To read the prior issue, click here: Summer 2025 Portland Piper

(note there was no Fall 2025 issue)

The entire issue is below, simply scroll down.

Use the navigation links below to go to the "column" webpages which have the current issue's articles on this frontpage as well as

an archive of some past articles for that column.

Flutist & Ensemble Profiles

Low to High Notes

Inside the Library Column (Reviews)

We Read (Book Reviews)

Archived Issues

Meet Our Commercial Members & Sponsors

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Meet the 26-27 GPFS Board Members

Introducing the 26-27 GPFS Board Members, voted in by membership attendees at this past April’s Flute Fair.

Link: The Board

Bios: Greater Portland Flute Society Board Members 26 27.pdf

Planning for the New GPFS Season

GPFS has committed to a new season of flute events:

• • Fall concert/workshop or masterclass
  • Playing Get Together and Social/"Ensembling"
  • First Tuesdays Online
  • Mid-Valley Flute Academy
  • Young Artist Competition
  • Spring Concert
  • Spring Flute Fair
• We will send you ENews/emails as plans fall into place.
• Please feel free to contribute your ideas for these events by simply responding to this email or, at anytime, using contact@gpfs.org.
• Stay Tuned: 
• • Instagram @gpflutesociety
  • Facebook @flutesocietyoregon
  • www.gpfs.org; webpages will be updated in the coming weeks.

Save the Date for the Next Annual Playing Get Together and Social Event - 11/8/26

• November 8th 2026.
• The schedule and time will be similar to prior years - tentatively from 12:30 - 4:00.
• It will also again be at the Multnomah Arts Center.
• Stay tuned through this webpage for the event: Flute Ensemble Gathering

Introducing New GPFS Lifetime Membership Option

A new membership option of Lifetime Membership is now available to new or existing GPFS members. This may be a savings option for certain members. It also helps GPFS financially to be able to invest membership dues early to create more revenue. Existing members who are on auto renew can login to their GPFS account and change their desired membership type. Or simply turn off auto renew and manually renew selection the Lifetime option. If you have questions or want help please email contact@gpfs.org.

A Refresh on Member Benefits

• In addition to concerts, workshops, masterclasses, a playing get together/social, and flute fair, we also help to keep you informed about flute events in the region.
• Plus, all these benefits!
• • A new "members only" YouTube channel where our concerts, workshops and masterclasses will be posted.
  • Local Flute Teachers
  • Flute Loan for Students
  • Big Flute Rentals
  • Newsletter – The Portland Piper
  • Flute Resources & Links
  • GPFS Music Library
  • Flute Music by PNW Composers
  • Young Artist Competition
    
  • Student Study Grants

First Tuesdays 26-27 Planning, Your Ideas?

Please respond by 8/3.

• Link to propose your session or to make suggestions: First Tuesday call for proposals 2026 - 2027.pdf
• GPFS has committed to another season for First Tuesdays. The details are still to be established this summer.
• Each session will feature a performance or a workshop held by a GPFS member or friend of our society. The sessions will focus on the flute and other music topics of interest to members. This is an opportunity to feature and celebrate the talents of our membership and meet other musicians and composers in the region.
• There will be four sessions between December - April. Dates to save are: December 8th, January 5th, February 2nd, March 2nd, and April 6th. The sessions will still occur 7:00 - 8:00 PST via Zoom link.
• Please share your ideas for presenters and topics by replying to the email or using, at anytime, contact@gpfs.org.
• Use this webpage to stay tuned as the new calendar, artists, topics emerge: First Tuesdays.

Discount code for GPFS Members and NFA Attendees

From Portland Gear – a 25% discount code that will run from August 5^th – August 12^th.  It can be used in store or online. A GPFS flutist says the Getaway knapsack works well for her – fits her c-flute and I pad and more. This particular bag is also designed to fit under an airplane seat. Go check it out and their other bags! Thank you Portland Gear for the discount! Gear up for the invasion of flutists to Portland this summer!

New Perk Alert for GPFS Members - Our Very Own YouTube Channel!

We are so excited to launch the official GPFS Members-Only YouTube Channel!

Can't make it to a live event? Want to re-watch a brilliant moment from a recent master class? We’ve got you covered. This channel is a brand-new, exclusive archive just for our active GPFS members.

What’s waiting for you:

• Exclusive artist concert recordings
• In-depth master class replays
• Special GPFS event coverage

How to tune in: Check out our new video links page HERE. Watch for an email from us on Wednesday to learn more.

Right now, the Alexa Still concert from this past spring is posted with the masterclass and workshop from flute fair to come

Attention all Flute Teachers and Youth! The Youth Membership Subscription Price Drop to $5

• Youth <18 years old can now join GPFS for only $5 for the new season.
• Please pass the word along to your students.
• Learn more and link to join at: Membership

Meet the 2026 GPFS Young Artist Competition Winners

Congratulations to the 2026 Young Artist Competition Winners!

Junior Division:

First place : Hannah Lau - La Flute De Pan, Jules Mouquet. Teacher – Denise Westby. $400 Prize Sponsor Canter Flute Repair

Second place: Sophie Chuang - Nocturne by Georges Barrère. Teacher – Corrie Cook. $200 Prize Sponsor Pro Flutes

Third Place: Ellie Yoon - Sonatina, Op.5 for Flute and Piano: II. Aria Blaz Pucihar. Teacher – Sydney Carlson. $100 Prize Sponsor Pro Flutes

Honorable Mention: Vivian Zhan - Walzer by Joachim Anderson, Op.55 No.2. Teacher - Corrie Cook. $50 prize Sponsored by GPFS Membership

Senior Division:

First place: Marilyn Ruthruft - Sicilienne et Burlesque by Alfredo Casella. Teacher – Dr. Sydney Carlson. $500 Prize Sponsor FluteWorks Seattle.

Second place: Yirhe Ha - Sonatine for Flute and Piano by Pierre Sancan. Teacher – Dr. Sydney Carlson. $300 Prize Sponsor GPFS Board of Directors.

Third place: Jackson Cooper - Danza de la Mariposa for Solo Flute by Valerie Coleman. Teacher – Dr. Emily Stanek. $200 Prize Sponsor GPFS Membership

Save the Dates for Flute Fair 2027 and 2028

2027: April 9^th and 10^th, 20267 New location and visiting artist to be announced soon.

2028: April 7^th and 8^th, 2028.

-save the dates April 9 and 10 for flute fair – artist to be announced soon

GPFS NFA Exhibit Hall Table Features PNW Composers

OF EXCITING AND SPECIAL NOTE - GPFS will have a table at convention which will feature flute repertoire from Pacific Northwest Composers - our new initiative started in 2025! Stay tuned through our dedicated webpage - Flute Music by PNW Composers. If there is PNW Composer not represented here that you would like to recommend please message contact@gpfs.org.

REMINDER National Flute Association Convention in Portland for 2026!

• Registration Still Open - It is not too late to sign-up for a day or the full conference!
• Schedule - The Program Book is released, and posted HERE. The full schedule will be published soon.
• Youth Day - Remember there is a single day devoted entirely to youth ages 9 - 18, August 8th. Link to YOUTH DAY WEBPAGE.
• Learn more: Oregon Flutist Events to Attend at NFA Convention.pdf

NFA Convention Performances by Oregon Area Flutists

We scoured through the program book for the NFA convention to uncover sessions with Oregon flutists. Here they are. Remember, be sure to routinely check the online guidebook in case anything changes. But, this should be fairly solid.

Link: Oregon Flutist Events to Attend at NFA Convention.pdf

Note - The Flutists from Oregon Play Music by Oregon Composers was organized by GPFS!

Thursday 12:30. Note too that several of our flutist friends in the Pacific Northwest also have sessions scattered throughout the convention.

Link: NFA Program Book

New Album by Sophia Tegart - Cleaning Up Broken Glass

This inspiring, thoughtfully curated and well performed album includes six pieces for flute and piano by women composers from different time periods and representing a variety of styles. Most of these composers are likely unfamiliar to many flutists. This album is quite simply delightful, open, joyful, refreshing, uplifting and illuminating.

An interesting fact is that Sophia used to live in the Portland area and was on the GPFS Board! She also served as the first round adjudicator for the 2026 GPFS Young Artist Competition. We’re not letting her go! She is also performing on one of the evening Gala concerts at this summer’s NFA Convention in Portland.

Link to Article: Music Review - Cleaning Up Broken Glass CD by Sophia Tegart.pdf

Welcome to Flutist Julia Pyke – New Principal of the Oregon Symphony Orchestra

GPFS welcomes and congratulates Julia Pyke, the new principal flutist of the OSO. Please read this interview with her by the San Franciso Conservatory of Music. Julia is a 2022 graduate of the conservatory. “Pyke previously held the role of Principal with the Spokane Symphony, a role she won the same year she graduated from the Conservatory. One of the most visible students of SFCM's social media stars, her videos on the Conservatory TikTok page have accrued 3.8 million views and even moved pop star (and flutist) Lizzo to comment.”

Link: Julia Pyke SFCM Interview

Link: Julia's Website

Emily Stanek with Eugene Symphony

GPFS long time member and board member has won the 2^nd flute position with the Eugene Symphony Orchestra. Congratulations Emily. She joins principal flutist Kristen Halay and piccolist Jill Pauls.

Flutist BoMi Kim

Link to Profile: Musician Profile BoMi Kim Spring 2026.pdf

 Flutist & Composer Mikaela Johnson

I am originally from a small town near Yakima, WA, where I first started flute lessons with Linda Doria. I went to Central Washington University to study with Hal Ott, then got my master’s degree at Western Illinois University with John McMurtery. I also started composition lessons with Paul Paccione and James Romig at WIU and then....[link to read more about Mikaela]

Link to Profile: Musician Profile Mikaela Johnson Spring 2026.pdf

Flutist & Nurse Barb Meis

Music has been part of my life since fourth grade, when I joined elementary school band. I kept playing through junior high, and when I found out there was no place for flute in jazz band, I picked up the saxophone because I really wanted to be part of it. In high school, that love of music carried me into marching band and concert band, and I even convinced the band director to start a jazz band so I could keep exploring a style of music I loved....[link to read more about Barb]

Link to Profile: Musician Profile - Barb Meis Spring 2026.pdf

Flutist Forrest Fisher

I have done a bit of many things. I have played flute, clarinet, and saxophone almost equally for more than 5 decades. I am retired now, but I have been a high school band/orchestra director, school principal, school district Tech Director twice and a technology expert supporting twenty-five school districts near Yakima, WA for 20 years. I hold degrees in Jazz Education from Millikin University, Music Education from the University of Illinois and School Administration from Lewis and Clark. But the best part is my marriage of 48 years with two married musician daughters and five grandchildren.....[link to read more about Forrest]

Link to Profile: Musician Profile Forrest Fisher Spring 2026.pdf

For Intermediate Flutists - A Recording for New Repertoire Ideas

Released by renown LA flute recording artist Jenni Olson in 2014 with pianist Daniel Kelley, this is an oldie but goodie for the intermediate flutist - listen, enjoy and discover some new flute repertoire to play. These are classical pieces arranged for the flute. Listen/Purchase on Apple Music, Spotify and Amazon. Of the collection, Jenni says – “I use this book in my teaching studio because it has a great variety of musical styles.  These are pieces that you will recognize and enjoy the arrangements for flute and piano.” Jenni is a renown Los Angeles studio musician and Director of Woodwinds at Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at CA State University, Long Beach.

Link: PDF of Tracks

You can listen and purchase on ITunes, Spotify and Amazon Music.

Here is a link to a sheet music collection by Daniel Kelley that includes many of these pieces and some different pieces:

Link to Article: Teaching and Learning - 30 Solos for Intermediate Flutists Spring Summer 2026 Issue.pdf

Teaching and Learning: Learn Faster Perform Better by Molly Gebrian – a book and resources.

Molly Gebrian is a professional violist with a background in neuroscience. What an unusual and strong combination that we flutists get to highly benefit from! This book is highly recommended all around. Importantly, she goes the extra mile to help us all translate this accumulation of knowledge into our practice of playing and teaching including providing a list of strategies from the book, instructional videos and a very practical email newsletter.

Link to Article: Teaching and Learning - Learn Faster Perform Better by Molly Gebrian Spring Summer 2027 Issue.pdf

From OregonArtsWatch - Introducing ArtsLink, a hub for posting and finding essential information

This resource is blossoming into an essential community resource for illuminating, connecting and supporting the arts in the greater region. “ArtsLink is an essential community resource that aims to increase visibility, spur audience engagement, and strengthen the local arts and culture ecosystem.”

To submit a listing, event or organization profile: 

ArtsLink Webpage

Teaching and Learning - Composer Spotlight: Jacobo Ficher

GPFS member Dr. Robert Wakeley shares information on a fairly unknown Argentinian, 20^th century composer who wrote a couple of flute pieces for the more advanced flutist. Within a much larger catalogue, there are two important works that Ficher wrote for flute, the Sonata for Flute and Piano, op. 32, no. 1, and the Concerto for Flute and Orchestra, op. 107. 

Link to Article: Teaching and Learning - Composer Spotlight Jacobo Ficher Spring Summer 2026 Issue.pdf

“More than just a C# Trill” – Good Reminder!

From our flutist friends at Flute Works, you will find this short article on the value and function of the C# trill key on the flute. Far from superfluous, this little power key offers easier trills and fuller sounding notes. Please read on to learn about most often used alternate fingerings, trills, and tremolos that the C# trill can produce as well as the many Tremolos you can get with the C# trill key. It can also be used to help with the high A-flat.

Teaching & Learning Column Archives

Enjoy past information from the The Portland Piper's Teaching & Learning column here - Teaching & Learning Column

Your Help Needed, Please Share Your Thoughts

GPFS very much needs help with content for this Teaching & Learning Column. Please help us make it meaningful by identifying topics, books, method books, articles, podcasts, social media, videos or other resources you think would be of interest.

Message newsletter@gpfs.org

Danzando Para Los Oidos - Tango Etudes by Astor Piazzolla and Rhyuhn Green, Anna Meyer on alto flute, and Maria Marmarou on percussion

Listen to this 30 minute, seven-track album if you love Astor Piazzolla’s tangle etudes for solo flute OR particularly listen if you are tired of these etudes. These Meyer and Marmarou adaptations and performance of these for alto flute and percussion are refreshing and completely inspiring. You will be taken to a very unexpected place. 

Link to Article: 

Low Flutes - Danzando Paradiso Alto Percussion Piazzolla Etudes Spring Summer 2026 Issue.pdf

Need to Relax and LOVE Low Flutes – Lisen to this Alto, Bass and Contra Bass Flute Playist Currated by Daniela Mars

Have you seen this bass flute music playlist on Spotify curated by flutist and low flutes specialist Daniela Mars? It includes many of her recorded songs as well as alto, bass and contrabass recordings by other low flutists. It is a very nice opportunity to listen to her recent music and learn about other low flute players/pieces that caught her ear. The music leans heavily toward “relaxing.” If you are not yet a Spotify user, there is a free version of Spotify available (with ads). Suggested tracks – From the Earth by Jeff Beal from his Moss Anthology. And, track Fallen Down for contrabass by multi-instrumentalist Luke Pickman which you can also find on his YouTube channel.

Spotify Link: Daniela’s Bass Flute Playist

New Piccolo and Piano Release from Herman Beeftink – Tales of a Pirate

For the many who love Beeftink’s compositions for flute, here is yet another. The piece is for the advanced intermediate player on up. Simple, joyful, sticks in the ear! Length - 3:53.

Link to Download Sheet Music and Play Along Audio Piano Part - lhttps://hermanbeeftink.com/collections/piccolo-and-piano/products/tales-of-a-pirate-for-piccolo-and-piano-by-herman-beeftink-sheet-music-digital-download

Listen: Performance on YouTube

Piccolo performed by Rama Kumaran and piano performed by Herman Beeftink.

Firefly Triptych for alto flute and piano by Amanda Harberg (2024, Theodore Presser)

This piece is composed and performed by Amanda Harberg on piano with Wendy Stern on alto flute. The piece is beautiful, engaging. Wendy’s sound and fluency through the range of the alto flute is gorgeous. 

Listen: Firefly Triptych

The piece has three movement: Journey Into the Night; Incantation; and, Midnight Jam.

Learn more about the composer: Amanda Harberg 

The sheet music is available through the publisher as well as through the major flute shops.

Link: Sheet Music

Flute Resources for LGBTQ – Pride Month

June was PRIDE month! Learn a little more from flutist Nicole Paulani. Broadly insightful. Be sure to scroll down to listen to Jennifer Higdon's Mountain Songs as well as Flute is a DRAG, and the London Gay Symphony.

Learn More:

Flute Resources for Pride Month

A Shout Out to Duet Gems for Intermediate Flutists – 3 Pieces from Valerie Coleman and 1 from Stanley Hoffman

Here are four engaging and solidly intermediate level duets.

Arirang Variations – a duet for two flutes of the same kind, by Stanley Hoffman. Originally a piano piece then transcripted for flutist Peter Sheridan (2015). This charming set of four variations is based on a Korean melody.

Three engaging duets from Valerie Coleman – These three solidly intermediate pieces are three separately published duets: Chanson de la Riviere (2012); Anthem for Peace (2011); and, Rojo Tango (2011).

Link to Article: Teaching and Learning - A Shout Out to Duet Gems for Intermediate Flutists Spring Summer 2026 Issue.pdf

Black History Month

February was Black History Month We have covered this resource before but like to keep it in front of ourselves. 

In this spirit, you might appreciate these few resources.

From Yale University Library - Music Resources on Underrepresented Groups, and Repertoire

Black History Month - Continued

This crowdsourced spreadsheet of flute music by BIPOC composers (black, Indigenous and people of color).

Remember too, the National Flute Association works collaboratively to maintain this online database of flute repertoire with which you can use their filters to focus in on some selections. Note the “New for 2025” database tab and the “levels chart” tab which will help you discover pieces that are a best fit to your level.

Link: NFA Repertoire Database

100 Works for Flute by Women Composers

From the Winter 2026 Flute Almanac.

Link: Women Composers Flute

Use the “translate to English” function in your browser, not a very descriptive article, but a focused nice list of piccolo pieces by women composers.

Sheet Music Share – A Tango Piece for Flute Orchestra, from Visiting Artist Flutist Paulina Fain

THANK YOU to visiting artist Paulina Fain and GPFS member Karen Silverman for organizing the Tango Flute Mastery Workshop held on June 28^th. This was a unique, totally new workshop for flutists in our greater area. We highly recommend this workshop for other flute societies/clubs and schools! Paulina has generously made available a tango piece for flute orchestra – “9 de Julio”by José Luis Padula – which can be accessed through the members only area of the GPFS website –

The piece is scored for two flutes, three accompaniment flutes and the alto flute. It was arranged by Pablo Jaurena and adapted by Paulina Fain.

Learn more about Tango Sin Fin, Paulina Fain and their resources through link in bio or directly at:

Link: Tango Sin Fin

Link to Sheet Music: Sheet Music Share from Paulina Fain 9 de julio_Flute orchestra.pdf

New Flute Music from Brotons & Mercadal Publishing

Our friends from B&M Publishing have updated their list of flute repertoire to include past and new releases. We thank them for keeping us informed and for attending the April 2026 GPFS Flute Fair.

One of their latest published pieces by flutist and composer Katrina Penman will be played at NFA. It is called "Winds of Andalusia", which is based on her flute and piano piece "To Andalusia and beyond", also arranged for flute and string quartet. The NFA asked her to adapt this piece for flute and symphonic band, so that it will be performed on Friday, August 7th from 8pm-10pm by Katrina Penman herself and the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West.

Link to Flute Repertoire: Music Review - Brotons and Mercadal Music for Flute Spring Summer 2026 Issue.pdf

GPFS Initiative Continues - Flute Repertoire from Regional Composers 

GPFS continues the work of shining a light on flute repertoire composed by Oregon and Pacific Northwest Region composers! We'll again have a table at the 2026 GPFS Flute Fair - this time making purchase options available. Our list is expanding as more composers are participating.

We will also have this repertoire represented at the 2026 National Flute Association convention in Portland, OR.

Link: GPFS PNW Composer's Webpage

Orchestra of Exiles: The Story of Bronislaw Huberman, the Israel Philharmonic, and the One Thousand Jews He Saved from Nazi Horrors by Josh Aronson and Denise George

Originally a documentary and then a book, through the story of a famous violinist from his childhood to adulthood - Bronislaw Huberman. This book illuminates another heroic life and efforts during an abysmal time in history - the rise, threat and crimes of the Nazi regime. It tells the story of how he saved the lives of many Jews and helped form what would become the Israel Philharmonic. This is definitely a book and a documentary that will be appreciated by musicians. It is traditional history and a scary, inspiring, emotional time in music history.

Link to Article: We Read - Art Cure Spring Summer 2026 Issue.pdf

We Read: The Art Cure - The Science of How the Arts Saves Lives by Daisy Fancourt

Fancourt, a renowned scientist, musician and past arts administrator shows us how participating in the arts at various levels and ways can stave off dementia and prolong life, among other benefits!!?? I’m in. Here the message is one of “essential” to health versus only an enrichment “thing” people do separate from our wellbeing. There are tangible benefits for our health.

Recommend! Reading this book was entirely heartening. I think artists, musicians, dancers and all other types of artists have instinctively known this to be highly likely because it can feel a certain kind of “life giving” to be a creative – inwardly and outwardly - but it is nonetheless confidence boosting to hear all the convincing science to back it up.

Link to Article: We Read - Orchestra of Exiles Spring Summer 2026.pdf

We Read/Watch - Zootopia 2

The flutist on the Zootopia 2 soundtrack is renowned Venezuelan flutist+ Pedro Eustache, also known as "Flute Guy". And, he will be at the NFA Convention in Portland, Oregon this summer, 2026, performing on the Thursday August 6^th Gala Concert which will “bring together internationally recognized artists and diverse musical traditions in an evening of premieres, jazz, Latin music, film-inspired sounds, and contemporary flute performance. Featured artists include Sophia Tegart, Robert Dick, Pedro Eustache, Jeff Coffin, Néstor Torres, Ali Ryerson, Lawrence Liggins, and the Air Force Band of the Golden West Jazz Combo, culminating in the world premiere of Drew Zaremba’s Jazz Flute Chronicles, commissioned by the NFA.” (Source: NFA website)

In his soundtrack recordings, Pedro typically plays various flutes and is one of the “first call” soloists for LA recording studios. He has recorded over 150 films, TV, and video game soundtracks including: “The Passion of the Christ”, "Munich”, “Indiana Jones (IV)”, "Pirates of the Caribbean" (3.4.5); "Kung Fu Panda" (all); "The Village" “Rio” (all); “Ice Age" (1,2,3), “How to Train your Dragon" "Syriana" "The Legend of Tarzan”; "Pacific Rim", "The Great Wall of China" “The Hulk”; “Coco”; “Jumanji 2”, "Small Foot" among many others.

He has a collection of around 600 musical instruments, some designed by him.

Link:  About Pedro

He has an extraordinarily unique resume which you can find on his website.

From the Winter Issue - Your Brain on Art – How the Arts Transform Us

Written by Susan Magsamen & Ivy Ross (2023)

The basic premise - “Simply by engaging our senses and fostering an aesthetic mindset, we can shift the aperture of our awareness to unlock a richer state of being where connection, curiosity, and creativity flourish.”

The book is fascinating. In many ways, one might say we as flutists are likely quite solidly in this zone already, but the book does provide a lot of insight on just how this all works in our brains and in life practice. It is science based but an accessible read that delicately but clearly presents the science. The practical explanations and suggestions for personal growth and wellness are forward and inspiring. You can read it cover to cover or appreciate sections of it. Read on to learn more.

Link to Article: We Read - Your Brain on Art Winter 2026.pdf