I briefly introduced myself as new to the forum in a post I made on Musical Echoes.

I come from a varied musical background. I played violin and piano as a child. From elementary school until my early twenties, I played the French Horn. I have played handbells and in a steel drum band. I can also pick some tunes out on a guitar.

I began playing the NAF in 1996. I was in a bad car accident at that time and used it as part of my recovery process. It was gifted to me by a native friend. He taught me first by mimicking sounds. At that time I used the flute as physical therapy to bring my brain and muscle actions together. I then began listening to NAF flute music and started playing music of my own.

I unfortunately stopped playing the NAF after my recovery. There were so many other things to catch up on those days.
I picked the flute back up about six years ago. I started buying more flutes, but do not have a large collection (at this time). I enjoy both my well tuned, master crafted flutes and my flutes made by less known artists. I am still fond of the rawness that those flutes have to offer. When I am playing for a crowd, I prefer my concert flutes.

I enjoy the flexibility and creativity that the NAF brings.
I play both my own music and that of others. I can read music, as well as Nakai and traditional flute tablature. Oftentimes I pick up tunes by ear. I enjoy mixing up my playing. When I find that I need a break from the challenges of one, I can then spend more time with the other.

There is not a flute circle in my area and I am finding the need to connect with the greater NAF community. I respect the manner in which everyone in this community supports each other. I am at a place with my playing that I am ready to step up my practice and need that sounding board for ideals and a place to share my connection to this beautiful instrument.

Thank you for making this form available for all.

I am a newbie here and from Tennessee as well!


Part of my heritage is of a spanish/Native American background and I always loved Flamenco and all types of flute music growing up, and it was the first instrument i learned in 6th grade (guitar and Drums came shortly after)...i played if for a few years then droped it in pursuit of the other two (mainly guitar).

A couple years ago i ended up with a CR Nakai CD and rediscoverd my love for flutes... Through him, via the internet, i learned of many other atrists and flute makers. After looking at many flutes , and much comtemplating.. i decided to buy of Coyote Oldman's flutes. Playing it has inspired me to collect flutes of all kinds now. I also love middle eastern types of flutes (neys).

Its nice to see so many people touched in the same way by the flute, and offering thier knowledge, help and support to each other!

Welcome to both of you! I am just to the east of you in NC. I used to live in VA and we would shop in Bristrol and Kingsport.

This really is such a neat forum with lots of great people.

Glad you joined us!

Welcome to the Tennesseans. A displaced NC person, here. Currently in DFW, until I can retire and head back to the mountains.

Hi to all... hope to talk more as my broken wing heals. And the pain pills wear off and my mind clears some.

Terry

Oh my! What happened?

On the 18th I had my shoulder repaired. It took more work than the MRI showed so healing is happening rather slowly. The good part is pain is do able so I am no longer a 60s stoner with no mind. I was out of it for almost five days and only the past few days have been brain in gear. Okay reverse most of the time. But I have to be getting prettier with all this sleep.
Right.
Terry aka broken wing

That was the rotator cup, as I recall. Sounds like it was no walk in the park.

I have what they call "frozen Shoulder" which I figure is aging related, and they tell you to do "therapy" to fix it, which of course, does no real good, and then they wanna lead you down the "surgery" path, which I vetoed, as I think that opens up a can of worms of its own. So, I am looking for a new doc, that will treat with cotizone shots.

In the meantime, I will live with the limited reach.

Hi Rick,
Yep rotator now I have both sides done. The left side healed amazing. I had gone through those shots! Hated the way they worked or didn't as it were. PT never helped me either. But an MRI showed the damage and gave me good reason to take the chance. The left side had two muscles torn apart and a third almost gone. The right was worse and took more fancy work but so far I think I will have a good recovery.
Needless to say I would have surgery again and tell others to really check it out. We need or wings working at their best. Makes playing and making flute so much easier.

Take care my friend
Broken wing on the mend



R

Broken wing,

Glad you're on the mend! Let me know if that beauty sleep works! I'm long over due for good sleep and that must be my problem!!!!!!

(No, I don't look THAT bad!)

Jan I am sure you look great so no beauty sleep needed. It just makes your eyes puffy and full of old sleepy dirt.

Thanks for caring.
Broken Wing

Robin, if you enter the flute playing contest at Musical Echoes or elsewhere, you'll get plenty of support from your Portal pals.

I'd sure like to see you steppin' up to the stage . . . this year . . . next year . . . whenever you're ready!

Marsha, as you and I both know, Robin can play any where any time LOL.... I am fortunate that she and I are both members of the Smoky Mtn Flute Circle, so I get to hear her now and then......
Beth

Welcome to the Portals, Bayo and Shamantears! And welcome back Terry!

DancingBear

Hello Bayo, Shamantear And Terry!

Hello All and welcome for the first timers and welcome back to those that have been away for awhile! Good to have your voices with us. Many Blessings...Robert

Aww Shucks Marsha and Beth... both too kind!

Might be a little confusion as this thread started in May of 2008, so for you newer folks... I have been around for some time. Although MIA lately due to heavy work constraints.

A wonderful update is that there is now a flute circle close(ish) to me in the mountains of TN. It is a 2.5 hr drive, so I don't get to make it often. Some of the best flutin' folks there!! I attempted to start one in my town, but can't seem to get the interested folks together. Am ready whenever Chattanooga is!

Marsha, I think that you would do just about anything to get me up on that ME stage. And I will again this year... during open mic! You know I am not the competition type, but will keep my mind open.

- Robin