The flute is an instrument that seems to have infinite potential. According to my music dictionary, “it is the most brilliant and agile of the orchestral woodwinds.” Certainly, the sheer range and flexibility of the instrument create exciting possibilities for an arranger. In this collection, I tried to exploit the idiomatic possibilities of the instrument without going to the extreme; to include a variety of interesting styles; and to provide musically rewarding material for worship services, special occasions, recitals, and concerts.
The tunes for this collection were selected not only because of their growing popularity, but also because of the beauty of their melodies and the meaning of their texts. I encourage the players to make the pieces their own. Feel free to add dynamics, expression, and ornaments to bring your own voice to the performance. The octaves in the flute part can also be altered as needed or desired.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with many talented flute players. Both Cathy Lane and Claudia Cryer have given me invaluable insight and I thank them for all their help. Thanks also to Jack Schrader, arranger of Flute Stylings, Vol. 1 (Hope # 154), for his confidence, and for entrusting me with this project.
-Joel Raney
