Workshops
Technique & Extended Techniques
Beatbox 101, Greg Patillo (Friday 1:00 / Saturday 1:00)
Learn the fundamentals of beatboxing on and off your flute in this full participation class. We will discuss basic sounds, how to make them, where to use them, and how to do them with your flute at the same time.
Good Vibrations!, Troy Paolantonio (Friday 2:00 / Saturday 3:00)
A workshop utilizing visual graphing of speed vs. amplitude concerning our full palette of vibrato usage and production. Includes technical and rhythmic exercises for developing vibrato capability, plus discussion of where vibrato physically and expressively originates in our music-making. Applications for C flute/modern instruments as well as native and folk flutes.
Extended Techniques, Nina Assimakopoulos (Friday 3:00)
Bring your flutes for an exploration into how to perform and teach extended flute techniques including jet whistle, multiphonics, flutter tongue, ghost tones, and more! We will also create an improvised group piece.
Technical Exploration, Francisco Barbosa (Saturday 3:00)
Join acclaimed flutist Francisco Barbosa as he shares insights from his groundbreaking technique book. Experience live demonstrations, practice tips, and select excerpts designed to elevate your flute playing. Perfect for flutists seeking fresh technical approaches and artistic inspiration from one of today’s leading performers and educators.
Circular Breathing, Iva Ugrčić (Friday 2:00 / Saturday 4:00)
Circular breathing unlocks continuous airflow and enhances phrasing. This workshop teaches flutists the mechanics, step-by-step process, and practical applications of the technique to improve endurance, tone, and overall performance.
Orchestral & Audition Preparation
Demystifying Orchestral Auditions, Francisco Barbosa (Friday 2:00)
In this workshop we will focus not only on the preparation of the flute repertoire and excerpts required for orchestral auditions, but also on the simulation steps, mental training, practice time organization, and mindset to achieve better results in these challenges.
Preparing and Navigating the University Flute Audition Process, Sammy Holloman (Friday 1:00 / Saturday 2:00)
Is it time for you or your flute students to begin thinking about undergraduate or graduate music programs? Join Dr. Sammy Holloman as she discusses key strategies for university audition preparation and execution, including finding the right school and teacher, email etiquette, timelines, practice strategies, and budgeting for the audition season. This clinic is intended for students interested in pursuing undergraduate or graduate music programs as a major or minor.
Global Flute
Less is More: Using World Flutes as a Gateway to Improvisation, Joanne Lazzaro (Friday 1:00)
Explore composition and improvisation beyond memorization through the lens of non-Western musical cultures. Using world flutes, we’ll develop signature motifs, deepen listening, and engage with concepts like rote learning, “playing from the heart,” and musical expression in open mic, meditative, and traditional contexts. Bring curiosity and an open ear!
Ancient Scales, Modes, and Raga, Joanne Lazzaro (Friday 3:00)
Discover the rich variety of world flute scales, from Asian pentatonic modes to Celtic and Hindustani raga. We’ll explore their tonal qualities, compare traditional and concert flutes, and try simple group improvisations. Bring your C flute and curiosity as we delve into the colors and emotions of global flute music.
Foundations of Latin Music Improvisation, Jose Fernando Ramirez (Friday 3:00)
In this interactive session, participants will explore Latin music improvisation using “El Cuarto de Tula” and “Oye Cómo Va.” Topics include form, groove, call-and-response, and simple melodic and rhythmic techniques. Flutists are encouraged to bring instruments and improvise in a supportive, low-pressure environment led by José.
Live Jam—Improvisation in Action!, SabroSon Latin Band (Saturday 4:00)
Join the SabroSon Latin Band on stage for a high-energy jam and live performance! This session features an open rehearsal with real-time improvisation, followed by an informal concert. Celebrate creativity, collaboration, and community through Latin music. All are welcome—flutists, dancers, and audience members alike!
Celtic Flute
Celtic Ornamentation for Classical Flutists, Kirsten Erwin & Cal Stroud (Friday 2:00 / Saturday 1:00)
Explore basic ornamentation used for pipes, whistle, and Irish flute, and learn how to adapt these to the concert flute. Includes embouchure adjustments for achieving the Celtic sound, note bends, and slides that lend the characteristic Irish lilt to flutes and whistles.
Intro to Irish Session Tunes for Concert Flutes, Kirsten Erwin & Cal Stroud (Friday 4:00 / Saturday 2:00)
Play through familiar session tunes in two-tune sets. While the emphasis will be on integrating the concert flute into traditional Irish sessions, the tunes and concepts also apply to the whistle. Discussion will include ensemble playing strategies for fiddle and accordion tunes.
Folk & Traditional
Intro to Podorhythmie, Mike Broderick with Aurora Celtic (Saturday 9:45 / Saturday 3:00)
Mike will discuss the use of foot percussion in French Canadian traditional music. He will demonstrate and teach the rhythms for reels, jigs, and waltzes, and also show how the technique is performed while playing an instrument. Class will be accompanied by flute and guitar. Bring your flute and your feet to get a taste for this fun and challenging Quebec tradition.
Irish Music Session, Cal Stroud & Friends (Saturday 10:45)
Common session tunes will be played by local musicians. There will be a short discussion of session etiquette. All are welcome to join in and play familiar tunes or record tunes for learning later.
Intro to Pennywhistle 1, Alice Fleischman with Aurora Celtic (Saturday 1:00)
Alice will briefly discuss the history of the pennywhistle in Irish traditional music. She will introduce the concept of learning tunes by ear and basic ornamentation. Students will record and learn one or two traditional tunes. Guitar and fiddle will provide context for demonstration pieces.
Intro to Pennywhistle 2, Alice Fleischman with Aurora Celtic (Saturday 2:00)
Continuation of Pennywhistle 1. Alice will discuss learning by ear and ornamentation. Students will record and learn one or two different traditional tunes than in the first class. Guitar and fiddle will provide context for the demonstration pieces.
Tone, Artistry & Expression
Tone Development, Jackson Thee (Friday 1:00)
Unlock the full resonance of your sound by diving into the world of overtones. This workshop explores how harmonics can enhance tone, flexibility, and control. Through exercises, demonstrations, and guided listening, participants will learn to isolate overtones, improve embouchure efficiency, and deepen their connection to resonance. Ideal for flutists seeking to enrich their tone and expand their expressive range. Bring your flute and curiosity!
Articulation, Alyssa Schwartz (Friday 2:00 / Saturday 1:00)
Explore how articulation shapes musical expression in this interactive flute workshop. Through demonstrations, guided exercises, and audience participation, we’ll cover techniques for clear tonguing, stylistic nuance, and expressive phrasing across genres. Learn how articulation enhances tone, rhythm, and personal voice. Open to flutists of all levels—bring your flute or simply listen and engage in discussion!
Heart Songs of Healing and Collective Expression, Troy Paolantonio (Friday 4:00 / Saturday 4:00)
Experience meditative flute improvisations designed to calm the soul and inspire reflection. Participants will respond through expressive painting on a shared canvas using symbolic colors. This immersive session blends music, mindfulness, and creativity, culminating in a collective artwork displayed at the festival’s close.
Expressive Synergy: Unlocking Communication Through Movement and Music, Juan Carlos (Friday 3:00 / Saturday 2:00)
As artists and audiences, music moves us. Movement and music have a unique synergy which can help unlock clearer communication with ourselves, ensemble members, and audiences. Through an interdisciplinary approach and focus on chamber music fundamentals, this workshop will help you identify healthy movement and integrate it into your performances as an expressive tool. Bring your flutes and be ready to move!
Jam Class: How to Jam with Your Friends!, Greg Patillo (Friday 4:00 / Saturday 2:00)
This class will not use theory or chord changes. Instead, we’ll explore how to use vamps and rhythms with the prosody of words to develop new jams together.
Scales & Fundamentals
Major, Minor, Chromatic Scales (and Some Arpeggios Too), Sammy Holloman (Friday 3:00 / Saturday 1:00)
Scales are more than just technical exercises—they’re the foundation of expressive playing. This workshop reimagines scale practice as a tool for tone, phrasing, and artistry. Participants will explore creative approaches to scale patterns, tone shaping, and rhythmic variation. Learn how to make your scales sing with purpose and beauty. Suitable for all levels—bring your flute and a favorite scale or two!
Career & Professional Development
Your Career Begins Now, Eftihia Arkoudis (Friday 3:00 / Saturday 4:00)
Redefine success in today’s music industry with tools to build a sustainable, passion-driven career. This workshop explores the entrepreneurial mindset, networking, grit, and business skills for artists. Whether you’re in school or just starting out, learn how to thrive, grow your impact, and start shaping your future now.
Repair & Instrument Care
Flutes and Piccolos: A Technician’s Perspective, Gary Gini (Saturday 3:00 / Saturday 4:00)
In this session, Gary will discuss the care and maintenance of flutes and piccolos, examine the mechanics and materials used in flute and piccolo construction, and share repair concepts and practices that can keep your instrument playing at its best.