I had the pleasure of first meeting FNMC member Kallie Snyder at the FNMC Social at the NFA convention in DC and getting to know her much better when we were part of a group of FNMC members who performed at the Kentucky Flute Society Flute Festival in 2016. To meet Kallie is to immediately like her. She’s a really dedicated teacher and gives a fabulous presentation about the flute methods of Will Offermans, which was the subject of her doctoral treatise (incidentally she’s giving it at the FFA Convention this year, you should check it out, you will not regret learning more about the thumpy flute!)
 
Since joining FNMC, Kallie has performed several works; French Quarter (Fun fact, she is an awesome bass flute player!!!), Cycling, In Memoriam: Sacajawea and will perform Tutti Frutti with Sarah Jane Young at the Florida Flute Association Convention January 28, 2017. Kallie has contributed to the organization by coordinating the programs and proposals for the 2016 Flute Society of Kentucky Festival and the 2017 Florida Flute Association Convention. She also served as a preliminary round judge for the Newly Composed category for the 2016 FNMC Composition Contest.
 
We’re happy to have Kallie as a member and we hope you enjoy learning more about her.
 
Q&A with Kallie…
 
Describe your musical background and current activities.
I come from a rural community in Kentucky with a strong band program, and I discovered my passion for teaching and mentorship before leaving high school.  A music education degree and two graduate performance degrees later, I find myself in Tallahassee, FL where I have built a diverse flute studio teaching students from 8 years old to 70+! I teach in at least 9 locations every week, and no one can keep up with my schedule, but it is gratifying work, and I am privileged to do what I do.  I also serve as the Education & Engagement Coordinator for the Tallahassee Flute Club, and I'm really proud of all that we have accomplished in less than a year as an organization.  If you are attending the Florida Flute Convention, you can see a quartet from the Tallahassee Flute Club perform in the lobby before making your way to the FNMC concert!
 
What about new music for the flute appeals to you?
The "new music" that I like best either tells a story or has the ability to evoke very clear imagery.  When I look back at the pieces I have performed through FNMC, like Nicole Chamberlain's French Quarter or Panayiotis Kokoras's Cycling, I think about how those works transported me, both as a performer and a listener, to the streets of New Orleans or a grassy field where I am a cyclist whizzing up and down hills.  We tend to get so busy as musicians, whether we're still in school or trying to make ends meet, that it can be challenging to just sit down and really listen to a piece of music, which is why I tend to prefer works that make it easy for me to escape the to-do list and get "lost" in for a while.
 
When did you join FNMC and what attracted you to the organization?
I joined FNMC in 2015 initially in support of my colleague and fellow Florida State alumna, Shelley Martinson, because you know that any project she initiates is going to be stellar :)  The FNMC leadership team has really done an excellent job of recruiting composers of the highest caliber for the group commissioning projects, and the annual new music competitions provide a platform for talented composers while offering fresh programming ideas for flutists and cultivating relationships between composers and performers.  If you haven't joined yet - do it now!
 
More About Kallie…

Dr. Kallie Snyder is a flutist and teacher currently based in Tallahassee, Florida. In May 2015, Dr. Snyder graduated from The Florida State University  with a doctorate in flute performance and a certificate in world music. In addition to maintaining a private flute studio, she serves as the Education & Engagement Coordinator for the Tallahassee Flute Club and the Arts Program Coordinator for Good Sam Arts. She also holds degrees from Middle TN State University (MA), and Western Kentucky University (BME), and her teachers include Eva Amsler, Deanna Little, and Heidi Alvarez. www.kalliesnyderflute.com.
 
 

We have been very happy to welcome several new members to the Flute New Music Consortium this year. So many of our new members are really enthusiastic about new music and are quickly becoming active members of the organization. Among them is Olivia Boatman, who will perform Stephen Lias’s Flight of Fancy at the Florida Flute Association Convention January 28, 2016.
 
Q&A with Olivia…

Describe your musical background and current activities.
I was lucky to grow up in a musical family.  From an early age I had the opportunity to take piano and flute lessons and attend many summer camps and clinics for voice and band.  Due to such a supportive musical system, I fell in love with music education and pursued degrees in music education and performance.  As a recent graduate, I am excited to share my passion of music with students in Mississippi, Tennessee, and Arkansas.       
 
What about new music for the flute appeals to you?
I enjoy the opportunity to explore and break new boundaries in music.  The ability to perform new music opens creative outlets and chances to inspire others in the ever-changing world of music.
 
What advice can you give to flutists about approaching new music in practice?
When practicing new music, I would suggest allowing time for technique practice and personal reflection.  Some pieces require non-traditional effects, which can take both dedicated practice time and reflection time to create a convincing musical phrase.
 
What about new music for the flute appeals to you?
I enjoy the opportunity to explore and break new boundaries in music.  The ability to perform new music opens creative outlets and chances to inspire others in the ever-changing world of music. 
 
More About Olivia…
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Dr. Olivia Boatman is a flutist and educator currently based in Mississippi.  As a recent graduate, she holds a Doctor of Music in performance from Florida State University with a Music Education and Leadership certificate, a Master of Music from Arkansas State University and a Bachelor of Music Education from Mississippi State University with a K-12 MS teaching license.  She has performed and/or presented at the Florida Flute Association Convention, National Flute Association Convention, Starkville/MSU Symphony Orchestra, Delta Symphony, and a soloist with the Arkansas State University Wind Ensemble.  She studied with Carol Dale, Lana Johns, Joe Bonner, and Eva Amsler.