New Caliendo Flute Ensemble Piece Premiering at the 2014 NFA Convention
by Julie Stone, Professor of Flute, Eastern Michigan University
“How about a new premiere?! Let’s really celebrate!” These were the words in an email from Christopher Caliendo responding to my inquiry about a piece for the Eastern Michigan University Emerald Flutes to perform at the NFA Convention in Chicago. Needless to say Dr. Penny Fischer and I
(co-directors of the ensemble) were speechless!! We are fans of his compositions for flute ensemble and were looking for an upbeat crowd pleaser to complement the other pieces on our program, Flutes Plus! (flutes with additional instruments). For this occasion, Caliendo composed an upbeat piece, Hoe Down, that is everything and more that one would expect from this exciting composer. Along with a fast tempo of quarter=148, the piece includes intricate rhythms, 16th note passages, fast articulation, and even a few contemporary techniques to make the rodeo come alive! In the Caliendo style, no part is overlooked and includes an interesting ride for all parts. He did include parts for optional cello and harp since the ensemble will be playing other pieces on the concert with those instruments.
The EMU Emerald Flutes have a long-standing relationship with Caliendo since its performance of La Milonga at the NFA Convention in 2000 so this is a sentimental and exciting occasion for all of us. We hope to see many of you at our concert at noon on Thursday, August 7, in the Normandie Lounge at the Hilton Chicago. In addition to Hoe Down, the program includes Chinese Dragons for four flutes and percussion by Nancy Faber; Symphony Atlantis for flute orchestra, harp, and cello by Melvin Lauf, Jr.; and Dance with Me for flute ensemble and CD by Wil Offermans. Members of the ensemble who will be performing in Chicago include:
Penelope Fischer and Julie Stone, directors
Members: Mare Almhiemid, Terese Brooks, Ashley Hagadon, Sarah Hamilton, Joshua Lockhart, Anjali Martin, Timothy Mullins, Amber Nellett, Mary Rose Nieman, Kathryn Suminski, Kyle Thompson, Dakota Williams, Sherry Young, Kayla Younkin, Celisa Guitierrez, harp, and Kelsey Brichford, cello
Julie Stone is Professor of Flute at Eastern Michigan University and flutist with the Eastern Winds. She has performed widely as a soloist, chamber, and orchestral musician winning awards including the National Flute Association Professional Performers Competition. She was a featured performer in the International College Music Society Conference in Berlin, Germany and has recorded for the Albany, Crystal, and ACA Digital labels. She has been published in Flute Talk magazine and the Flutist Quarterly and has taught at the Interlochen Center for the Arts.