Catherine interviews Keith Underwood

Greetings!

I have just returned to North Carolina from the Keith Underwood Flute Masterclass at Ghost Ranch, New Mexico, a week filled with tangible learning in an open, warm, and supportive atmosphere. Thanks to Nancy Laupheimer for organizing a great class, and thanks to my classmates for sharing their learning processes.

I am grateful for the information and inspirations I have received from Keith over the past 15 or so years, and I am delighted to share a video interview with Keith filmed on August 18, 2007 at Ghost Ranch.

I have posted the first four segments of the video in the public blog since the interview was a gift from Keith to the world flute community. I am honored to be able to share this information.

Here is the link to the interviews.

Catherine LeGrand interviews Keith Underwood
Ghost Ranch, NM, August 18. 2007

• On Benefits of Buzzing for Flutists
• When will we hear improvement from buzzing?
• What if our lips get numb?
• Please provide a Buzzing 101: Syllabus…

Additional segments coming in September and October!

Catherine LeGrand interviews Keith Underwood
Ghost Ranch, NM, August 18. 2007 (continued)

• More Buzzing Exercises, Lip Vibrato, and Tuning
• Timing and Sequence of Events for a Breath
• Tongue-Controlled Embouchure and Support
• On Ideal Vibrato Speed
• On Creating an Open and Supportive Atmosphere

Sincere best wishes,
Catherine

Where in the World is Catherine LeGrand?

Hello everyone!

I have not dropped off the face of the earth! I am 3 weeks into my month of professional development activites and have had many inspirational experiences and learned a lot during this time away from my studio.

In late July I played Principal Flute in the Grand FinnFest Orchestra in Ashtabula, Ohio. Such interesting, seldom heard music! Kudos to conductor and music director Craig Johnson for this highly successful event.

I was able to squeeze in a family visit with my brother's family in Lansing, MI and perform at his church, Lansing Unitarian Universalist Church before heading up to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to play Principal Flute in the Superior Festival Orchestra, a position I have held for 14 years.

Many thanks to Sue Thomas, pianist, all the fine folks at Lansing UU, and, to the board of Directors and staff of the Superior String Alliance for their ongoing efforts.

Today I am leaving Albuquerque, NM to go to Keith Underwood's Ghost Ranch Masterclasses after immersing myself in the activites of the annual National Flute Association Convention for the past 4 days. You will be hearing LOTS more about these experiences in coming weeks. Wish you all could have been here!

I always enjoy this summer change in venue, not only to escape the NC heat and humidity, but also to renew friendships and play music with old friends. Working in a different context helps me see myself and my work in a fresh way. Returning to the same place each year, allows me to assess my personal and musical growth since the previous summer. Visiting and working in new places is always exciting, and these experiences bring richness to my teaching and playing.

I hope you are having meaningful and fun experiences this summer, whether new, exciting ones or old favorites.

Look for more posts after August 20.

Sincerely,
Catherine