Thursday, March 30, 2017 by Jennifer Rodriguez | Competition

2017 Flute Empowerment Competition

Welcome to the 2017 Flute Empowerment Competition. Sponsored by Bernhard Hammig America, Di Zhao Flutes, and Williamson Music 1st, this competition aims to empower a young flutist by providing a flute to help him or her succeed. Flutes: The winner will get their choice after an hour appointment with Jason Blank of either: 

• An all sterling Di Zhao Handmade flute with pinless mechanism, c# trill, drawn tone hole, and D# roller, with a 10k gold riser.
• A Bernhard Hammig Mezzo M2 MKII in 95% silver, with your choice of 94.5% or 97% silver head joint, either with 14k gold riser. 

                   Depending on headjoint selection, the flute will have a value of $6000 -­‐ $9000.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Student must currently be in grades 8‐12.
• Student must currently be enrolled in private flute lessons.
• Student must attend the 2017 Texas Flute Society Festival

The Judges:

Viviana Guzman: International Soloist and Guest Artist, 2017 Texas Flute Festival 

Jason Blank: Owner, Bernhard Hammig North America 

Megan Brooker: flute specialist at Williamson Music 1st 

Applicants are required to submit a four-­part response:

1. Demonstrate Playing Ability: Applicants should submit a video recording that demonstrates playing ability. In your recording, please play all 12 major scales and a solo piece of your choice (must be at least three minutes in length). 
2. Video Essay: Please submit a video essay that addresses the following topics:

             a. Why do you love the flute?

                   i. Please discuss three or more of the following:

• How do you feel that playing the flute benefits you outside your lessons or band class? 
• What have you learned from playing flute that will benefit you in other areas of life?
• What is it about the flute that you love most and why (the sound it makes, how it feels, the rep you’ve played, etc.)?
• Describe one of your favorite flute experiences. Can be performances, pieces played, lessons, etc.
• How do you feel that the flute is an extension of yourself? 
• Why do you play flute? What keeps you playing?

              b. What are your musical goals?

                  i. List three short­‐term goals for your playing (ex. Improving double­‐tonguing, playing a certain piece or excerpt, competitions, etc.)

                  ii. Discuss your long-term goals for music. This can be college goals, career goals, or continuing to play beyond high school without pursuing music                          career.

      Responses to the video essay portion should be at least three minutes in length. Present your ideas in a way that is well organized and clear.

     3. Resume & Cover letter: Include a resume that highlights your flute and musical experience. The cover letter should address why you are entering this                    competition. 

     4. Teacher recommendation: Submit a recommendation letter from your current private teacher. The competition opens on April 1st and closes on May 1st

The competition opens on April 1st and closes on May 1st. All materials must be submitted before May 1st. The winner will be announced at the Texas Flute Society Festival on May 20th. 

Submissions will be uploaded using T4 Music Mentor, a free online video platform. In order to enter the contest, you must request  and create an account. 

To request an account, send an email to megan.brooker@wm1st.com indicating you would like to enter the competition. All you need to request an account is your first and last name and an email address. After requesting an account, you will receive an email from Viddler asking you to set up your account. Once this is done, you will have access to additional instructions regarding uploading your response. 

Thank you for your interest in the 2017 Flute Empowerment Competition. If you have further questions, please contact Megan at (423)863-­4155 or megan.brooker@wm1st.com.

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