 2011 RNAF Workshop CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER |
The
Renaissance of the Native American FluteThe contemporary Native American Flute; the music, mythology and rebirth of an ancient voice in the winds. |
2011 RNAF Workshop CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER |
20th Annual
RNAF |
 (return to Main Page) |
MORE INFO FORTHCOMING
Co-sponsored by Ken Light of Amon Olorin Flutes, and R. Carlos Nakai, Native American Flute Music/Atoka' Music Productions, RNAF 2012 will mark our 20th Anniversary of this unique educational event. This year we feature elements of a new program format and educational revitalization of the week-long experience that has become well-known as the original and finest native flute specific educational event offered anywhere.
On-site for the entire event, R.Carlos and Ken, along with our wonderful third teacher, John Sarantos, combine longstanding professional careers as educators, performers, and flutemakers into anunprecedented and unique opportunity for anyone who is truly interested to really learn and increase their enjoyment of North America's indigenous flute.
Our curriculum, itinerary, and program offerings for RNAF 2012 will be organized around three main instructional groupings. These are: First year students, Second year and Returning refresher students, and a post-graduate, project-specific seminar for Advanced students.
Each of these groupings corresponds to a set of classes designed to accommodate the skill level and interests of each participant. Some classes will be organized according to the student's familiarity with the instrument, playing proficiency, and development of personal music repertoire. Topics include: basic playing techniques and traditional ornamentations, developing your music in both improvisation and composition, learning to utilize Nakai's TAB system for Amon Olorin flute in composition and performance, physical characteristics of the nA flute including construction, flute selection, care and maintenance etc.
Other classes will address main topics of interest such as: traditional philosophies and historical/cultural information, how to work with students, developing programs and presentations, gaining access to additional learning resources, information regarding the native flute association, INAFA, discussing current issues concerning the native flute tradition, working in the studio and recording (includes recording session with professional recording engineer), making PF-Eagle bone whistles, field trips, and much more.
Advanced returning students who have completed the initial curriculum and wish to be considered for the graduate seminar will be asked to prepare a project proposal for the workshop. Projects in composition, performance, research, education, and other specific interests will be addressed and a teaching staff advisor/mentor will be assigned to work with each graduate seminar student accepted. Project proposals need to be finalized prior to the registration deadline, and seminar space is limited so please submit early. Details for submission will be provided upon request.
With so much to cover and limited time we will not be able to make arrangements for participants wanting to work outside these parameters nor can we accommodate unsolicited offers for participant presentations or teaching opportunities.
We try to schedule some free time into the busy 5 day workshop itinerary, but days are quite busy with both morning and afternoon classes as well as evening presentations and special activities. We meet in large group for some classes, then break-out into smaller groups for specific interest and experience-level activities. First year participants may attend some of R.C.'s advanced classes with instructor permission and performance/proficiency audition in TABlature.
So, please come prepared to work but ready for a lot of fun!
First-time participants and those new to the flute will receive special attention. Our third teacher, John Sarantos, a twelve-year veteran of the event, will serve as liaison and mentor for our first-time attendees and new flute players. Beginners will learn to play the flute and everyone will gain a real boost in the development of their flute playing. Plus an opportunity to hang out with the most awesome collection of nA flute energy on the planet in a truly beautiful place. What could be better?
Regardless of your current level of experience, there will always be the path ahead of you on your own flute journey. At RNAF our main goal is to assist you in developing your relationship with the native American flute and to better express yourself with its music. Come! There is a place for you at RNAF 2012. Where else in the music world can you just show up to study with a musician at the top of his genre; to learn from an artisan whose work is considered to have set the contemporary standard for the instrument? And then there's John. All kidding aside, his classes are the most fun and you will learn a ton. RNAF is one of those "once in a lifetime" experiences that you have heard about. Grab your flute and join us for RNAF 2012.
SPECIAL NOTE: RNAF 2012 is once again a non-alcohol event. However, your activities in your personal space are none of our business.
INSTRUCTIONAL PHILOSOPHY: The native American flute has a long tradition of cultural use as an instrument of personal expression, a means to honor the feminine principle, ceremonial uses, and to entertain at social gatherings. The overall goal of our RNAF workshop is to provide participants with practical knowledge, tools and methodologies, cultural and philosophical frameworks; a wealth of solid information, practical application, and artistic exploration in order to access this unique instrument in the context of personal self-knowledge through musical expression. Instructional style and technique relies heavily on principles of oral tradition, as well as innovative contemporary educational methodologies.
Our intent shall always be to respect and hold in high regard the experiential traditions that are and will continue to become the on-going history of North America's indigenous flute. We shall continually acknowledge in all aspects regarding the native American flute, its craftsmanship, performance, and derivations that serve to reinforce the importance of the musical instrument in the cultural realm both past and present.
 2007 RNAF Workshop CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER |
Ken Light and R. Carlos Nakai - 1997
Ken Light, BA, MS, founder of Amon Olorin Flutes in 1986, is a multitalented artist, educator, and craftsman. Widely recognized as North America’s premier flutemaker, his over six-thousand flute contribution to this ancient tradition continues to set the standard for the contemporary native American flute. More importantly, Ken’s work has helped make it possible for a new generation of flute-players to experience for themselves the personal enrichment that comes from playing the native flute. Ken shares his expertise and insightful relationship with the native American flute in an articulate and personable teaching style. In addition to instructional offerings, Ken will hold a special private showing of a collection of his finest hand crafted instruments.
R. Carlos Nakai, BS, MA, is a Navajo-Ute artisan, educator and performing artist of American Indian culture and the on-going living traditions of his people. In 36 releases (including recordings with AWA, Canyon Records, Celestial Harmonies and EarthSea Records/PDK Productions) and on numerous public and privately funded film and video productions, as well as bringing the native American flute into realms of 21st century solo and ensemble performance, R. Carlos continues to introduce concert audiences worldwide to the expressive capabilities of the traditional and contemporary native American flute. You will study his copyrighted TABlature method for understanding the performance capabilities of the native American flute and engage in composing and performing your own music for Amon Olorin Flute.
John Sarantos
John Sarantos, BS is a professional educator who has attended the Renaissance of the Native American Flute workshops in Montana for 13 summers, 10 as a facilitator. He has taught students nine to eighty-two years old, most of whom have never played an instrument before discovering how simple it is to play the native American flute. John's speciality is working with folks in a gentle manner while stressing the non-musical theory approach. He has also written six songbooks for the native flute and is actively involved with using the flute in prisons and with cancer patients. John and his musical partner, Gera Clark, collectively known as NightDancers released their first CD, MONTANA CROSSINGS, in 2007.
Located at over 5,000 foot elevation in the mountains near the Continental Divide outside of Helena, MT, the FPR is world-renowned for hosting some of the finest workshop experiences in the country. Secluded, with private lake and bordering National forest, we will have exclusive use of the site for the entire event. For more information about the Ranch go to: www.featheredpipe.com
As the teaching and support staff will be staying in the lodge, we will have a policy of lights-out at 10pm. Other class spaces will be open for any late evening ativities.
Our professional kitchen staff will provide you with three great wholesome meals every day. We are planning to feed you healthy and really well. If you have special dietary needs, let us know and we will accommodate. Vegans and vegetarians are not a problem, our cooks are really versatile, but some may look forward to our annual guru night and a real Montana barbeque.
All registration arrangements will be made through Ken Light at Amon Olorin Flutes, 406-726-3353 or email: aoflutes@blackfoot.net. Please do not inconvenience the folks at Feathered Pipe with questions they cannot answer. Just call or email me and I will do my best to help with any questions you might have.
Full fee for RNAF'2012 is $1350. This includes tuition, room and board, and instructional materials. A deposit of $675.00 is required on or before June 10, with the balance due by July 10. Personal check, PayPal or Visa/MC are all accepted. Checks are preferred and should be made payable to: Amon Olorin Flutes.
Upgraded room accommodations are as follows on first come, first
served basis:
-Included on-site accommodations are shared rooms in the
lodge, and"outdoor" accommodations - Tipi's, tent's and yurts with easy access
to the bathhouse with showers, hot tub, and sauna.
-Single room with private
bath - $250 surcharge (4 rooms only)
-Single room with shared bath - $180
surcharge (2 rooms only)
Early registration is recommended as this is a limited-space event.
Fee for all accompanying, non-workshop participants will be $850. This is for site use, R&B and attendance at invited special events. Rooming accommodations will be prioritized for workshop participants.
All participants will need an Amon Olorin PF-Series flute for R.C.¹s methods classes. If you don't have one already see ordering information at www.aoflutes.com.
With your registration payment, please include contact information including address and phone, email, emergency contact phone number, lodging preference and don¹t forget T-shirt size. A brief statement of your interest and activities with the flute and experience level will assist us in class placement and other program considerations.
Late Fees and Cancellations: A late fee of $200 will be assessed for registrations after July 10 if space is available. Cancellations before July 10 are refunded minus $200, within 29 to 10 days of the event minus $400. For cancellations within 10 days of the event, sorry, NO REFUND. Cancellation insurance is recommended. Talk to your travel agent.
To register, give Ken a call, email, or send in your registration deposit with requested personal and contact information.
All accomodations are on a first-come, first-served basis. Register early for best selection of on-site accomodations.
Travel information: All air travel should be in to Helena., Montana. August 5 is arrival day (our event begins with dinner at 6:30 and opening activities following). August 10 is departure day. The Ranch hosts other events both before and after ours, so they are not able to accommodate early arrivals, or late departures. A shuttle service will pick you up at the airport and return you for departure if requested. If you are renting a car (handy but not necessary) and would offer rides to other participants, please let Ken know.
For more information contact: Ken Light, Amon Olorin Flutes, 73258 Lemlama Rd. Arlee, Montana 59821 (406) 726-3353 aoflutes@blackfoot.net
| :
Deposit will be required. *****REMEMBER, WORKSHOP SPACE IS LIMITED, SO EARLY REGISTRATION IS ENCOURAGED!***** |