NPSB Members in the Community
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Jeffrey Callen, Julia Glencer and Shara Taylor - North Pittsburgh Flute Society
The Pocono Flute Society July 20-25, 2025 Each year, The Pocono Flute Society sponsors a week-long flute camp each year. This year’s camp, held on the campus of Marywood University in Scranton, Pennsylvania, was directed by four professional flutist/teacher “clinicians.” Campers play in a flute choir, conducted by the clinicians (each one selects a piece or two), and are each assigned to play in a quartet. Campers attend classes each day and receive two private lessons with an assigned clinician during the week. This year, classes included strategies for reviewing new pieces more effectively, tips for overcoming performance anxiety, and instruction on how to play Irish music authentically. Campers can also choose to prepare a solo piece for performance at a “camper recital” held near the end of the week. On the final day, each quartet and the full participant flute choir perform. NPSB flutists Jeff Callen and Julia Glencer attended camp this year and had a ton of fun! It was Jeff’s second time, and Julia’s fourth time, attending this camp. They both enjoyed being able to concentrate on their flute playing for a full week (uninterrupted by work, lawn mowing, grocery shopping, etc.) and talking with people who love all things “flute." This year, there were campers from North Carolina, Florida, New York, Connecticut, Ohio, Massachusetts, and of course Pennsylvania (including five from Pittsburgh). There were alto flutes, bass flutes, a contra-bass flute, Irish whistles, a fife and a native Indian flute to be heard! The camp atmosphere is relaxed and supportive. And while new attendees worry they may not be “good enough,” everyone is made to feel welcome, regardless of experience level. Campers leave with many new and useful ideas on how to improve their warm-ups, practice sessions, and ensemble playing. Bach, Beethoven and Brunch July 27, 2025 Last fall, due to issues securing a venue, The Pocono Flute Camp was held over a single weekend in November. Two flutists from Pittsburgh (Jillian Edmondson & Nicholle Barnardo-Pankuch) attended that weekend and decided that Western Pennsylvania ought to have a similar flute society! In January of 2025, they sent an email to local Pittsburgh flutists soliciting interest and, as interest was strong, formed a flute choir, consisting of approximately 20 players. The new flute choir -- known as the North Pittsburgh Flute Society -- has been rehearsing at Ingomar United Methodist Community Church. Aside from a few small performances at the church, the flute choir made its public debut on Sunday, July 27, playing in the Bach, Beethoven and Brunch program held outdoors on summer weekends in Mellon Park. As the flute choir is presently looking for a regular conductor, it was conducted for that performance by Jim Patnesky of the Pine Creek Community Band (to which Jillian and Nicholle belong). NPSB flutists Jeff Callen and Julia Glencer each play alto flute in this new flute choir; NPSB flutist Shara Taylor also belongs (although she was away for the debut performance). Repertoire for the debut performance consisted of 17 flute choir pieces (ranging from transcriptions of classical pieces to arrangements of folk tunes, popular songs and sacred music) and five small ensemble pieces. One of the small ensemble pieces featured only the low flutes, playing “Over the Rainbow.” Alas, It began to rain during that song (!), but after a brief intermission, the sun returned and the concert continued! The North Pittsburgh Flute Society is currently planning its performance schedule for the fall. |
