Making A Case For NFA Conventions (because it's necessary - note sarcasm)

Despite being a native of the Chicagoland area, I did not attend the National Flute Association (NFA) convention this past weekend.  And I do regret not being able to go.  I had the opportunity to go the past two years and the experiences were eye-opening.  If you don't know anything about the NFA or the annual convention, I highly recommend going to the NFA website and exploring the organization and all that it offers.

Besides being an excuse to go to some really interesting places, such as Las Vegas and New Orleans - yes, the convention was also a vacation for me and my family - the convention gives flutists the opportunity to see live performances by big-name professionals and average Joes alike, presentations by extremely knowledgeable persons, and masterclasses/competitions.  You can also network, and there are so many interesting people there to meet.  But probably the most fun activity to partake in is the huge "market" where vendors of flutes, flute music, and flute accessories set up their booths so that you can stop by and chat with them.  And, you know, buy stuff if you are so inclined.

Stolen from the NFA Facebook Page

Can you imagine being able to listen to amazing performances in venues such as the one pictured above?!  Remember what I said about finding new music two posts ago?  One of the best ways to find new music is to go to concerts.  Well, the NFA convention has a ton of them and they range in content.  For example, there are recitals performed by flute ensembles/choirs from all over the United States.  In this case, if you are in a flute choir, trying to start one, or just like hearing a new medium, you can find some great music at these recitals.  No one plays the same piece and some groups premier newly-composed music.  There are also recitals dedicated to the performance of new music, which can be arranged for all sorts of ensembles involving flute.  There is a concerto gala, and, oh, the listening possibilities are endless!

The presentations are very enlightening too.  The NFA sends out a schedule, or at least posts it on their website, well in advance of the convention so it is, in theory, very easy to plan out your days.  However, at least with me, I find that there are often two events I want to go to that are occurring at the same time.  Ah!! Not fair.  But, shortly after the convention closes, the NFA does post some of the handouts received at the various presentations on their website.  So you don't totally miss out.  The presentations range from performance practice, how to practice, how to memorize, how to get the career you want, academic papers, to specializations, i.e. baroque flute/music or beat-boxing.  Everyone can learn something from these ample opportunities.

Now, remember those competitions I mentioned?  There are a variety of competitions for which flutists of the under-the-age-of-30 variety can audition.  Here is the link to the 2015 competition audition flyer.  I would say the "big deal" competition is the young artist competition.  However, the high school-level young artist and orchestral excerpt competitions are interesting as well.  You can see up-and-coming talent and observe, essentially, a masterclass on orchestral excerpts.  Double win.  They also rotate baroque, piccolo, and jazz competitions too, if memory serves.  So whether or not you audition and win a spot or just show up at the convention and watch the competitors, you can learn a lot and hear some great music.

Shopping, anyone?  Looking for a new flute?  New music?  The convention is as good of a place as any.  And there are experienced people there willing to help you figure out exactly what you are looking for.  Brannen Brothers, Powell, Pearl, Flute World, Flute Specialists, they are all there and waiting to sell you something.  They also raffle off some pretty nice stuff; Brannen Brothers raffled a Lafin headjoint last year in New Orleans.  Wanted it, badly... :(

Where will the next few conventions be? - Check it out.  Get excited and consider going.