-Self-Service!-
From time to
time your flute may develop minor problems that can be easily fixed between
services. We recommend that adults help children to carry out these remedies,
as mistakes can prove costly.
Adjustment
Screws
Most flutes
have tiny screws in the mechanism that can be adjusted to regulate the keys.
Occasionally these may work themselves loose rendering the flute unplayable. This can be mistaken for a major problem and a visit to a repairer/shop may be
unnecessary.
It will take
some practice before you can confidently locate the screw that affects the
leaky key, but once you do, you can use a tiny
jeweller's
or glasses screwdriver to adjust it. Avoid being too extreme with this -
attempt to move the screw no more than 1/4 of a turn at any time, constantly
checking to see if it has fixed the leak. It is possible to adjust these screws
too far, so do not screw them up until they feel 'tight'.
The other
screws on your flute are the ones at the end of each rod, holding the mechanism
onto the body. These screws are notorious for working themselves loose, and if
your flute is in good repair, you should be able to tighten the screw - but
don't force it. Once the screw is back in place, you may consider using a small
dab of nail polish over the top of the screw, to try and persuade it not to
unscrew itself again. Mention this to your repairer next time you have it
serviced.
Springs
The flute
mechanism usually relies on a number of steel springs, which are designed to
flick the keys back into the open or closed position after the key has been
used. These springs are usually attached to the mechanism at one end, and
simply "hooked" on to the mechanism at the other end. It is very
common for these springs to become unhooked, and it can be a very distressing
problem for those who cannot recognise the symptoms. If a
spring becomes unhooked, simply use a skinny blunt object to push it back where
it belongs - such as the end of the jeweller's screwdriver. Be careful
not to bend the spring beyond its regular position, as it may affect the
responsiveness of the key.
Sticky
Pads
If you have a sticky pad, you can easily remove
the stickiness by placing a piece of pad paper under the key, and gently
closing it. This gives the paper an opportunity to absorb the stickiness.
Release the key and remove the paper, and test to see whether it has worked. If
it has not worked, you should try it again with a fresh piece of paper. If this
does not work, try powdered pad papers, as they are more effective. In
emergency situations, cigarette papers can be used in place of pad papers.
Stiff
Joints
If you are having difficulty assembling or
disassembling the flute, the joints may need cleaning. Firstly, take a clean
dry cloth and wipe the joints to remove excess grease and dust. Reassemble the
flute and see whether this has helped. If not, you will need to take the flute
to repairer who will re-size the tenons. Do not use Vaseline or other such
lubricants as these will attract dust and worsen the problem.
-Featured Flautist of the Month-
Prema Kesselman
Flautist Prema Kesselman is Principal Flute with the Orquesta Filarmonica de Santiago, Chile (Santiago Philharmonic Orchestra) As first prize winner of the Malcolm Arnold Concerto Prize, Prema made her professional concerto debut with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Tolga Kashif on 3 June 2007 performing Malcolm Arnold Flute Concerto No. 2.
She also presented a New York solo recital debut at Weill Recital Hall, Carneige Hall in 2005, which The New York Concert Review wrote "Ms. Kesselman handled it all with assurance and a cool and focussed tone...rock solid and note perfect.... limpid and beautiful.... a fluid and tight-ensembled performance..... The final chord bought a standing ovation and an encore."
Prema began her musical training in Los Angeles, California, where she attended the Collburn School of Performing Arts. Since her concerto debut at the age of fifteen, she has soloed with orchestras and has garnered prizes and awards from over twenty state, national and international competitions. Prema received a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance, summa cum laude at Temple University-Boyer College of Music Philadelphia where she studied flute with David Cramer and was awarded the Max Aronoff Prize, President's Scholar Award, Presser Scholar Award and 1st prize in the Annual Soloist Competition.
Prema is Flute Professor at the Universidad Mayor, Conservatorio de Musica in Santiago, Chile
We are delighted that Prema has taken some time out from her busy schedule to do a quick interview for our FriendlyFlutes readership!
At what age did you start to play the flute?
Around age 11, although I started the piano at the age of six
What was your first flute?
My first flute was Yamaha 225S
If you could give the beginner flautist one piece of advice what would it be?
Learn to play the piano too. Knowing and feeling the harmonic scoring of a piece is essential whether it is accompanied or not. Not understanding harmony is like disregarding your colleagues while playing in an orchestra. I could not imagine playing the flute without a strong piano background.
What is your favourite piece of music for the flute?
Anything written for flute by Bach. I particularly enjoy the flute parts in the Beethoven and Brahms Symphonies as well.
What types of music do you like listening to?
I like listening to all types, in particular Classical, Music of India, and Rock!
What has been your favourite performance/gig to date?
It is difficult to single out my most memorable performance experience because there have been so many. That being said, my New York debut recital in Carneige hall in 2005 was a particularly inspiring experience. To perform in a hall where so many of the great artists have performed was special. There was a wonderful feeling of love and light in the atmosphere from the audience, and my heart was fully open to communicate the music. It was after this concert that I decided to dedicate more of my time to playing solo as well.
-This Month's Flute Highlights-
Below is a selection of flute concerts from around the country this month. Inspire or be inspired by professional flautists!
- 25/09 "In Search of Inspiration" ~Flute workshop with Wissam Boustany - Chairman of the British Flute Society, Winchester Cathedral
- 25/09 "This Invisible World" - William Boustany and Aleksander Szram, Winchester Cathedral
- 25/09 An evening recital of flute and piano music - Michael Jeffries and Matthew Rickard, St Peter's Church, Old Woking
- 30/09 North Cumbria Recitals - Souza Winds (wind quintet), St Cuthbert's Church, Carlisle
- 02/10 Flute and Piano Recital - Rod Seed and Aleksander Szram, Concert Room, Bognor Regis
- 02/10 Chester Chamber Orchestra: An Evening of English Music - Daniel Parkinson and Rachel Coghlan, Wesley Methodist Church, Chester
*For further information on these events please "google" them*
-September
Playlist-
If you can't make it to the concerts you can still be inspired by listening to some of the great flautists at home. This months playlist contains three classical and three contemporary pieces featuring the flute.
- Astral Weeks - Astral Weeks - Van Morrison
- Concerto for Flute-Harp and Orchestra - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
- Flute Loop - Ill Communication - Beastie Boys
- Prelude A L'pres-midi D'un Faune: Flute - Claude Debussy
- Flute Fruit - Tales of the Inexpressible - Shpongle
- Postcards From Purgatory - No Cities Left - The Dears
***Listen now using
spotify***
Click here
to load the FriendlyFlutes Newsletter playlist onto your spotify!
-Maintenance Tips-
This month our maintenance section focuses on springs
We're building a community of students and parents on our FriendlyFlutes Forum. Both adults and children are welcome on the forum, which requires a quick, free registration. The forum is fully monitored by ourselves to provide a fun and safe environment. We aim to be the first online community dedicated to flutes and clarinets in the UK, a place where musicians and their loved ones can share tips and ideas. It is also a great place to ask questions and get advice.
-Monthly Prize Draw-
This month's lucky winner is Geoff from Cumbria! He is now the proud owner of a pair of Bone China musical mugs - congratulations!
Each month we will be giving away a musical related prize to a lucky member of the FriendlyFlutes Forum. This month's draw will take place on the 19th October and the winner will receive a pair of Bone China, real platinum 'stars and clefs' mugs handmade by Music Gifts!
FriendlyFlutes are also on facebook! Become a fan of us and keep up to date with the latest news and concerts.
