Recently, J.R. Lafin headjoints have become available in the United States. I purchased mine from Damian Bursill-Hall, who is Co-Principal Flute with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. He is a rep for Lafin, and a delightful person as well. His email is damianbh@verizon.net

At the time I traveled to Pittsburgh to meet with Damian and try headjoints, he had five for me to try. I think the number varies, however, for obvious reasons.

If you try some Lafins, make sure that you also switch out the crowns-- he makes various different types of crowns and they actually make a big difference in the sound and feel of his headjoints.

Good luck!

Renny,
I do not have a question about playing flute. I just had to pop in and say hello. I have seen you on several occasions and think that you are wonderful! Of course, I am a bit biased as you are to someday be the god mother to my son. Yes, it's me Paul. I had to pop in and say hello. I cannot wait for you to meet Brendan and shower him with the same love you display for your performing.

Paul.

Hi Paul,
Ha! How funny, we meet again here of all places. I can't wait to see you both again and meet Brendan! Hope you are all well.
Love, Renny aka Karen

I noticed that you are the person that people send their cd/tapes to for the Young Artist Competition. When you volunteer your time to organize that, are you also asked to help w/choosing the music for the competition? (seems like that would make it more appealing for you to do the organization if you also got to help w/the choosing of the repertoire?)

In the past, the NFA Young Artist Competition Coordinator has chosen the repertoire for the competition, except for the newly commissioned work, which goes through the New Music Advisory Committee. Since I have held the post, I have asked trusted colleagues for their advice on choosing the repertoire, but the final choice has still been up to me. This process has been quite gratifying. The NFA is talking about formalizing that consulting process in some way, which I think is a good idea.

Do you have any suggestions/comments on the repertoire? (You can find it at http://www.nfaonline.org )Please feel free to let me know.
-Karen

I think the repertoire in the past few years has been great!! I am glad that they choose good people to help select it!

[QUOTE]How about "Concert Etude for Solo Flute" by Pete Martorana? That's me. Please forgive the blatant self-promotion here, but traditional methods do leave something to be desired. The principal flutist of the Utah Symphony liked it, but has not done anything with it after I sent it to him.

The Flute instructor at Hinds Community College said that some part were not very "fluty," but he did not elaborate.

It is about 4.5 minutes long, and I am looking for exposure, of course. Could I send it to you for your evaluation? It is great for either single or triple tonguing (I can barely do it with single tonguing), and is challenging for both technique and expression.

If you like, please email me back at pmart995@yahoo.com, or call me at 985-290-9208 (even if all you want to do is threaten me with arrest if I contact you again! ). Thanks for your time and interest (I hope!).

Sincerely,

Pete Martorana