2025-601-E-County Mgr-Lindsay Sparks-2025-2026 Arts Grants

Browse Search

Community Impact As previously mentioned, now that RAFA does not have a flute choir presence in Orange County, there is a void and need left in this area for amateur and student flutists to perform together and be part of a larger flute community. These types of ensembles are important for the continued interest in the arts among the greater community, but they are also crucial for players who don't participate in school ensembles but wish to perform with a group, those who are not ready for or have access to private lessons, and those who wish to connect with other flutists socially through music on a regular basis. Moreover, flute choir repertoire is extremely diverse ranging from classical music for string orchestra to beat boxing. The repertoire that a flutist might play in these ensembles is far different and more varied than they might see in community band or school ensembles. That access will broaden players' palates and further enhance appreciation for the arts. From my previous experience and RAFA roster information, I would anticipate between 15-25 flutists to participate in this group. In addition to the participants, the number of impacted audience members will be far greater considering the range of community performance venues also available in this area. Artist Experience As a professional flutist and teacher I have had the opportunity to direct and organize flute choirs several times in the past. At the students' request, I started the UNC Flute Ensemble in the fall of 2017 at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where I was the professor of record and the director/conductor. From 2018-2022, I had the opportunity to continue the great work as director of the University of Akron Flute Choir. In this roll, I was able to also travel with the group to perform at the 2019 Central Ohio Flute Association festival, the 2022 Ohio Music Educator's Association convention in Cleveland, and the 2022 National Flute Association convention in Chicago, IL. From 2019-2023, I served a four year term with the National Flute Association as the coordinator of the National High School Flute Choir Competition where I organized judges, selected a conductor, chose repertoire for the audition, and assigned parts for the performance. I was also required to provide alto and bass flutes for the ensemble, introduce the group at the convention and organize all rehearsals on site. As a faculty member at Valdosta State University, I was able to resurrect the VSU Flute Ensemble in the fall of 2022 after it had gone dormant during COVID. This started as a 6 person chamber group that grew quickly to 16 members by the end of the 2024 school year. As a co-founder of the Chapel Hill-based non-profit Sparks Creative, I have also been able to bring my private flute students together once or twice a year for a studio flute choir piece on our bi-annual recitals. This is always a highlight of our concerts and the Eno Flute Ensemble would be an outgrowth of the work that I've done with these groups. How do you plan to market your project? Currently, I plan to advertise via my website and social media including both Facebook and Instagram. I will send physical flyers and Peach Jar announcements to the area secondary schools and public libraries. As a follow-up, I would also like to visit the public school band programs in person. I have performed with my groups in the past at Carolina Meadows and Carol W oods and would like to take the Eno Flute Ensemble to those locations to advertise to the adult amateur community as well. Docusign Envelope ID: 338EE559-626D-42AC-AF74-0A8E2C23B1EE