The Eleventh Annual MSU Flute Day is Saturday, April 21 all day at Ellis Recital Hall, featuring a variety of events for students of all ages. All events are free and open to the public. Guest artist Jim Walker, described as the “Renaissance Man of the Flute,”
headlines a program that features a high school competition, two recitals, and a masterclass for University flute students. David Samperi, flute seller and repairman, will have flutes and piccolos available all day to try out and purchase. Brands represented include Haynes, Powell, Burkart, Muramatsu, Miyazawa, Trevor James, and Samperi’s own brand.
The Young High School Artist Competition, starting at 9:00 a.m., kicks off festivities. Area high school flutists each perform one movement of a piece and the judges’ top three finishers win prizes. To enter, email student name and repertoire information to Dr. Jill Heyboer by April 14.
Following the competition is a Flute Ensembles Recital, featuring the University Community Flute Choir, the University Flute Quartet, and other exciting chamber music groups. After the recital, enjoy lunch at the nearby Plaster Student Union or other convenient options within a mile of campus.
After lunch, world-renowned flutist Jim Walker performs an unforgettable recital of flute music ranging in style from traditional classical through jazz. This performance, featuring accompaniment from the University’s own Kyle Aho, promises to be both entertaining and impressive! In the final event of Flute Day, Jim Walker teaches University flute students in a masterclass. Listen and learn from this artist as he explains and demonstrates what you can do to be a better flute player.
Since 2001, Dr. Jill Heyboer, professor of music, has held Flute Day on campus as a means of bringing together flute students and professional artists. Heyboer is currently the principal flutist in Springfield Symphony Orchestra. She coaches and conducts the University Flute Quartet and participates in the Faculty Woodwind Quintet. Heyboer also participates in the annual Interlochen Arts Camp in Michigan, serving as a faculty member and coach of flute and chamber music.
“I think [Flute Day] gets flutists of all ages excited about playing the flute,” Heyboer says. “They get to hear a live performance of a ‘famous flutist’ and also hear what advice they give to my students who play for them in the masterclass.” Heyboer adds that the event also exposes students to professional-level flute brands, many of which are not readily available in the area.
Guest artist Jim Walker is the Flute Studies coordinator at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music and also teaches flute and chamber music at the nearby Colburn Conservatory. The founder of the jazz quartet “Free Flight,” Walker has also served as Associate Principal Flute in the Pittsburgh Symphony and Principal Flute in the Los Angeles Philharmonic. He has instructed hundreds of aspiring flutists through teaching positions in several universities across the United States. In addition, he has performed for over six hundred motion picture soundtracks. You can learn more about Walker by visiting his website.
Contact Dr. Heyboer at (417) 836-4875 or JillHeyboer@missouristate.edu for more information.
Review the Young High School Artist Competition rules and information online at www.missouristate.edu/music/fluteday.htm.