PART I: A Vendor, Participant, and an Auditor–An Interview Collage about NFA’s San Diego Convention

Katherine Lewis – auditor, first time to NFA

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself (who are you and what do you do)

I currently play with the United States Army Bands — I am associate principal flutist and play piccolo. I also serve as the principal flutist for the Heartland Opera Company and as a substitute flutist for the Chandler Symphony and Scottsdale Symphony.

I have an active private flute studio and am a member of the Arizona Flute Society, the Flute Society of Washington, MTNA, and SAI music service fraternity. I  earned my B.A. from Arkansas Tech University and am currently working on my M.A. at the University of Connecticut.

2. Have you ever been to an NFA convention before? If so, in what capacity?

I have never been to the NFA convention before, but have heard about other’s experiences for years, and have always wanted to go. I’m incredibly honored and excited to finally be attending.

3. What brings you to the San Diego convention?

This year, I will have the joy of attending my very first NFA “hitting the ground running” so to speak, as an exhibitor. I will be representing the US Army Bands, speaking to fellow flutists about career opportunities in the military and what it’s like to be a flutist in the Army.

4. What are you most looking forward to? What kind of things are you planning on doing or what is your “must do” list for this convention?

I want to hit as many of the interactive presentations as possible. While I will also be going to several of the sit-down presentations as well, the interactive presentations are a must. It’s not every day you get the chance to do yoga or do a reading session with hundreds of flutists. I also am excited to see the exhibits. There are always so many instruments, music, and groups you never knew existed!

5. Is there anything about the convention that makes you nervous, anxious, excited more than anything else?

I am most nervous about speaking with fellow flutists. Even though I will not be presenting, it’s a bit nerve wracking to go to such a large convention for the first time and be a vendor. I’m very beginning of my professional career, so I feel as if there are certain expectations when I’m surrounded by so many others that are already established in the field. I am incredibly excited though to be around such inspiring musicians!

Keith Hanlon – (vendor Miyazawa Flutes)

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself (who are you and what do you do)

I’m a professional flutist, teacher, and currently writing my treatise to finish my DM degree. I play in my local symphony and have a small private flute studio. Co-founder and editor of The Flute Examiner. Graphic design and tech enthusiast…

2. Have you ever been to an NFA convention before? If so, in what capacity (performer/presenter/auditor)

Yes—participant. I’ve been going to the NFA convention since 2003 (Nashville). My first experience was as a sophomore in college.

3. What brings you to the San Diego convention? (why are you going this year)

As a participant. This is my last official year as a “student”! I’m filling in for a flute choir performance, turning pages for a recital, and spreading The Flute Examiner love.

4. What are you most looking forward to? What kind of things are you planning on doing or what is your “must do” list for this convention?

The best part about NFA Convention is seeing friends. I try to see as many people as possible while I’m there. This year I’m looking forward to hearing Göran Marcusson’s performance of Mozart’s G Major Concerto, supporting my colleagues in all their performances, presentations, and ventures. A few things on my list are those people who have been featured on The FE, including (though there is some overlap, not sure how I’m going to deal with that one!):

• Chamber Music by Daniel Dorff: A 60th Birthday Celebration, Thursday at 9 am
• Potpourri No. 2 – Ai Goldsmith, Thursday at 5 pm
• Open Piccolo Masterclass with Nicola Mazzanti, Thursday at 5 pm
• Gala Concert: Jazz Extravaganza – José Valentino Ruiz, Thursday evening
• Arts Venture Competition – Jessica Sherer representing Play it Forward, Friday at 9 am
• Flute Choir Showcase No. 3 – Sarah Jackson, Friday at 9 am
• PROJECT Trio Teachers Workshop – Greg Pattillo, Friday at 11 am
• Premieres! – Shelley Martinson, Friday at 12:30 pm
• Mazzanti and Still, Friday at 3 pm
• Exhibitor Showcase: Nagahara Flutes NNI Inc. – Nicola Mazzanti, Saturday at 10:30 am
• Los Angeles Philharmonic Flute Section in Recital – Sarah Jackson, Saturday at 3 pm
• Late Night Cabaret: Jim Walker and José Valentino Ruiz, Saturday at 10:30pm
• PROJECT Trio Improvisation Workshop Greg Pattillo, Sunday at 10 am
• 2015 NFA Young Artist Competition Winner’s Recital: Ramakrishnan Kumaran, Sunday at 2 pm
• Gala Kaleidoscope Concert and Closing Ceremonies – Greg Pattillo, Sunday at 4pm

5. Is there anything about the convention that makes you nervous, anxious, excited more than anything else?

Yes! I’ve been asked to turn pages for Ai Goldsmith’s performance on Thursday evening. I’ve never been so nervous!