As was mentioned last month , a new flute was being custom made for me by Michael Howard of Kolbe Bamboo Flutes. This was something I'd wanted for a very long time, a Celtic transverse flute . This C Alto delight was completed and lovingly finished last week after many days of work, Happily I can report it is indeed a sweet sounding delight of a flute!!
Here are some photos shot by the creator, Michael (thank you for the use of the images!):
I wanted to have the accents on this flute to honor my Scottish and Welsh heritage, so the wrapping and cap both do just that. The wrap is darker in person and shows the colours of the Welsh flag just perfect! As this is in C and an alto flute, the range of three octaves is wonderful and it simply sings!
I can't stress enough how well made this delight is and strongly recommend Michael's work. The great part about bamboo is it's strength and versatility. It is indeed one of the world's best materials to work with and use. Here is a link to Michael's webpage as well as his Facebook page. Please, go visit them and dream up a flute for your own journey and adventure!
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So the journey and adventure have taken a turn towards Celtic music. This means that the rest of the year I shall be trying to focus on that genre of music and getting used to the transverse flute. The music I'm starting with includes this book here:
Not as easy for me due to playing vertical flutes the last five years or so. Hideo, my beloved shakuhachi, will most certainly still be getting used, so no worries there. I simply wanted to change gears and go a different direction, especially after my name change last week. Yes, I went to the courts here in Washington State and changed my name. My connection with the Celtic and Scottish/Welsh heritage is strong and this only adds more to my education.
So there you have it.
A new adventure, path and journey into worlds I have not yet explored!!
