Just thought I would check in and let everyone know we had a great time playing tonight. We played as part of the special presentations to Wilma Mankiller at Clowes Hall, Butler University. It was a very short, but rewarding gig. It ended up being just Jason and myself. We played a mix of flutes alternating from the same keyed flutes to harmony flutes. It sounded pretty good(and I always admit when something doesn't work).

It was quite an honor to play. It isn't everyday you get to play for Presidential Medal of Freedom winner on a world class stage.

Jeff

Cool gig Jeff. Any audio from it?
dd

Not that I know of. I wish there was, it was some of our best playing.

We started together with mid-range E's. I moved to an A and I played harmony over the E. Jason picked up his A and we played the same key, then I moved to my high D and played harmony over Jasons A . This all in one piece played as a slow progression. It was the first time we tried it extended out this way. It was great because in built from low to high, ending at the peak.

Sounds wonderful, Jeff. Wish I had been there.

Glad to hear it went well and that you had a good time!

Come on, Jeff! Stick a camcorder on a tripod next time! We want to hear it!

Hey Jeff:

Did you use the house sound system.......also what was you mic set up for this ....with changing flutes and such. Ive never been to Clowes but must have been great to play there.

They gave us a couple of Shure 87 wireless on boom stands. We had a table behind us holding the flutes for a fast switch. Clowes hall has a premier crew. I have worked with them as a tech, they are top notch. We had a quick sound check before the event. We were dialed in very quickly.

This is Jason, they can send us pics from their photographer but there is no camera or recording equipment allowed At least we'll have pics to remember it by. Jeff is right it sounded great. I had been trying to come up with the best way to give them as many layers of sound combos as we could in the short time we had and show the range of sound and versatility of the Native Flute. When it came down to it, we just played. I went to the Sherman Alexi talk there the following Monday and some of the same people were there. They recognized me and said how much they enjoyed us and that part of the night really added to the evening. They said Chief Mankiller had a smile on her face the entire time we played. I also was moved to give her a branch flute before we started to play. I hickory branch flute in Cm made by Harold from the Fallen Branch guys. A great little flute in perfect tune. I did this because it reminded me of her and her message. Her message was of always having a positive outlook on life and in all you do and the flute has been a huge positive influence in my life. It is also something simple on the outside, no frills, no fancy decoration but the sound is voice it has was big and beautiful which reminded me of her and her message, so I gave her the flute and a person in the audience told me Monday that she had a happier reaction to that than from all the other gifts including the key to the city. The flute led us to that stage, that night to stand next to her to play for her and I just wanted her to know how much it meant to us.
I hope the path all of you are on with the flute is a beautiful one.
Jason
www.branchesbreath.ning.com

Hi Jason,

Thanks for sharing that story! And welcome to the forum! Glad you've joined us!

Thought I would add to the thread. we finally got our copies of the photos. Here is Jason and myself on Clowes Hall stage playing..

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It is so wonderful that you guys have been quite busy . . . spreading the joy of fluting! Kudos!!!

Unfortunately, Wilma Mankiller passed on a couple of days ago. She had quite a life. Here are a couple of stories: Former Cherokee Nation chief Wilma Mankiller dies and President Obama's and others' reactions to Wilma Mankiller's death .

Yes, I saw she had passed. I had actually met her prior to our playing for her. She was a guest speaker in my auditorium at IU Kokomo. She was a great lady. You don't get to meet a National Freedom Medal winner very often.

thanks for posting the links, Golden. i'm going to dedicate my song Cherokee rose to her tomorrow night on Didgerod's BlogTV show.

I saw about her passing a couple days ago on facebook. She sounded like quite a lady..
It's good you got to do something for her.

It was/is a great loss in Chief Mankillers passing. What an honor you had to meet her face to face, and an honor to her to hear your music.
May she rest in Peace, and will live on through all who remember her.
With respect,
BEth