, poster presentation of “Doriot Anthony Dwyer: One Woman’s Path to Principal.”
Beck Hutton Florez, Bachelor of Music - Instrumental Music Education Major shared her thoughts on a workshop she attended, Balancing Tradition and Freedom: Mastering Repertoire and Improvisation." by Giovanni Perez, Her take away was how Improvisation is in Jazz, but that Jazz is not Improvisation. He had some members, including myself, stand and give our best improvisation following a l to V pattern. “ He explained mistakes are allowed, it's just how we end that can help us recover. “ which is helpful to remember as we are learning."
Riley Ramsey, Bachelor of Music - Instrumental Music Education Major noted how he was able to “try predecessors of the Boehm flute. Renaissance and baroque flutes were used from about the 15th century until around the mid 19th century. These flutes don’t have keys like the modern flute. It was a very cool experience to play these instruments and understand more about the origins of the flute that most people play on today. At the end of this section I included a couple pictures to show the renaissance and baroque flutes held by me.”
UMD students trying Baroque instruments by Boaz Berney.
Flute Studio with Alum, Dr. Zachery Meier, Visiting Assistant Professor Composer premiering his work for piccolo.
Performing the Bach Air at the Closing Ceremonies. (See video)
On our last day of our trip we visited the Japanese Gardens in Portland to enjoy all of the amazing nature in the area.
Next year’s convention will be held in Minneapolis, MN in August 2027 and we can’t wait to attend and perform!
