*Try
to keep the set-up close enough together that you can hear all parts
well
and yet still have enough room to perform comfortably. Also keep the
music
stands fairly low and of a uniform height so that it doesn't look as if
you're trying to hide behind them. Eye contact is extremely important.
*If you are performing with a
piano, make sure that there is eye contact
with the pianist so that you can begin and end together. Also, if the
piano
is a grand piano you probably will need to keep the lid closed so that
the piano doesn't drown out the flutes. The pianist may also have to
use
the soft pedal extensively. Make sure that the flutes aren't so close
to
the piano that the sound bounces off of it.
2. Attire
*Visual
impact can be almost as important as aural impact. If you don't dress
appropriately
for a performance it can distract the listener from listening to the
music;
therefore, always dress up for the occasion. As an ensemble, you may
wish
to dress in similar outfits as it appears more professional and gives
visual
cohesiveness to the group. Ladies should not wear short skirts,
plunging
necklines or anything very tight (it may be pretty but remember that
you
have to be able to breathe in it). Also, shiny jewelry should be
avoided
when playing anyplace where the house lights will be down since the
stage
lights can reflect off of the jewelry and blind the audience. Men
should
not wear jeans or scruffy looking shoes. A tie is always appropriate.
3. Tuning
* Do
most of your tuning off-stage with a tuner.
* Always
tune to A-440 (low A) first, then check the octaves and other notes in
the chord (ex: D & F#). Don't use vibrato until you know your basic
tone is centered and in tune!!!
*
When performing with a piano, tune to it. It's a fixed pitch instrument
so you will have to be the one to be flexible and adjust accordingly.
Eb
flutes can tune to F# and alto flutes to D to sound a concert "A".
4. Bowing
*When
you perform a formal recital or concert you should come on stage and
bow
to the audience. When you are done playing you should bow again, which
acknowledges the audience's applause and thanks them for listening to
you.
* When
bowing, bend at the waist, look at the floor, and slowly count "one
thousand,
two thousand, three thousand" to yourself before straightening up. A
nod
with the head to the audience in between pieces is also
an appropriate
way to acknowledge applause. Don't forget to smile!
5. Starting
and stopping the ensemble
In bands and orchestras we
have
conductors to start and stop the ensemble, but in the small flute
ensemble,
one of the flutists must be responsible for that as well as playing.
Generally,
it will be the first flutist or, in the event that he or she has rests
at the beginning, the flutist with the highest or most important part
that
starts at the beginning of the piece. Eye contact is essential if the
ensemble
is to start together. The flutist/conductor must first make sure
everyone
is ready to play. A tempo may be subtly given with the end of the
flute,
followed by a definite up and down motion that signals the downbeat.
The
first breath taken in should also be in tempo as a further signal to
the
ensemble. To stop or cut off the ensemble, the flutist/conductor
should use a circular motion with the end of
the flute, the
completion
of the
circle being the release of the last note.
6. Equipment
Checklist
*Double
check all equipment needed for a performance:
- Flute(s) - Do you
have
them all
and are they in good playing condition? (Do you have cigarette paper,
screw
drivers, etc. available?)
- Don't forget your
swab!
- Music - Are all
pieces
present
and in concert order? (Review page turns, etc., in advance.)
- Music stand - Is one
provided where
you're playing?
- Instrument stand - Do
you
need
it for flute/piccolo switches?
- Music clips/plexiglass or
sunglasses
- Will
you be playing outside? A sheet of plexiglass cut to almost the size of
the stand desk works better than music clips for keeping your music
from blowing away and it's easier to do page turns with plexiglass. You
can get plexiglass at a glass or hardware store. Have the edges
sanded smooth.
- Attire - Do you have
the
right
outfit on with the right accessories?
- Map -
Know when and where you're going to
be playing and how to get there. Be
early so that you can warm-up sufficiently.
- Bottled
water
7. Enjoy yourself!!!!
Good luck and
Happy Fluting!
Back to
The
Teal Flute Studio
Questions?
E-mail me at:
kjt at glis.net
(in your email program insert the @ sign
where
it says "at",
without spaces, and put "Flute Quest"
in the subject line)
