WCU Repair Options:
Flute
students are often interested in aspects flute repair and flute making and
I have long offered brief, introductory-classes, similar to those I taught
at Wildacres back in the 80’s. Shortly after my coming to Western Carolina,
the graduate flute students campaigned for something more "professional.".
I began an “Advanced Repair” class which quickly acquired a
life of its own. The group on the left are the original instigators. From left to right: Valerie Rice (started with Powell. then moved to Burkhart-Phelan), Rita Hayes (Asheville
Symphony, Brevard College, and a large private studio). Rita is probably
best known as the lead singer and flutist with Braidstream.
Libby Eglinton is back in Wellington, NZ, subbing with the New Zealand
Symphony and practicing physiotherapy (fixing more flutists than flutes) and
Joy Foyer Sears (first with Straubinger
flutes and more recently JL Smith) is in business for herself.
Another and more recent graduate is Reuben Councill,
who now has his own shop in Selinsburg, PA.. Our most recent graduate is
Jessica Squeglia, who recently began training at
Brannen Brothers. In spite of our
students' obvious professional success,
I have never considered this a vocational training course! I do consider
it an adjunct to good playing. It
provides a better understanding of how the flute works and an alternate
income while waiting for that orchestral position. The degree offered is
an MM in Flute Performance.