My husband and I recently moved to the area and would like to start a Flute and Drum circle in Temecula, CA. Do any of you members live nearby? Are you interested in starting a group with us? Would appreciate help and feedback from flute circle veterans about starting a group.

I have a group on Facebook called Temecula Valley Flute and Drum Circle. Would love to have you join us.

Kerry

Hi Kerry,

No way I'll make it. I'm from North Carolina. But welcome to the forum!

Glad you've joined us!

Thanks Tootie! I appreciate the welcome.

Welcome Kerry!


But I'm afraid I'm going to have to insist you move a little closer to Costa Mesa before starting a circle.

Seriously, though, I wish you were closer... The truth is, I'd probably be into riding up to attend an occasional meeting, if you had meetings on Tesdays or Wednesdays (my usual days off -- I work virtually every weekend). But its not possible on weekends.

There are others out there, however... Up north of you, there is the Inland Empire Flute Circle, which is (I believe still) headed by Chuck Flannigan. I'm sorry that I've misplaced all the contact info for the group, but Marvin Yazzie of Yazzie flutes is a regular, and "Titmouse" (who is on this forum) has attended one of their meetings and could probably give you contact info. John Stillwell at AT Flutes could also put you in contact.

If I could be of help, I'm just down the hill from you. And please keep posting here on your progress -- I really would like the opportunity of an accessible circle.



Flutin' on the coast,

Harold

Hi Harold-

Thanks for the great input. I have been in touch with Annie of the Coachella Flute Circle in Palm Desert. I am planning to attend their circle one of these times, and would still like to start one here if there is an interest. If you build it, they will come....Right? Hopefully!

If you can let me know more about Chuck's group I would be most grateful. Also, I am open to visiting or forming a circle in Costa Mesa. All it takes is a couple of committed people to get one going. Are you interested? Do you know of other musicians in your area?

Thanks again,

Kerry

Welcome Kerry. I am planning my move to the WNC area, sorry. No Californy for me.

Hi Kerry,

I'm only a 1/2 hour away, down in San Marcos, so keep me informed of when your meetings are, would love to attend occasionally. Maybe you know Nash and Sandy Regalado? Met them at the Temecula Farmers Market, where Nash was selling his flutes. Email me for their contact info if you'd like. Looking forward to meeting you!

Jon
www.dryadflutes.com
dryadflutes@gmail.com

Too bad, Rick. Thanks for the warm welcome!

Kerry

Thanks, Jon. I've not yet met Nash and Sandy. Would love to get their contact info. Do you attend a flute circle in San Marcos? I'd be willing to travel.

I don't have a location for my group yet, but I will start looking now that a couple of folks have shown an interest.

Thanks for the warm welcome,

Kerry

Kerry,

The San Diego Flute Circle seems to currently be dormant. I've been organizing a few outdoor flute circles every year over the years around southern Cal, under the radar mostly, for environmental concerns or native events. Next one coming up will be for the Native American Earth Day event on April 19, 2009 at San Mateo Campground in San Onofre State Park, at the sacred site of Panhe, a former Acjachemen village that has been threatened by a toll road, that insane project recently defeated: http://www.cityprojectca.org/ourwork/SaveP...eSanOnofre.html So this year the Native American Earth Day event will be a celebration of that victory and the saving of Panhe. I'll provide my solar powered sound system this year again for the event and in the morning, from 8 am to 10 am there will be an open mic flute circle. I'll post more info about this when it's available, for those interested.

Jon

Hi Kerry,

After a bit of a search, I found the contact on..... this site!

If you go out to the Portal home page there is a link for free circle listings (which you should also take advantage of). And listed therein is IEFC:

Flute Leader Contact Information
Charles Flanagan
E-mail: chuckflanagan@verizon.net
Country: United States

38766 Brookside Ave
Beaumont, CA 92223

Phone: 951-769-0989 or 951-741-0155

And I really was just kidding about a Costa Mesa circle -- it's just as far down here as it is up there... uh... driving distance-wise that is.


Harold

Hey, Kerry,

I meant to ask (if I may): where did you two move from? Did you belong to a circle there? Was it active? What were meetings like?

Just curious -- it seems that most circles I've read about (and the only one I've attended) turned out to be rather inactive as far as playing & working on skill development. The social aspect is great, but what interests me in a circle is the playing and development.

Harold

Harold, sounds like you are looking for lessons. There are instructors you can seek out, and a number of them are listed in the INAFA listing.

Good suggestion, Rick. But I tend to be pretty lesson-adverse.

Blues harp, classical guitar and NAF have been my only attempts at making music, and I've only tried lessons with the guitar. I freak-out at the regimentation of western music (people insisting that you count beats and the like -- next you know they'll want me to stay in tune! ).

The NAF is thankfully easy enough to play that I can satisfy my need to make noise without feeling the pressure to take lessons, and I like that. But I've never been around players much, and I would like to observe and learn and perhaps share what little I can contribute. I don't expect lessons at a circle, but eating chips and watching the game isn't my idea of a flute circle either .

I know, next you'll be telling me to start my own and run it the way I want...


Harold

Never been to that kind of flute circle. All the ones I have ever been to, have encouraged participation in playing (not obligation), and sharing of info about flutes, makers, and music, as well as technique.

While food is a part of any gathering of any length, that is mostly a bonus. TV.......well.....maybe.....at home based flute circles......but not in my experience.

Hi Harold-

Don't mind answering at all. We moved from Houston, TX. I am new to the flute, but attended and led a drumming circle for a number of years. I am looking for musicians that want to play music. Any time you have people gathered there will be a bit of socializing, which is always nice after the event.

Did I cover your questions?

Kerry

Did you go to the Spring circle, Kerry? Or are you totally new?

Hi Rick-

I'm new.

Kerry

Hi Jon-

I am extremely interested in your event. I will look for your post. If you do have a list of contacts, please include me.

Kerry