Learn From The Very Best Flute Instructors
In The Nation
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Please note that the Canyon Community Center and Town Hall are located near the Town Park and workshop classes are within walking distance from festival parking. The OC Tanner Amphitheater is approximately 1/2 mile from the Town Park. Please plan to drive your car to attend workshop classes at the OC Tanner Amphitheater. Click here for a map of the festival grounds and surrounding area.
Dixie College Tanner Amphitheater Twilight Concert Series Featuring Vince Redhouse, Gabriel Ayala, Will Clipman
Saturday 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Dixie State College presents a flute concert featuring Vince Redhouse, Gabriel Ayala and Will Clipman as part of their Summer Concert series under the stars in the stunning 2000-seat outdoor amphitheater, surrounded by the cliffs of Zion National Park. Bring a picnic, kick off your shoes, plan to participate. It's casual, it's fun, it's cool and it's relaxing. Over 900 seats have backs and arms and others are seated on bleachers.
Tickets are $9 at the door - open seating.
Vince Redhouse
Gabriel Ayala
Will Clipman
Vince Redhouse Bio
Vince Redhouse began playing music at 6 years old, starting with
the recorder and then the clarinet. He then began to study guitar
and piano at eight years of age I remember practicing on an old Sears
Silvertone guitar until my fingers would bleed. I was inspired by
groups like the Beatles and later groups from the San Francisco area.
My siblings and I (who are all professional musicians to this day)
would perform in neighbors yards on picnic tables and in the family
garage. We'd play with cardboard cutouts of guitars and use brooms
as microphones and play karaoke with whatever songs came up on the
radio. I heard Jimi Hendrix play "Purple Haze" at the Monterey Pop
Festival from my front yard! There was so much music during that Music
Revolution!"
After high school
Vince attended the Academy of Arts/Humanities, a private music school under the direction of
German professor Axel Duwe. There he received thorough classical training on piano as well as
education in acting, foreign language study and comprehensive study in ear training, theory
and counterpoint composition. While at the same time Vince played in Jazz Big Bands under the
leadership of Don Schamber in Monterey, CA. "I learned to love to practice the right way because
of what I learned at the Academy-it became exciting to practice 8 hours a day 7 days a week and
then at night we'd have all night jazz sessions with some really great players." Vince was now
playing tenor sax which he had started at age 17 and within two years he was the lead tenor sax
player with the Air Force Band of the Southwest. Later he would be successful in his audition
for the Air Force Academy Band. "I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to study music
as I have. And having five other siblings just as dedicated to music created this intense environment
that only helped make us strive to be the best musicians." Vince also believes being an Urban Indian
and always living away from those like himself helped him do something that would garner the respect
of others and which came naturally, it seems-play music.
"I believe music is more than what
we hear but something that we feel at a very deep place. I think of music as a spiritual event that
we participate in-the musician as well as the listener. Navajo people have always been regarded as
spiritual people and my family through the generations was known for its medicine men-my grandfather
Hosteen Redhouse was greatly respected in Indian Country. I believe those gifts continue to be passed
to us just as physical characteristics are, except these are spiritual. My music carries the Spirit
of my dad and his fathers and I am keenly aware of this especially when I play the Native Flute and
when I compose music. Music for me is one of the greatest expressions of spirit and heart and healing
and it is the gift I am blessed to share."
"My first exposure to the Native Flute took place about six years ago. I was a Painting Contractor at the time and had received a work order to repair some drywall in a house that happened to have a Native Flute sitting on a coffee table along with other pieces of American Indian art. I was so bold to ask if I could play the Native Flute and from that very moment began a new chapter in my life."
Having been a serious woodwind player from a very early age Vince first thought about the obvious limitations of the Native Flute but fell in love with its sound and the connection it had to his Native culture. There came "dark nights of the soul", times when it felt like the world was crashing about his life and Vince late at night would play just one note on the Native Flute and hold it.”I felt the sound that others have been moved by and I began to play myself to sleep. It brought something to me that no other instrument ever did. I chose the Native Flute as my instrument or should I say it chose me?"
Being classically trained taught him the discipline of study, which he would need in
order to create a chromatic fingering system. "I've incorporated all the fingering systems I've known from the open hole silver flute, clarinet and the tenor sax on which
I had to create and instantly memorize fingerings for the altissimo register (which enables me to play four and a half octaves in every key on the tenor sax). Some day I'll write a book on this system which allows me to play in every key on one Native Flute and makes it possible for me to sight read any written piece of music. Also my extensive jazz background helps me improvise and play off the page and in the moment just as I would on any other woodwind instrument that I play."
"I've been asked why I play music like "Claire de Lune" by Debussy
or Pat Methany's "The Road To You" on the Native Flute? To me it's
fairly simple. I want to play the most beautiful music ever written
or played on what I consider the most beautiful sounding instrument.
Also my unique upbringing as an Urban Indian that was exposed to great
music and training all through my life makes this my gift to others."
Vince also hopes that because of the significance of the Native Flute
to its people that his playing of this instrument as he does will
make American Indians more visible in this 21st century."We have a
spiritual connection to this land that is very unique and a spirituality
that was vital to those who lived on this land then and now."
Look for Vince's latest music called "A Long Way Home". This music
of the Southwest is sure to be on everyone's "must have list".
Gabriel Ayala Bio
Gabriel Ayala, classical guitarist, is one of the up and coming musicians of his time. He is becoming well-known throughout the United States as a performer. A native of Corpus Christi, Texas Gabriel now resides in Tucson, Arizona where he received his Master of Music degree from the University of Arizona. Gabriel has taught in all levels of education from elementary to college which has helped him to become a leading pedagogue of the guitar. Gabriel has won several competitions and serves as a judge for competitions.
Gabriel performs extensively throughout the United States and has had the opportunity of performing on live radio broadcasts, as well as, public and national television. In 2003, Gabriel released his self-titled debut CD and was nominated for the Native American Music Awards, otherwise known as, the NAMMYS for “Best Independent Recording.” In 2004, Gabriel was honored to be one of selected few to perform at the “Gathering of Nations” for over 30,000 people in attendance and is featured on a compilation CD of Gathering of Nations.
In addition to being a solo classical guitarist, Gabriel also promotes Native culture through traditional singing and dancing. In the Native American community, Gabriel (Yaqui) has also performed with well-known Native American musicians and entertainers. Gabriel is working on the production of two new CD’s to be released in 2006.
Will Clipman Bio
A drummer since the age of three, Will has mastered a pan-global
palette of percussion in addition to the traditional drum set. In
a career that has spanned nearly every known musical genre, Will has
recorded over fifty albums, including twenty-three for Canyon Records,
the world's leading producer and distributor of Native American music,
where he is regarded as the house percussionist. Will currently performs
and records with The R. Carlos Nakai Quartet, The William Eaton Ensemble,
The Wilde Boys (Nakai, Eaton & Clipman), Gentle Thunder, Ananeah,
Quiet Fire, Sacred Clay, Robert Tree Cody, Randy Wood Great Mystery,
and The Conrads. Will's music has been honored with two GRAMMY Nominations
for Best New Age Album; two NAMA Awards for Best Instrumental Album
and Best World Music Album; an ISMA Nomination for Best Contemporary
Instrumental Album; and a TAMMIE Award for Best Drummer. Will currently
has eleven entries on the first ballot for this year's GRAMMY Awards,
including Sacred Clay, his new duo CD with Gary Stroutsos.
For the past three decades Michael Graham Allen ‘Coyote Oldman’ has researched artifacts, fashioned replicas, composed music and enjoyed a 25 year career as a professional recording artist. In this lecture he will discuss his insights learned over his many years of flute making.
The Art of Sound is a must for all flute players and makers.
Anasazi flute class, beginning and advanced instructions in playing this wonderful ancient flute of North America. A free PVC Anasazi flute will be given to each student. limit 25 students.
Michael Graham Allen began building and selling Native American style flutes in the mid 70’s. In the 80’s he introduced the Native American flute to mainstream and alternative music markets and gave millions of people throughout the US, Europe and Japan their first encounter with the Native American style flute with groundbreaking recordings like Tear of the Moon and Rainbird.
Michael Graham Allen
The Art Of Sound & Anasazi Flute Playing, $40
Online registrations are closed. All workshops have available space in them. Register for this event in person at the information booth.
4:00
pm to 5:00 pm
Volunteer Orientation Meeting
with Jim Murphy, volunteer co-director
Town Hall
6:00
pm to 9:00 pm
Flute Makers Reception, everyone is invited to attend, refreshments served.
This flute making
workshop is being offered by Marty Lisonbee of
Native Echo Flutes. Marty will provide flute blanks
that will accommodate making a flute in the key
of A, G or F# or F. You may also opt to build an E or D flute for an extra $25. The E has a 1" bore and the D a 1 1/8" bore. These
flute blanks feature a solid piece of wood, line
bored to maintain a single piece flute body. Then
your flute blank's basic shape is turned on a
lathe, providing...near perfect symmetry and wall
thickness, important elements of building a high
quality flute. Then Marty will share with you
techniques of constructing a flute that will provide
you a clean, clear sound with good volume. A basic
Cedar blank is included in the tuition, but this
year participants can also opt to upgrade ...
to a premium wood ... with burned inlay, turquoise inlace inlay or real turquoise inlay.
Also learn and create a natural edge on the end of your flute.
Blanks will also feature a smooth, sandable surface
or a unique textured finish. These premium blanks
will be available on a first come, first serve
basis. The addition payment for these blanks will
be made at the workshop. At the end of this workshop,
participants will take home a high quality flute
at a fraction of the price of buying one, not
to mention the skills needed to make your next
flute. This year an additional instructor, Harold Lisonbee, Marty's brother will also be available to assist students with questions and assistance. Class size is limited to 20 participants.
The Toubat flute is a North American Plains flute in the key of F# Major. This diatonic flute was designed by Doctor Richard Payne. Collector, historian, conservator, recording artist, and flute maker, Dr. Payne became involved with the Native American flute in the 1930's. Although the inspiration for the Toubat flute encompasses the range of Native American flutes, it is particularly influenced by certain qualities exhibited by flutes of the Southern Plains. Chief among these qualities was the ability of the flute to achieve the characteristic Southern Plains warble. The Toubat flute has slanted playing and direction holes, a brass spacer plate, and Doc’s own bird design. The Toubat flute has remained essentially unchanged since 1970.
Flute makers Leroy Cully and Russ Wolf spent many enjoyable hours with Doctor Payne both at his home and at his shop learning to construct his unique instrument. Participants in the Toubat flute making class will leave with a complete but unfinished Toubat flute. Time constraints won’t allow for finishing, however, this step will be thoroughly discussed. All supplies and tools will be provided.
Leroy Cully is a Muskogee/Creek/Seminole Indian who has been making Native American style flutes since the late 1990’s. Leroy studied with a number of different teachers. Early on he met Russell Wolf. Later, he and Russ had the good fortune of meeting and becoming good friends with Dr. Richard Payne. Doc graciously opened his home and his Toubat shop to them. Leroy spent countless hours visiting and working with Doc before his death in 2004.
Leroy resides in Spencer, OK and spends most of his time perfecting and/or teaching his craft with many who come to him to learn the art of flute making. He can be contacted via e-mail at lcully@cox.net.
Russ Wolf is the author of ‘Flute Shop: A Guide to Crafting the Native American Style Flute’. His two photo CD’s, Native Flutes and More Native Flutes showcase hundreds of historic Native American instruments. A former wood shop teacher, Russ has been building flutes since the mid 1990’s. He currently resides in Texas and can be contacted at rawolf60@verizon.net.
“When I started crafting flutes, there were few to be found, so I visited museums like the Smithsonian and the Library of Congress to photograph the flutes in their collections. Those old flutes continue to provide me with inspiration. More recently, I’m very proud of the fact that Mary Youngblood chose to use one of my flutes to record two songs on her newest CD, Dance with the Wind.”
Here is a photo of a Toubat Plains Style flute:
LeRoy Cully
Russ Wolf
Toubat Flute Making
Limit of 20
$125.00
Online registrations are closed. All workshops have available space in them. Register for this event in person at the information booth.
I have Bamboo and tools!
What kind of flute do you want to make? Bamboo is a wonderful material to use! Easy to work and ready to go in it's natural form.
Bring any type of flute you want to learn how to make and we'll figure it our together. Native American style, Anasazi, Hopi, South American Quenna (Kenna), Shakuhachi, Panpipes, Nose flutes, Transverse flutes... Eh, What ever! If you or someone else had one, can make! I will share with you my process of thinking so you can figure out how to make a flute on your own.
Also, if you have a flute that is a wall hanger, difficult to play, doesn't sound right, etc... Bring that too! Maybe we can make adjustments or show you a different and easier technique to play it!
Anthony Natividad
This workshop has been cancelled!
9:00
am
Class Registration & Ticket Sales
Canyon Community Center Patio
9:30
am
Opening Ceremony & Welcome By Vince Redhouse & Pat Cluff, Town of Springdale Mayor
Come and make you own hand held 14” medicine drum on a pine frame with experience drum maker Kevin Petersen of Nature Sounds. All materials are supplied for the drum.
Kevin Peterson
Drum Making
$150.00
Online registrations are closed. All workshops have available space in them. Register for this event in person at the information booth.
Why do the Native Americans turn to the animal for spiritual and
Practical answers? What does "animal totems" mean? Why am I so attracted to
badgers? Arvel Bird's workshops will answer these questions and more
relative to why traditional Native Americans so highly honor and
respect our planetary co-denizens and how we can now use them in daily
life. Need strength in times of need? Call on bear, need a reminder that
life is supposed to be fun? Play with otter. Want to attract more of
something into your life (love, money, a new home, a new job)? Buffalo medicine
can help you. Use the animals every day to change your life for the better!
Arvel Bird, 2007 Native American Music Awards "Artist of the Year" and
2007 Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards "Best Instrumental Album", is best
Known for his violin and native flute recordings of Animal Totems and Animal
Totems 2. In addition to his music about our animal brothers and sisters,
Arvel weaves a magical web of animal "medicine" for those wanting to
contact their animal totem guides. No experience necessary. Wear
comfortable clothing, bring something for note taking and something to cover
your eyes if you wish to stay for the guided meditation at the end of the
workshop. Due to the spiritual nature of the workshop, under 18's must
have parental permission or be accompanied by an adult.
Arvel Bird
Totem Animals
$20.00
Online registrations are closed. All workshops have available space in them. Register for this event in person at the information booth.
During this workshop, David will discuss his creative process, perform his best known as well as his latest work, answer questions, and dialog with the audience. Topics to be covered will include composing, improvisation, inspiration, and dealing with performance anxiety. The Piano Workshop is a perfect event for lovers of the piano young and old.
Bio- Grammy Nominated Pianist, David Lanz, has recorded over 20 albums including the landmark CRISTOFORI'S DREAM, which was Number One on Billboard's first adult alternative/new age chart for 27 weeks and eventually sold platinum. David also created an instructional piano video, THROUGH THE HANDS OF DAVID LANZ, in which he reveals his versatile style through discussions, demonstrations and performances of his beloved melodies. His current projects include his recently released CD "Living Temples" along with the forthcoming DVD of the same name.
David Lanz
The Creative Process
$40.00
Online registrations are closed. All workshops have available space in them. Register for this event in person at the information booth.
The Native American Courting Flute, Techniques for Playing Traditional Love Songs By Gary Stroutsos
Friday 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Gary will share his ongoing studies of the traditional aspects of the American Indian flute as it relates to the unique playing techniques of love songs.
Gary Stroutsos
The Native American Courting Flute
$40.00
Online registrations are closed. All workshops have available space in them. Register for this event in person at the information booth.
Students will learn the basics of loom work including threading the
loom and following a pattern to create a beautiful bracelet or flute
wrap. The project will not be finished during the class time but
detailed instructions on how to finish will be provided. Come, join
me and share in the fun of creating your own colorful beadwork!
All beading supplies including a quality ergonomic wooden loom is
included.
Bio:
Marby is already known amongst flute players for her beadwork on the spirit ended flutes created by her husband and her fine embroidery work on flute bags and cases. She has taught her art at many venues and beading classes throughout the Northwest where her work and knowledge is sort after by local galleries with whom she gladly shares her 30 years of beading experience.
Marby Pennington
Beading for Beginners
$60.00
Online registrations are closed. All workshops have available space in them. Register for this event in person at the information booth.
