In addition to this, I am working with folk songwriter and guitarist John Matthews and along with other local musicians to record several CDs featuring his original music. John describes his music as a mix of folk, country, rock and pop. He has unique and fresh approach to his music writing, and each CD and song has a different flavor. I am writing the flute and keyboard parts and recording them at Swallow Hill Music Association in Denver, CO. We are planning to release a folk style wedding CD in the spring of next year, and I am currently working on some folk rock songs for a future CD.

Mosteller Mansion - Hickory, NC

This Saturday I enjoyed playing flute for a wedding at Mosteller Mansion with a wonderful harpist, Jennie Eggleston. It was my first time playing with Jennie and working with her was a pleasure. Jennie’s blog about her performances inspired me to write about my own performances in the future as well.

Our Saturday drive to Mosteller Mansion became very stormy with impressive clouds and wind. Because of the rain, we played our prelude indoors as the wedding guests waited out the bad weather. Just in time for the wedding ceremony, the rain stopped and the bride and groom enjoyed a beautiful outdoor wedding like they had planned. The attendants stood on an elegant curving stairways encircling the bride and groom for a grand effect.

It’s Simple – When you listen to music, you probably focus on the melody, and might even hum along with the song, but you probably don’t pay much attention to the harmony beneath the melody. Solo flute gives you a pure and clean melody, and every nuance and expression in the music is highlighted  in its simplicity.

It’s Unique –  After playing solo flute gigs, it is common for me to hear people say that they had never heard a flute soloist before and were impressed with its beauty and unique sound. Any time two instruments are played together they blend to create a different sound that is a little like each of the instruments played, but a bit different from both. When the flute is played apart from other instruments,  it provides a unique sound that few people have heard.

It’s Affordable – When hiring musicians, it’s important to consider your budget, and solo flute is very budget friendly. With each extra musician you hire, your rates can double, so if you are on a budget, a soloist is the perfect choice.

It’s Versatile -

Short on space? A soloist on the flute doesn’t take up much space, and certainly takes up less space than most other musicians

Have an echo? Some venues, particularly churches, have impressive echoes. Charlotte locations such as St. Mary’s Chapel and the Belk Chapel are perfect examples. Larger groups may sound muddled if there is too much of an echo, but solo flute has a full and clear sound, that is quite remarkable in these types of buildings.

Outdoor wedding? Flute is an excellent choice for the outdoors because its sound carries better than that of a string instrument. Also, unlike a guitar or keyboard, the flute does not need to be plugged in.

Too many stairs? A flute player has excellent mobility. We are not limited by stairs, grassy lawns, or sandy beaches.

Next time you are planning a wedding or event, consider the clear melodies, unique sound, affordability, and versatility of the solo flute.

Now is the time to plan ahead for musicians your dinner or party this holiday season. Live music will bring a special touch to your event that your guests will love and remember. The holiday season is the busiest time of year for musicians and it’s a good idea to book early. Visit my Christmas page to see more information about flute or piano music for your party.

The other group that I will be playing with this year is the Union Symphony Jazz Ensemble. I plan on playing flute and maybe clarinet or saxophone. Of course that means I have to learn how to play one of those instruments first. I think I would like to learn the clarinet first because it has the versatility of being both a great jazz instrument, and a classical instrument. Now I just have to take the leap and buy one!