The MSU Flute Society, and the MSU Music Department along with SOFAC invite you to the twelfth annual MSU Flute Day, Saturday, April 20, on the campus of Missouri State University. This event is free and open to the public.
Guest artist Robert Dick headlines a program that features a high school competition, two recitals, a composition class, yoga for flutist, and a masterclass for University flute students. David Samperi, flute seller and repairman, will have flutes and piccolos available all day to try and purchase. Brands represented include Haynes, Powell, 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 cash prizes. To enter, email student name and repertoire information to Dr. Jill Heyboer by April 15.
Following the competition is a Flute Ensembles Recital, featuring the University Community Flute Choir, the University Flute Quartet, and other exciting chamber music groups. Next, Dick talks composition in a class entitled “A Plan for Success with Extended Techniques in Composition.” All current and/or aspiring composers are invited to attend. After the class, enjoy lunch at the nearby Plaster Student Union or other convenient options within a mile of campus.
The day continues as the world-renowned flutist, Dick performs an unforgettable recital of solo flute music, including many of his own compositions, as well as traditional solo flute repertoire. Next, flutist and yoga teacher, Margaret Rowley, teaches yoga moves that will help better your flute playing. Bring a mat to participate if you have one!
In the final event of Flute Day, Dick teaches MSU flute students in a masterclass. Listen and learn from this artist as he explains and demonstrates what you can do to be a better flutist.
Since 2001, 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.
Guest artist Robert Dick lives in New York City and is on the faculty and New York University. He holds a B.A. from Yale University and an M.M. in composition from the Yale School of Music. With equally deep roots in classical music, old and new, and in free improvisation and new jazz, Dick has established himself as an artist who has not only mastered, but redefined the flute. His performances typically include flute, piccolo, alto flute, and bass flutes in C and F. On special occasions, he’ll bring out the giant, stand-up contrabass flute.
As one of the flute world’s most respected masterclass teachers, Dick has been in residence in literally hundreds of universities, colleges, and conservatories throughout the US, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Dick’s multifaceted musical life includes work on redesigning the flute itself. Brannen Brothers Flutemakers manufactures his invention, the “Glissando Headjoint”, which does for the flute what the “whammy bar” does for the electric guitar. Emerson Flutes also makes a Robert Dick Model bass flute. Dick has authored and published, on his Multiple Breath Music imprint, a number of seminal works for contemporary flute, including “The Other Flute: A Performance Manual of Contemporary Techniques,” “Tone Development Through Extended Techniques,” “Circular Breathing for the Flutist,” and “Flying Lessons: Six Contemporary Concert Etudes.”
Contact Heyboer at (417) 836-4875 or JillHeyboer@missouristate.edu for more information.
Review the Young High School Artist Competition rules and information online.