Flute Players Flourish in NMYO Ensembles

Hampton-based flutist and teacher Trisha Craig directs the Northeast Massachusetts Youth Orchestras’ flute choirs, where she helps young musicians to refine their technique, learn from their peers, and share their musical gifts with surrounding communities. Craig is the owner and director of Music Makers in North Hampton, and also teaches flute at The Governor’s Academy and the Ted Herbert Music School. Under her direction, the NMYO flute choirs provide students with a unique opportunity to rehearse and perform in a close-knit community of committed flutists.

A flute choir is an all-flute ensemble of about seven to ten musicians who play a repertoire exclusively for piccolo, soprano flute, alto flute, and bass flute. In a flute choir, student musicians have the opportunity to receive more individual attention and instruction than they might in a larger ensemble. At NMYO, an upbeat rehearsal style and the support of a close community of other flutists builds confidence and prepares student musicians for a variety of performance settings and levels of playing. Flute choirs also provide a structured environment in which flutists can fine-tune their skills in preparation for upcoming individual performances, such as recitals, District and All-State Festival auditions, music supplements for college applications, and conservatory auditions.

Student flutists are encouraged to audition for one of NMYO’s three flute choirs: Select Flute Choir (advanced high school musicians), Flute Choir (high school musicians), and Junior Flute Choir (middle school musicians). All flute choirs play in four concerts a year -- in addition to NMYO’s winter and spring concerts, they perform in the Thanksgiving outreach concert benefiting the Ipswich Food Pantry and an all-flute concert in March. Each group meets weekly on Sunday afternoons at Trinity Episcopal Church in Topsfield, MA.

To register for an audition to be held on Aug. 20, go to nmyo.org and click on the auditions page, or email auditions@nmyo.org for an alternate date. Questions can be addressed to 978-309-9833.

The mission of the Northeast Massachusetts Youth Orchestras is to provide young musicians with exceptional ensemble training and opportunities for personal growth through musical performance and community service. NMYO is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.

PHOTO: Sarah Ghika of Hampton performs. Credit: Kathy Joyce

Submitted by the Northeast Massachusetts Youth Orchestras.