masterclass

School of Music

School of Music

Leaving the uniformity of school and experiencing international learning was life-changing for pianist Kaden Larson

More than fifty flutists flocked to BYU professor April Clayton’s Salt Lake Flute Forum, which ran from June 26 to 29 at The Waterford School in Sandy. The turnout and interest the forum generated led Clayton to consider the festival’s freshman foray “a resounding success.”

For many people, summer means vacations and relaxation but for musicians, summer often means studying and performing in festivals. And for BYU’s flute professor, April Clayton, summer means directing a festival of her own. Clayton’s Salt Lake Flute Forum will run June 26-29 at The Waterford School in Sandy. The event features classes, recitals, flute-related exhibitors, a mock orchestral audition with members of the Utah Symphony, and masterclasses taught by Clayton, along with flute professors Amy Porter, from the University of Michigan, and Bonita Boyd, from the Eastman School of Music. “For musicians, it's really important to be exposed to the ideas and performances of master teachers,” Clayton explained. “I'm really excited to be bringing a group of advanced flutists together not only to learn from high-level professional players but also from listening to each other.” The program has already drawn college-age and advanced high school flutists from across the country, including masterclass participants from BYU, Peabody Conservatory, University of California-Santa Barbara, Arizona State University, Eastman, University of Texas at Austin, Florida State University, University of Utah, BYU-Idaho, and Snow College. While the masterclass participants have already been selected, an unlimited number of participants may still enroll. Attendance at all the events is open for those enrolled, and all participants have a chance to compete for a $500 performance prize in the mock audition. The forum promises to be both educational and entertaining. Participants may attend recitals from three of the country’s top flute players. Amy Porter will give a solo recital on Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. with pianist Lawrence Gee. Bonita Boyd will give her solo recital at the same time on Friday. On Saturday at 5:00 p.m., April Clayton will present a recital of chamber music by Debussy, Durufle, Martin and Persichetti, assisted by local musicians Nicole Brady, Leslie Harlow, and Jed Moss. Meanwhile, class sessions include discussions on competition preparation, French flute music, forging career paths in flute, and Q&A sessions. On Saturday, participants can meet with exhibitors from flute and music stores and browse the latest flute merchandise. Those who haven’t registered to attend may still do so and pay at the door. Concerts are $10 per person or $5 for students/seniors. Single-day passes are available for $100, as well as four-day passes for $300. Financial help available for all levels of participation. For more information about the forum, visit the event’s Facebook page or contact April Clayton at April_Clayton@byu.edu.