Past Flutes by the Sea Masterclass

Great flute fun was had by all!

The goal behind Flutes by the Sea Masterclass is to present a supportive cadre of talents from across the world. Stemming from the belief that we can learn something from everyone, Flutes by the Sea was designed for students to learn from each other, for flute choirs to share with each other, and for the performers at the evening concerts, to shine the best possible light.

Half Moon Bay is a little treasure with the murmuring ocean, the thriving city of San Francisco, the affluent Silicon Valley and busy SFO airport, all within an hour’s drive. International Recording and Touring Artist, Carol Wincenc taught the Masterclass along with Viviana Guzman. Additionally, the Flute Stars Concert featured Fluterscooter, Jane Lenoir, Janelle Barrera, Barbara Siesel & Keith Torgan of Green Golly and Kris Palmer.

We had the wonderful participation of the following Flute Choirs: MagicFlutes, Pamela Ravenelle, Director; Bel Canto Flutes, Gail Edwards, Director; Crowden Summer Music School Flute Choir, Laura Scarlata, Director; The Orioles, Gala Yaroshevsky, Director; Flutes by the Sea Flute Choir, Janelle Barrera, Director. The whole event was generously sponsored by Brannen Brothers Flutemakers, Altus Flutes, Lori Lee Flute Repair, Bernhard Hammig Flutes, West Valley Music, Gary Lewis Flutes.

The Flutes by the Sea Masterclass commenced with a sublime performance of the MagicFlutes Orchestra, directed by Pamela Ravenelle, featuring works by Mozart, Debussy and de Falla. With Viviana Guzman as a soloist, the group performed the Mozart Flute Concerto in G Major, Andante.

Some of the unique offerings at Flute by the Sea were “Meditation for Performers” Class which took place alongside the gentle lull of the magnificent Pacific Ocean. Another unique component were the Business of Music Lectures which were delivered by our flute vendors. We were even presented with the opportunity to participate in the locally shot documentary film, “Sunset Piano” with will be released next year.

Viviana Guzman offered the morning classes and International Flute Soloist and Juilliard Professor, Carol Wincenc, taught the afternoon classes. There was a Flute Market every day which featured a different Flute Vendor: Brannen Brothers Flutemakers, Altus Flutes, Bernhard Hammig Flutes, Gary Lewis Flutes, Green Golly Project, Fluterscooter, Lori Lee Flute Repair, West Valley Music and Joy of Music.

The evening concerts commenced every evening at 7pm which opened with a Flute Choir: MagicFlutes (Pamela Ravenelle), Crowden Summer Flute Choir (Laura Scarlata), Xtreme Flutes (Pamela Ravenelle), The Oriole Flute Choir (Gala Yaroshevsky), Bel Canto Flutes (Gail Edwards) and Flutes by the Sea Flute Choir (Janelle Barrera).

Special evening performances featured the Guest Artists: Carol Wincenc, Viviana Guzman, Barbara Siesel, Fluter Scooter, Janelle Barrera, Kris Palmer, Jane Lenoir, accompanied by pianists: Frank Levy, Mahani Teave and Dmitriy Cogan.

The 100+ participants included ages 6 to 76 and represented Singapore, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Los Angeles and even Easter Island! Best of all was the terrific sense of camaraderie that developed between all who participated. It is with the spirit that as a Group We Are Stronger that Flutes by the Sea was created. And it is with this same goal that it will continue now with our 3rd Annual Masterclass.