The Atlantic Flute Society

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Traditional music workshop with
Chris Norman
sponsored by the Atlantic Flute Society

And

Chris Norman in Concert
with the Chris Norman Ensemble
presented by the St. Cecilia Concert Series

Sat. Oct. 18, 2003
Workshop 1:00-3:00pm
Concert 8:00pm
Maritime Conservatory of Music
6199 Chebucto Road, Halifax

One of the finest players of the simple system wooden flute, Chris Norman visited his native Nova Scotia to give a workshop in traditional music and present a concert with the ever-lively Chris Norman Ensemble.

Twenty flutists of all ages, from intermediate level to professional, came from all over the province to learn and have fun in Chris's informal and friendly  afternoon class.  The tones of both wooden simple system flutes and modern metal (Boehm) flutes could be heard wafting out of the conservatory classroom, as participants felt their way through two tunes by ear: Cha Dean Mi'n Obair (I Won't Do the Work) and Freumh a's Craobh Taigh Challadair (The Hawthorn Tree of Cawdor / Cawdor Fair).

Along the way, they picked up celtic ornaments such as cuts and taps to embellish the tunes, and delighted to hear Chris play as he switched with ease between Scottish, Irish, Maritime, and French Canadian tunes to illustrate some of their stylistic differences.  As is the norm in Chris's workshops, tape recorders were quite welcome, and although the sheet music was provided for later reference, it was the experience of learning by ear that best captured the style and energy of the music.

Toward the end of the workshop, the floor was open to any participants who wished to play a tune for Chris and get feedback, which was very positive and helpful.

The evening concert featured the Chris Norman Ensemble: Chris Norman, flutes and small pipes; Andy Thurston, guitar and mandola; James Bachly, bass; and Simeon Darley-Chapin, drums and percussion.  True to form, it was full of great musical energy, laughter, and memorable tunes.  This concert was part of the Saint Cecilia Concert Series, and was also presented in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, on Oct. 19.

Special thanks are due to Linda Schroeder and the Maritime Conservatory for the venue, to Michael Wile and Barbara Butler for the collaboration with the resources of the St. Cecilia Concert Series, and to Chris's manager, Ann Huntoon.  Workshop photos were taken by Beth Du Bois.