Now we're working on harmonics on the flute. Starting on low F and then overblowing to get those pitches to come out by changing the direction of air. This helps to use more air and faster air. This is going to help us get our high notes to speak. Start with the low fingering and overblow because it's more difficult, when you switch to the regular fingering, Bam! It's much easier.
Stage fright ahh!!! Sarah says she gets nervous for scales and the two octaves freak her out. Prof. Broffitt is exploring why we get scared. Here's the key, "Practicing is supposed to get us comfortable." Practice your weaknesses, by bookending your practice with them start and finish what you're nervous about. Use visualization and take yourself through the whole day(what to wear, seeing the room, imagine your sound) then try to replicate that on your flute. Again building confidence! I love that. More wisdom: "Practicing is just problem-solving"
Listening to some of the students play is very cool. Prof. Broffitt is offering some suggestions. It's nice to have a specialist work with some of the advancing students. Especially, since Mrs. Worthington and I are both brass players. The woodwind choir flute section definately got some great tips. It seems like the students are most interested in someone who actually explains all this trill stuff.
Ending with the $1,000,000 question...how do I play soft in the upper register? Prof. Broffitt says that if she knew she'd right a book! Her solution, Good sound loud and back it off a little each day as you practice.
Addition: Prof. Broffitt said that she really enjoyed working with the flutes here. She also wants to share her website with you. There's lots of great flute stuff at http://www.virginiabroffitt.com/
KF
