The Flute Network is a Little Wizard Enterprise

Welcome to The Flute Network Web site!
... AND - the adventure continues!

Updated: August 1, 2021

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August 1, 2021. Wow .... life sure keeps bringing on unexpected (and sometimes even very "unpromised") new developments and challenges, doesn't it... Who'd have ever guessed that, this year, it's just not the same kind of "AUGUST" we all used to have ... something very different is sure happening now, in that regard... --- we're instead in the midst of a whole new chapter of how we may get to live our lives that hardly anybody could have guessed! The "answers" we all thought we had are turning out to be rather questionable.... ...so the hunting for solutions certainly continues too... and if you may be feeling kind of crazy (and exhausted!), certainly know this: you're not alone!

....no doubt about it, we're collectively entering a whole new unexpected evolution of the challenges we've all been working on for such an awfully long time....
New questions are currently at the forefront - such as "Masks or no - even now?!", just by way of example.... Or are we really going to have to contend with another lockdown or anything of the like because of the new variations of what we had believed we collectively had a handle on?! Honestly - wouldn't have imagined we'd have been in this kind of situation - even still - at this point.... but here we are...

SO - this is more important than ever: - no matter what those details and directions turn out to be - CONTINUE TO FOCUS AND PUT YOUR ENERGY INTO EVERYTHING THAT BRINGS YOUR SOUL JOY! Because for sure, it's the strength we have from inside us that is going to help us get through all these unexpected, unimagined, outside-of-us circumstances and conditions. Choose to take the best care of yourself (no matter what that may look like!) and never pass up a chance to be supportive to those around you, too, because it really is still more true than ever: we really are all in this together!

Here's to all that comes next - whatever it may be! And absolutely - wishing you, and all of us, all the best! Many thanks - more later -- Jan

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To jump directly to the Table of Contents for the rest of this site - click here... Thanks for finding us!

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January 1, 2021. We are honored and delighted to get to share a new article by Howard Fosdick -- this one is The Ultimate Guide to Tonettes! --
As noted earlier, these are things that many of us possibly enjoyed while growing up, and which many folks do continue to enjoy well into "adulthood"!

You'll find it here: Ultimate Guide to Tonettes

(Thank you, Howard! It's an honor and a pleasure to get to help you share your work!)

Typical Tonette Package

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September 1, 2020 --- still all so true so keeping this message going as well... Yup - it's September. Most of us who grew up going to public schools (in the US, anyway) were raised to believe that September (i.e., the start of a "new school year") really was the shift into a whole new class and grade level, and along with that a slew of new but related developments that go along with that .... The challenge *this year* is to take the best lessons of all those experiences and apply it to all that is "now",,,, The skills of adapting and evolving totally apply to the ongoing happenings just about everywhere in our worlds now, no matter what the particulars (or our ages) might be.

There's simply no getting around the fact that we are, collectively, having to literally confront a world that very few of us ever would have ever imagined we would be in.... this COVID-19 thing has turned just about everything upside down - and that is true all across the world. Here in the US, we're contending with brand new notions of "home schooling", ZOOM meetings and congregations of all kinds, online connections and learning opportunities of tremendously diverse subjects (thank goodness for all of those possibilities, actually, for all who are able to access it!), and all kinds of previously unimagined creative (and good!) happenings! That this challenge is now going past 6 months time and showing no reliable signs of slowing is totally mind boggling. What many folks see as "answers" to it all though, others don't - and/or won't - support or assist (sad to say)..... hence the challenge continues for us all. But no matter - the challenges, and opportunities for evolution on just about all levels, is here.

SO - taking a small step back and assessing what we're all facing these days: it seems clearly only all the more important to identify opportune moments and ** create joy ** in them, literally anywhere and everywhere we can! And there's no doubt that music is only all the more powerful in this way (for both personal release AND interpersonal connection too!)... Make it a mission to keep it going, on whatever level you can - and focus on the power of love and joy that goes along with that. (By way of example, driveway concerts - porch seranades - online events, too, have been new and excellent and goosebump producing happenings!)

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March 23, 2020. Still such a perfect message in this graphic - many thanks to who ever created it - beautifully done, perfect message and sure one to keep in mind as these challenges continue for us all:

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October 1, 2019. Happy October! And - with this month we are celebrating the fact that we are now into our 35th year of service as The Flute Network and Little Wizard Enterprises (our first print issue was September 1984). It's truly astounding (and deeply humbling) to think of the wonderful adventures we've all shared in this venue over all that time, and we look forward to all that is to come too with equal levels of joy and sincerest gratitude. There's no qustion as I write this, that we are collectively on the cusp of who-knows-what (LOL!)

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July 1, 2019. TOOT-tootle-LOOOOOO! ---- SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:
Little Wizard Enterprises is announcing a special sale on the few very special books currently available and in stock, as we make room for the new things to come.
Check it all out here: SPECIAL OFFERINGS THROUGH LITTLE WIZARD ENTERPRISES
Don't miss this chance to scoop up these treasures at the best prices around. (Please share the word too - would be greatly appreciated!)

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May 10, 2019. We are truly even more delighted to get to share another wonderful article by Howard Fosdick -- This one is all about Folk Flutes: Ocarinas, Recorders, Tin Whistles, and Native American Flutes and contains an awesome repository of links and practical insights for students and teachers alike! You'll find it here:
Folk Flutes: Ocarinas, Recorders, Tin Whistles, and Native American Flutes
(Thank you again, Howard! It's an honor and a pleasure to get to help you share your work!)

Folk Flutes

Folk Flutes
(photo by the author)

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May 1, 2019. Yeah - there's no denying it: bad things happen.... unfortunate things, discouraging things, even plain outright stupid things.... and nobody is exempt. The key thing is not so much that they happen (or seem even to just "keep happening"), it's what we choose to do about it. There are always lessons to be learned from each such instance, and it is true that such things do tend to keep happening (even in the face of what we thought was "good planning"!) until we literally "get it". Here's to being humbly aware that nobody is exempt from learning new things - and may things only get easier for all of us as we move forward! No matter what's going on for you, hang in there - and treasure the good moments, always! 'Cause it really is still true, you know... we really are all in this together! Best wishes to all of us!

All best wishes - more later, Jan

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March 7, 2019.

We are truly delighted to get to share a wonderful article by Howard Fosdick about Tonettes, Song Flutes, Flutophones and Precorders -- these are things that many of us possibly enjoyed while growing up, and which many folks do continue to enjoy well into "adulthood"! Howard is a computer scientist who wanted to learn more about the training flutes he remembered from his schooldays. To his surprise, he couldn't find a single article that summarized and compared them. So he researched the topic and wrote his findings in this article.
(And yes, he still plays his old tonette!)
You'll find it here: Tonettes, Song Flutes, Flutophones, and Precorders
(Thank you, Howard! It's an honor and a pleasure to get to help you share your work!)

Songbooks

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May 24, 2018 STATEMENT PERTAINING TO THE FLUTE NETWORK/LITTLE WIZARD ENTERPRISES, and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) going into effect May 25, 2018:

The mission of The Flute Network is, as it has always been, to facilitate communications between flutists, flute teachers, and the people who love these kinds of folks. The mission of Little Wizard Enterprises is, as it has always been, to facilitate the availability of selected (and often hard to find) flute and music related items on a consignment basis only - especially to those residing in the USA/Canada. Neither The Flute Network or Little Wizard Enterprises collects, retains, processes, or shares ANY personally identifiable information regarding anybody who visits this website. We do not do mass emailings of any sort. We do not use "cookies" of any sort. Listings of items for sale, announcements, listings of stolen instruments, or other notices do include names and contact information as offered by the posting party in order to achieve their posting purposes only, and are publically maintained as part of those listings for the duration of time that the posting party wishes, only. We continue to be - as we have always been - a "bulletin board service", and consider it an honor (as well as our ongoing contribution to the entire flute community) to do so.

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November 12, 2016 - and continuing because of its importance.

Perhaps more than ever in our collective lifetimes, his message still holds: PLEASE, be aware of how you and those you love and are close to are managing with all that -- many are likely closer to a literal breaking point than even they may want to admit, and finding refuge (sanctity and sanity!) anywhere one can may be more important than ever. Be good to yourself and others. We likely need more kindness than ever, as we collectively move through these next days, nights, and whatever changes get ushered in.

If you've not heard of it already, look into the Safetypin movement - and while the concept certainly applies to anybody not listed as well, there's no question that those in these groups are in particular need of support for having been so pointedly targeted (i.e, now carrying a virtual bullseye on their very being - figuratively speaking, if not even literally in some parts of our country, and yes - I'm serious):

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At the end of the month is our traditional "Thanksgiving" .... again no matter how the elections go - there is always something to be thankful for. May all our blessings outweigh the downers this season, in all their scary forms.

(And yeah, remember: It's still totally true - no matter what, we really truly are all still in this together!)

All best wishes - always - Jan (and Jerry!) Pritchard

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July 13, 2016.

As several had guessed, we lost Alton McCanless recently. The following is from his obituary, courtesy of his son Jamie:

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Alton J. McCanless, 86, of Oskaloosa, died Friday, June 17, 2016, at his home near Oskaloosa. He was born May 29, 1930, on a farm near Causey in southeast New Mexico, the son of James and Martha Burns McCanless. His passion for music began at 10 years old when he heard the Stamps-Baxter Men’s Quartet singing on the radio. Ever after, music was a strong influence in his life. Alton graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Music degree and, while there, met his future wife, Jeanne Sherman. On August 15, 1954, they were united in marriage in Clinton.

After teaching music for four years and repairing musical instruments for another five, Alton brought his family to Oskaloosa in 1967 and began building flutes with N.D. (Tip) Lamberson. He handmade some 500 Lamberson flutes before striking out on his own in 1979. Alton had been encouraged to experiment with new designs and wanted to explore his own ideas for new key systems and scales. He began building flutes under his own name and built about 150 McCanless flutes. In May, Alton was still planning new flutes.

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May 14, 2016.

So very sad to share that we've lost Friedrich von Huene - lovely article follows, and full credit goes to Bryan Marquard of The Boston Globe.

I remember this total gentleman very fondly... still have a few of his lovely catalogs with their lovingly (and delightfully) hand colored covers...
He always had a ready smile and wonderful story to share. To say he is missed is a serious understatement.

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Full credit and gratitude for the following go to The Boston Globe --- original can be found here: LINK to Boston Globe posting

Friedrich von Huene, 87, renowned maker of woodwind instruments

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IMAGE CREDIT: JANET Knott/GLOBE STAFF/File 1995

By Bryan Marquard Globe Staff - May 13, 2016

A musician since his childhood in Germany, Friedrich von Huene mastered an array of other talents that he practiced in precise harmony while becoming one of the world’s most sought-after makers of historical woodwind instruments. Scholar, toolmaker, engineer, and businessman, he was as comfortable with a bandsaw as he was with a music score. “I consider myself sort of a cross between a musician, an artist, and an artisan,” he told the Globe in 1976.

With an ear for pure notes and an eye for pure beauty, he visited museums and private collections to study ancient recorders and flutes. Returning home, he “would stay awake late into the night doing exquisite drawings of instruments in perspective,” his son Andreas recalled.

“What was unusual about my approach, I think, is that I had an artist’s eye for the aesthetics of the instrument,” Mr. von Huene told the Globe in 1995. “When I looked at old instruments, I saw how beautifully done they were. I noticed the Baroque shape that most modern makers simply didn’t bother about anymore.”

Mr. von Huene, who formerly ran his instrument business with his wife, Ingeborg, with whom he also founded the Boston Early Music Festival, died of complications from Parkinson’s disease Sunday in HillHouse Assisted Living in Bath, Maine, where he had lived since last fall. He was 87 and previously lived for many years in Brookline, where he and his wife operated the adjacent Von Huene Workshop and Early Music Shop of New England.

“He had tremendous focus, but he was always kind when you came and asked a question. He didn’t mind being interrupted, but you learned it would be better if you didn’t interrupt at certain times,” said Andreas, who lives in Arrowsic, Maine. “Making musical instruments in some ways is like being a conductor, but instead of conducting musicians you’re conducting materials and tools. You’re juggling a lot more in the air than linear thinking allows.”

From the beginning, Mr. von Huene’s instruments drew attention and praise. While working in Boston in the late 1950s as an apprentice to Verne Q. Powell, a well-known maker of flutes and piccolos, Mr. von Huene grew dissatisfied with the mass-produced recorders available for purchase and decided to craft his own.

Bernard Krainis, a recorder virtuoso and a cofounder of New York Pro Musica, purchased one of the first recorders Mr. von Huene made. Krainis began using it in performances, and in no time Mr. von Huene had 14 new orders. He and his wife opened their own business in Waltham in 1960 and moved it a few years later to Brookline, where Mr. von Huene established a far-reaching reputation.

Barbara Lambert, former curator of musical instruments at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, called Mr. von Huene “the most distinguished wind instrument builder in the world” in a 1979 Globe interview.

“The very best players in the world play his instruments,” the late LaNoue Davenport, the first national president of the American Recorder Society and a pioneer in reviving early music and period instruments, told the Globe in 1979. “They’re the best.”

Mr. von Huene’s ambition and confidence matched the praise of his admirers. In 1966, a Globe reporter asked him if he made the finest recorders in the United States. “No,” he replied, “I make the finest recorders in the world.”

The oldest of six children, Mr. von Huene was born in 1929 in Breslau, a community that was then part of Germany and is now in Poland. His father, Heinrich A.N. von Hoyningen genannt Huene, was from a Baltic German baronial family. His mother, Aimée Freeland Corson Ellis, was a US-born descendant of the Mayflower Pilgrims and had grown up in Connecticut. In a harbinger of the life that awaited Mr. von Huene, his parents attended a harpsichord concert the night before he was born, according to “Well-Tempered Woodwinds: Friedrich von Huene and the Making of Early Music in a New World,” by Geoffrey Burgess, which was published last year.

Mr. von Huene began studying music as a boy, while staying with his grandparents in Dresden for a couple of years. During World War II, his father served in the German Army and was shot and killed as his regiment participated in an offensive into the Soviet Union. At the end of the war, his family had to flee the advancing Soviet Army.

In 1948, Mr. von Huene emigrated to the United States, where his mother settled the family in Brunswick, Maine. He finished high school and entered Bowdoin College, leaving after a year to serve in the Air Force, playing flute and piccolo in a military band.

After being discharged, he finished his bachelor’s degree in music at Bowdoin and turned down a scholarship to study music at Harvard University, choosing instead to apprentice with Powell.

He also became a US citizen and, in 1954, married Ingeborg Reiser, whom he had met while they were in high school together in Germany after World War II. “We always played music together and went to concerts,” he told the Globe in 1995.

The von Huenes came up with the idea of launching the Boston Early Music Festival at the beginning of the 1980s, and they were performers, too. They were charter members of the group now called the Boston Camerata.

A few years after opening his business, Mr. von Huene was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship to study early woodwinds in Europe. Over the decades, he designed instruments for companies in Germany and Japan, and he restored historic instruments, including some at the Museum of Fine Arts.

Mr. von Huene’s honors include receiving the American Recorder Society’s first Distinguished Achievement Award, an honorary doctorate from Bowdoin College, and the Curt Sachs Award from the American Musical Instrument Society.

In a blog post, Joel Cohen, music director emeritus of the Boston Camerata, praised Mr. von Huene’s “wonderful presence in, and enthusiasm for, the art of early music,” along with his “enormous contribution to the early instrument revival, his pioneering studies of historic wind instruments, his success in creating an independent business, and his profound influence on a younger generation of craftsmen/instrument makers.”

A memorial gathering will be announced for Mr. von Huene, who in addition to his wife and son Andreas leaves three other sons, Patrick of Sudbury, Nikolaus of Lexington, and Thomas of Brookline; a daughter, Elisabeth of Wiscasset, Maine; three sisters, Brigitte Reid of St. Clair Shores, Mich., Dorothee von Huene Greenberg of Pleasantville, N.Y., and Sigrid MacRae of New York City; and eight grandchildren.

“I feel that musical instruments are an art object,” Mr. von Huene told the Globe in 1995. “They also are useful for making beautiful music. They combine two aesthetic [principles] in one.”

His love of music and instruments reached back to boyhood, to life on a family farm with no electricity and just a few records for the hand-wound Victrola. “If we wanted to hear music, we had to make it ourselves,” said Mr. von Huene, who during his many years making instruments would relax by picking up one of his creations.

“After I have spent a day standing behind a noisy lathe,” he said, “I like to sit down and play some Bach and Handel.”

Bryan Marquard can be reached at bryan.marquard@globe.com.

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April 4, 2016.

The following special announcement from Powell Flutes came across our desk today - thought it worthy of sharing here too:

An Announcement to Our Powell Family -- From the earliest Powell flutes made in 1927 to the instruments finished today in our workshop, every Powell flute has a unique character and all bear a family resemblance.

Dear Friend, Since 1927, the Powell Sound has been a part of every flute, piccolo, and headjoint that bears the iconic Powell triangular logo. This mark, created by Verne Powell in 1926, defines an instrument that allows the player flexibility and a broad palette of colors to create beautiful music. The ownership of Verne Q. Powell Flutes has been in the trusted hands of a few individuals. For the past 30 years, Steven Wasser has been at the helm. Under his leadership, Powell has been a leader in innovation while maintaining the strong traditions established by Verne Powell. As of April 1, Verne Q. Powell Flutes will join the Buffet Crampon family of instrument makers. This family is focused on providing professional, handcrafted, high quality instruments for musicians around the world. Their flagship product, the Buffet Crampon clarinet, has been the gold standard for clarinetists since 1825. The Buffet Crampon commitment to quality and innovation is paralleled only by the flute makers at Powell Flutes. There will be no change in the production or location of the Powell workshop. Powell instruments will continue to be made by the same artisans in Maynard, Massachusetts. Mr. Wasser will continue to be involved as a consultant in various projects at Powell Flutes. As always, our workshop is open to visitors, and we encourage you to come in and see our flute makers in action. Please join us in welcoming the new President of Powell Flutes, Mr. Francois Kloc. Mr. Kloc has been with Buffet Crampon over 20 years and is highly respected in the musical community. All of your contacts at Powell Flutes will remain the same, and you can continue to expect the same high level of quality and service from our Powell team. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact any of our staff.

Sincerely, The Team at Powell Flutes

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Left to Right: Mr. Jean-Baptiste Bouvier (CFO of Buffet Crampon), Mr. Francois Kloc (CEO/President of Buffet Crampon USA), Mr. Jérôme Perrod (CEO of Buffet Crampon), Mr. Steven Wasser (President, Verne Q. Powell Flutes)

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October 28, 2015.

So very sad to relay word of the passing of ROBIN FELLOWS this past week. I remember his wonderful smile and laugh, when we would cross paths at NFA Conventions, and we've shared many wonderful notes over the years. I always appreciated his encouragement and support for The Flute Network as well. A kind man and wonderful teacher. He is already missed.

What follows is a portion of the notice that ran in the GazetteXtra just this morning. Full article can be found here: http://www.gazettextra.com/20151024/robin_bruce_fellows_whitewater_wi_1949_2015
(Thanks go to Ann Huntoon for her help with all of this!)

Robin

June 21, 1949 - October 20, 2015

Robin Bruce Fellows, 66, of Whitewater, WI, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015, at his home after a courageous battle with cancer. Robin was born on June 21, 1949, in Lockport, NY, to Bruce and Grace (Fife) Fellows. Robin received his Bachelor of Music Degree from the State University of New York at Potsdam, and his Master of Music Degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music. While in Cleveland, he met his future wife, Katherine Howard, and later married her in West Haven, CT, on Aug. 25, 1979. Robin proudly received his Doctor of Music Degree from Northwestern University. He also served in the United States Coast Guard Band. Robin was a Professor of Music at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for 26 years. He was a dedicated musician and teacher, and gave numerous recitals. He also performed in the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, the Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra and the Woodstock Mozart Festival Orchestra. Program Press recently published his edition of works for flute by French composers. Robin loved playing chamber music with his colleagues, reading, swimming, mediation, and spending time with his family and friends. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
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February 16, 2015. So very sad to relay the following -- thanks to Phil Unger for the lovely tribute!

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(The above picture is from their online website - dated 9/7/2004. I love it because they look so happy! I'm currently hunting the pictures I'd made from our time together while at Boxwood, in Nova Scotia, some time ago.... will add those when I find them. Phil Unger's note follows:)

I am very sad to report to all that David Shorey passed away this morning, February 3, 2015 after an extended battle with cancer. David was the world’s leading expert on vintage flutes, especially those of the great flute makers of France. He was also in the midst of writing about the great flute makers here in America. His expertise and vast knowledge of these flutes is unsurpassed. With David’s passing, much remains to be completed of his life’s work. Many may not know that David was the curator of the Dayton C. Miller collection of flutes at the Library of Congress. He singlehandedly revived interest in the collection and fueled an international interest and awareness in the rebirth of some of the greatest flute makers to ever live. Aside from his immersion in this wonderful world of old flutes, David was a man of intense kindness and generosity. He shared his knowledge freely and with anyone that asked. He was a gentle giant that would fill any room with his presence. To know David was to love him. David shared a life-long love with his wife Nina. He started his flute business in 1979 and met Nina in 1984, marrying her a year later. Together they ran the business, David and Nina Shorey Antique Flutes. They grew this business from humble beginnings to become the world’s leading venue for the exchange of knowledge and flutes emanating from this great period of flute making. David was also a wonderful father to their two sons, Josh and Clyde. David never hesitated to loan or even give a flute from his personal collection to a musician in need. To honor David, Nina asks that all lovers of the flute give freely of their knowledge and assets in the same spirit as David has done for many of us. There can be no better legacy than to follow David’s example in life. David will be greatly missed by those who knew him and the flute world in general. We have lost one of our leading advocates and an irreplaceable resource of knowledge.

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2019 MASTERCLASS LISTINGS --- as info is received! -- Continuously Updated! Check back often!--

As a service, we maintain a page for Masterclasses - Worldwide! We expand these postings on a regular basis, as information is received along with permission to list it.

(Please be aware - we can't guarantee anything posted at a linked site as a result of this free public service! Do let us know if you find something, um.... well, "surprising" is one way to say it! We promise to do our best to include only reputable, reliable information and links, however there still seem to be some pirate computer programs becoming active again these days which literally capture or kidnap requests to visit websites and side-track them to sites of their own [usually - of, well, "surprising" content and images...]... Should this happen to you - *please* let both The Flute Network AND the originally desired site link know about your experience, along with any info you can glean about where you were taken! We will call in whatever authorities may be needed or useful and generally speaking do our part in helping to stamp out this unfortunate kind of piracy. Thanks!)

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To jump directly to the Table of Contents for the rest of this site - click here... Thanks for finding us!

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July 23, 2011. We're excited beyond words here about this new development! The first shipment of Robert Bigio's new book has arrived and is now available through Little Wizard Enterprises - This absolutely GORGEOUS book is a wealth of well researched historical information, and the pictures are truly amazing - an amazing work, and an absolute "keeper" all around.

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You can read more about it here: Little Wizard's Inventory. - and do let me know if you'd like me to reserve one for you. The first shipment has arrived! All best wishes, Jan

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REMEMBERING: Albert Cooper, April 12, 1924 - January 25, 2011

Albert and Philomena a toast

January 26, 2011. We've moved our notice and thoughts about Albert to his own dedicated page - but I couldn't make myself delete these pictures from our front page, here, just yet... Please see the other wonderful pictures and stories that have been contributed from Trevor Wye and which are also all found at the link provided at the end of this line - The Flute Network is honored to get to share it all with you here: Albert Cooper Obituary, January 28, 2011 -- UPDATED January 8, 2017!.

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September 10, 2010. With all the noise and unrest rattling around the world in recent days and hours, much of it coming as almost a crescendo towards tomorrows anniversary of horrendous events in NYC - moments of genuine peace and centeredness seem especially challenging to find. In case it helps, we've maintained two of the Greetings sections we ran during previous times of such stress - allow me to share the links to them again for you here:

Compilation of Prayers for Peace - appeared originally in our September/October 1, 2001 issue

The Desiderata - and the story around it - appeared originally (with permission!) in our April 2003 issue

AND - you've got to see this! I just learned today about the "Tear Drop Monument" - a gift from Russia to honor those who died in 9/ll - it's truly beautiful and in Bayone, NJ. Some may have seen the email about it making the rounds - and you can see pictures and read about it at Snopes, here: http://www.snopes.com/rumors/tributes/teardrop.asp. It was dedicated on September 11, 2006... and I just learned about it today. Please check it out!

May we all come through these days and our current challenges in ways that leave us proud of ourselves and our fellows!
Because - no matter what, remember: we really are all in this together - still!
Much love - and all best wishes, more later - Jan

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August 8, 2010 We're delighted share this bit of news with you today! Check out "Pearls From The Master - Marcel Moyse" - a joint effort between Jerry and Jennifer Cluf, and all now freely available online -- you can find out more about that here: Pearls From the Master - Marcel Moyse

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August 1, 2010. It's AUGUST already! Can't speak for anybody but me, but time sure seems to be flying by entirely too fast these days... For increasing numbers of people, a return to school schedules will be arriving within weeks now... for others of us, today marks something of a "half way mark" for the summer-time plans we started out with when the season began (so - get on with it - if you haven't already!!! - [yes, speaking to myself there, as much as to anybody else - LOL!]). For many folks the calander is the least of the challenges they are facing and/or actively contending with... to all who can use them, we're continuing to send good wishes and supportive thoughts - especially to all who are struggling, perservering, enduring, and/or generally making their way through tough times this summer... no matter what the particulars may be. A little extra kindness goes a long way - and these days, perhaps more than ever, it's worth remembering that even small kindnesses can be potentially more important for those we send them to than any of us can begin to know. (Who hasn't had the experience, at some point in their life, of their day being turned around for the better in literally a split-second - perhaps by virtue only of being on the receiving end of a gentle smile and the warmth of direct eye contact, and all in only a milli-second from a passing stranger? It's not just a literary cliche that I'm describing here; give it a try - remembering that the gift of even a small kindness like that, which doesn't cost a thing beyond the thought and willingness to play nicely with others, can sometimes bring unexpectedly rich returns right back to us in almost nearly the same instant!)

We're continuing to update listings here at The Flute Network website too, as we go along! We have made plans to attend the National Flute Association Convention in Anaheim later this month - if we get to cross paths while there, DO please say HI! Would love to see you!!! In the meantime, safe travels - and hoping the rest of your summer brings LOTS of fodder for great moments and even better memories!

Always remember, no matter what - we really are all in this together! More later - Jan and Jerry Pritchard

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June 1, 2010. If ever there was a totally clear cut lesson on the astoundingly long (and uncontrollably expanding) chain of consequences that are set in motion by virtue of a "simple" choice or decision, it's going on right now in the Gulf of Mexico. To say that's a graphic example of a fundamental principle of life is to understate the point...!

One of the take-away's is something we all know: our biggest job today is to make good choices so that we'll be happy with where we find ourselves tomorrow. But there's even more to it than that, because "making choices" alone is not enough (it's a beginning, but it's not enough)... the choices have to be followed up with actions taken or made. We gotta "Do the Do!"

Making good/wise choices IS an undeniably important first step - it's the action that comes from them that counts; and whether or not we "feel like it" is really beside the point! (Nike has the trademark on the slogan which really is the secret to all success: "Just Do It"! Yes - easier said than done, sometimes, but this is something that does seem to get at least a little easier with practice.... i.e., so what if it's raining/hot/cold/to bright outside/takes too long/goes too fast/or is otherwise just plain ugly: "Just Do It".) Why? Because everything depends on it... even things you might not readily already know about down the line. Really. Musicians and artists know this perhaps better than anybody - skip practice today and you'll have to do more to make up for it tomorrow. Skip it too much and not only do you not get any better your skills actually back-slide. Choices have consequences - the actions (or not) do too.

For some of us, for any number of reasons, today is not-so-good... the particulars vary, and the underlying reasons may be far removed from our control, but the condition is familiar to us all. Whatever the circumstance, whatever the particulars, whatever the size of the task at hand, there IS power in the actions you take today (or don't). Here's to a better tomorrow. For us all. Because - we really are all in this together. (But I bet you already knew that!)

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We're continuing to update the Current Listings and of course the Masterclass Listings and the Lost and Stolen Instruments List. No news yet on returning to print. Thanks for continuing to stop by and for your notes and interest! Even now - with all that's going on in so many fronts - we really are all still in this together! 'Till next time - all best wishes, more later - Jan

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Update - March 3, 2010. It's now fully and officially official - Little Wizard Enterprises and Flute Network are officially registered as an entity with the City of West Linn, and the State of Oregon. We've just received a shipment of a few more wonderful books from England (see Little Wizard's Current Inventory) - and even though I honestly don't have a clue as to what's just around the corner for us all, everything necessary is in place to run with all options the moment it seems clear to do so! (We're technically and officially "set" to go in just about any direction that seems called for, in whatever format, in whatever medium that might prove most useful and in line with our core mission -- And THAT, I find, is incredibly exciting!)

Again I must take the opportunity to send out my deepest heartfelt THANKS for the ongoing contacts, notes, updates, and especially your interest! It's an honor to serve in whatever capacity we might, in spite of the many, um... "uncertainties" (LOL!) in the world these days -- all I know is that it's still true, no matter where this ride takes us all (collectively speaking): we really are still all in this together!

All best wishes - always - and more later, Jan

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Update - January 8, 2010. Yes - absolutely - the adventure continues! As everybody knows, though, sometimes the pace of life and directions we're lead in are full of surprises and unexpected re-directions - and even with the most careful planning and "crystal ball gazing" (for any insights, clues, or hints about what might be waiting for us just around that next corner), the end lesson is: all we can really do, ultimately, is choose to keep a positive attitude and recommit to a willingness to take on whatever it is that turns out to be! And with careful reflection, I can tell you that in terms of The Flute Network, that's exactly where we are just now!

The Flute Network began some 27 years ago to help with a specific need... people were getting hurt and taken advantage of because there was no ready and economic means of communication among flutists and flute teachers beyond a limited local circle at the time (other than the Musicians Union paper and a quarterly journal - both of which required membership status which wasn't always easy to get, and a monthly magazine which necessarily had a long time between press deadlines and publication/distribution). Coming forward to today - while we certainly enjoy continued loyalty and we represent a very respectably sized and dedicated subscriber list, clearly today that same basic need can be met in many more ways! For instance, there's the whole internet-thing and rapidly expanding cell phone capability which in many cases can tap into all that -- and along with all that, there's the continuing evolution of a whole host of similar systems which made possible such things as Twitter, Facebook, instant messaging, blogging, and any number of other near miraculous developments that are set to be released even in the coming months of this year. (...What a world!!)

Even so - we are extremely well aware here of the unique place that printed/mailed publications continue to have in the grand scheme of things, and the value of such even in this ever evoloving "brave new world"... I continue to hear from folks (and in significant numbers at that) about how much they value receiving something they want personally addressed to them in the mail on a regular basis (i.e., they don't HAVE to turn on a computer, download and print it all on their home machines - even as others reinforce how much they like the option to do so! We've always worked to honor both camps!) My deal with the Universe remains the same: as long as The Flute Network (1) remains useful to people in some way, and (2) can pay it's bills (as in, has sufficient advertiser support to cover costs of production and mailing, and/or the maintance of the website), I'll be honored to continue to volunteer the service that makes it possible. While keeping those in the "mail it to me only" camp remain close to my heart, it may be that - in this "brave new world" - The Flute Network might continue to serve in an online only format - with even more room for Jerry's reviews, discoveries, and recommendations showcased in the "FN Recommends", etc. etc. etc. - even given the wonderful range of flute related sites and blogs already online, the options are nearly endless! The point is - our mission continues: The Flute Network exists only to be of service! We will CERTAINLY be keeping up with the Stolen Instrument Listings, the Masterclass offerings, and so on -- and please know we'd LOVE to hear from you about any ideas or thoughts about things you'd like to see here! In the meantime, in the next several months I hope to explore all of this (and in the broadest sense) more directly and will post more updates as that process moves along.

In the meantime - all options remain open! Our non-profit mailing permit was renewed last fall and we're good to go for a return to hard copy mailings at almost a moments notice; the wonderful company who helps by insuring our mailing list continues to meet all the ever changing USPS requirements AND our marvelous printer have both indicated their unparalleled support and ready willingness to continue working with us (the degree to which I appreciate the enthusiastic support of both of these companies is without measure - it means more than the world!); and we maintain all rights privileges as The Flute Network as we collectively navigate whatever the future brings -- Our mission to be of service remains at the heart of all Flute Network and Little Wizard Enterprises does -- and just what form that is going to take in 2010, well - as I've always said - I guess we'll be figuring that all out together! (Cool!)

Thanks again for stopping by and for your continued interest in The Flute Network!
Please know that I TOTALLY LOVE hearing from you and that every note is welcomed and read and responded to (though sometimes it may take a while - let me apologize in advance on that!)
And do stay tuned! Remember - no matter what - we really are all in this together -- and I can hardly wait to see what the future brings!!

All best wishes, Jan and Jerry Pritchard

There's a really cute graphic that goes here too; all rights reserved.         

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Here's our new address:

The Flute Network/Little Wizard Enterprises
PO Box 38
West Linn, OR 97068

Email: jansp@flutenet.com

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The Flute Network is a non-profit educational corporate association which is now well into our 34th year of serving flutists, flute teachers, and the people who love them (i.e., P.W.L.F.P.'s - or, People Who Love Flute Players). This web site was originally designed to augment the print publication of The Flute Network (currently still on hiatus, as discussed above!) which went out free of charge to over 6,000-plus different names and addresses 9 times a year.
If this is the first you have heard of us, we welcome you and hope you will enjoy watching us grow!

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The Flute Network continues our effort to better understand mail flow through the USPS system - the details of these latest chapters in those efforts have been moved
so that more space can be given to those details... click here to jump to that spot!

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The Table of Contents for the rest of this site is below... Thanks for finding us!

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P.S. -- You may be relieved to know that NO COOKIES have been placed in your computer as a result of visiting this website! It is our hope that you will find something useful to you here, and that you will feel comfortable coming back often (our content changes with every print issue published...).

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We are especially pleased, also, to host a web site for LITTLE WIZARD ENTERPRISES. Little Wizard Enterprises exists to help keep obscure or hard-to-find items of interest available. Our current offerings include selected Compact Discs, Books, cassettes... Do check it out... and check back frequently because new things are added from time to time, and quantities are nearly always limited.

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P.S. I'm still pretty new at this Webwizard stuff- so if you encounter anything we need to correct or adjust, please let me know! Your input and feedback will be most welcome!

All text and graphics, Copyright © The Flute Network and others, 2016. All rights reserved.

There's a really cute graphic that goes here too; all rights reserved.           

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

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cute graphic here   Contact Us

HR

The FLUTE NETWORK AND USPS related efforts continue...

HERE's THE LATEST NEWS and INFO ABOUT A VERY IMPORTANT PROJECT THAT
THE FLUTE NETWORK IS CURRENTLY INVOLVED WITH:

OK - the notations that follow are "most recent developments - first". ... That way, the most recent "chapter" is at the top.

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UPDATE - January 10, 2009 - Although we'd not expected it, a "flute call in the sky" has gone out and our help is needed once again to help shed light on a very new aspect of USPS mail deliveries. As part of the Intelligent Mail Barcode scanning process, the very last scan a mailpiece gets is considered to be the "Exit Scan" by the USPS and is regarded by them as THE date of final delivery. However - we've been alerted that sometimes (how often - nobody knows...yet...) there is indeed a lag of sometimes a matter of a few days between that "Exit Scan" and actual receipt and it's precisely that piece of the puzzle we're curious about (we and many others!) There's probably nobody better to ask for help in this than our wonderful Flute Network subscribers - hence - that "flute call in the sky" (kinda like that call to Batman in those early comics) that was shared and described in our January issue, alerting folks to be on the lookout for their next issue (i.e., the February issue that went to press today). On each issue, in a box highlighted in the address panel, a unique six digit code will be printed -- we've asked folks to note the date of receipt in that box as well, and at their earliest convenience, to let Jan Pritchard know both those pieces of info: (1) date of actual receipt, and (2) that unique six digit code. At some point later this coming Spring, Jan will get togther with the fine folks at GrayHair Software and compare the data collected by them as to the exit scans (which are matched to that same unique six digit code) and the dates reported to Jan as being those of actual receipt. At this point, nobody really knows what we're going to find - so the adventure really truly does continue! As always - your help is very much appreciated! More on these things as the info evolves.

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UPDATE - September 10, 2008 - The fact that there even is a September/October 2008 issue means that we've found some powerful friends - and an awful lot of things went really right! To begin with, if it weren't for the support of the fantastic advertisers, there would not be a Flute Network at all (please - when you get a chance - take every opportunity to let them know you saw their ads and appreciate their participation, OK?) On top of that though, a HUGE Thanks go to GrayHair Software and the wonderful folks there - plus the extra efforts of the fantastic folks at Colour Concepts Incorporated (and especially the folks in Mailing Services there), every issue of Flute Network going out now is carrying it's own Intelligent Mail Barcode -- This is a special "4 Stage" barcode that acts sort of like a license plate on a car... it registers addresses only - not the people at the addresses, that's important to know. Now, why this is a cool thing is that the USPS has scanners in the mail processing machinery, all along the route that each mail piece travels through the mail system, and when one of them "see" a Flute Network with an IMB on it, it makes a note about it and informs the folks at GrayHair Software that it did - and also precisely when it did. This special barcode is going to be required on ALL mail sent like ours beginning in May of 2009, so it is something we would have had to do - only we've been blessed with a sort of "head start". What's going to happen is, we're going to see if the changes in processing that the USPS put in place this past summer really are helping.... or not.... and if there's any place in particular where things are bottling up, etc. So again - Flute Network subscribers are continuing to help in a material, substantial, way - and again, I thank you most sincerely!

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Update - May 21, 2008. The Postal Regulatory Commission, having been charged by Congress to compile a report to them about the Universal Postal Service and the Postal Monopoly, set up a special docket where the public, postal participants and those who would provide testiminoy (this time called Statements) on those big issues - PI2008-3. As a part of filling this charge, the three Commissioners of the PRC set up on-site visits to postal units around the country, and three formal field Hearings where formal statements were provided and questions could be asked (in real time) - I (as part of Flute Network) was invited to provide a statement in person at the very first of them - their field hearing in Flagstaff, AZ on May 21, 2008. The invitation to appear at this field hearing was a surprise and came on very short notice - and there were a number of significant challenges that had to be figured out just even getting to Flagstaff at that date and time - but as with so many things that are part of Flute Network history, all worked out surprising well. It was a real honor to get to participate so directly, and to meet and share ideas with so many amazing folks also involved in these questions.

At the Flagstaff hearing, there would be 8 of us to offer statements and take questions from the three Commissioners. Because we only had 5 minutes each to speak, I (and a few others) provided additional documents for their consideration -- in my case, I provided two Statements -- my written statement is much longer and contains much more of the story and background information than I could possibly have gotten in under the 5 minute limit -- and the shorter oral statement, which is much shorter and is - basically - an enhanced "highlight reel" and pure "advertisement" for the longer written one...

Now, I am DEEPLY and sincerely grateful that the PRC accepted as my "Oral Statement" as an independent offering to the docket, and they labeled it as such - because - well, to put it bluntly: while in Flagstaff (I was to learn), I was not very good about speaking as s - l - o - w - l - y as I should have, and as directly into the microphone as I should have, so that a good clear transcript could be made by the reporter who was there literally transcribing on the fly all that was said, and by who, in each hearing... (Bless her heart, I think she caught just about every third word so my part in the official transcript of the whole hearing came out pretty disjointed and on the whole, rather incoherent... that's a mistake I will never make again! (i.e., lesson learned!)) Still - I recommend the whole transcript for those so inclined, as well as those from the other two field hearings - lots of unique insights shared in there from a variety of perspectives. On the whole, I think the whole field hearing effort on the part of the Commissioners was most excellent and I look forward to reading the final report to come - that's expected sometime in December 2008.

Both statements can be found in the compiled Statements as part of Docket PI2008-3 at the PRC.gov website - or can be be found here too, in PDF format:

Written Statement of Janyce Pritchard - http://www.flutenet.com/writtenstatement.pdf

Oral Statement - (again, this was basically a highlight reel and advertisement for the longer, fuller, written statement -- but it also has a few ideas that didn't make it into the longer written statement because they only came to me while attempting to come up with a shorter verbal version to offer in my 5 minute slot): http://www.flutenet.com/oralstatement.pdf

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Update - January 1, 2008: Much to our surprise, there was indeed a Chapter Three, for 2008! Full details in the Greetings section of our January 2008 issue. (click here...to go there directly)... Again - our subscribers came through in stellar form - and in hindsight, we found that the compiled data reinforced the findings from our prior postal studies... and the interest on the part of the USPS and other major mailers has been both heartwarming and validating as well. Perhaps best of all, the USPS has indeed - as of this summer of 2008 - put into effect new rules for the handling of our class of mail, so our work together has now shown tangible outcomes - togther, we have indeed made a positive difference! THANK YOU so much to all of our Flute Network subscribers!! You have made a difference - again - and we couldn't be more proud of you!

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Update - Aug. 20, 2007: On June 13, 2007, the Postal Regulatory Commission put out Notice calling for public comments and discussion related to Modern Service Standards and Performance Measurement for Market Dominant Products for the USPS.... and we were again honored to respond to a personal invitation to participate. Our biggest concern has to do with the notion of Standard Mail being "deferable" - and what that meant operationally for the handling and ultimate delivery of mail pieces like Flute Network - but more importantly, for companies and other entities for whom such delays can have very devistating consequences! You can read the PDF of what Flute Network filed on July 14th, 2007 here: Flute Network Comments, Docket PI2007-1.

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UPDATE: May 30, 2007 - OK, here's the scoop: Wanting to find out what kind of difference there may be (if any) in the delivery of Flute Networks now that they're moving from "west to east" (out of San Bernardino, CA) instead of "east to west" (out of Waynesville, NC), we asked for your help in letting us know when you got your February and March 2007 issues, and the zip code where you received them. Again - Flute Network subscribers came through - thank you SO much!

All of this 2007 information is now compiled and charted - and we did learn some rather interesting things about USPS Standard Mail A (nonprofit, automated letter mail) that - as it turns out - others were very interested in as well! (Stick your head out of the sand and guess what: you get put on a committee!) To cut to the chase: in March 2007, I was invited to be a part of MTAC #114 - a workgroup comprised of USPS folks and other major players in the mailing industry - and the information we've been collecting together as The Flute Network is now actively being considered for what insights it might offer to our collective work. (Thank you again!)

Our report for this MTAC #114 is now ready to share. It is available here via PDF download, and is rather sizable (OK - it's just plain big. This version includes all the supportive materials such as copies of the Postal Forms, all the raw data and their maps, and other appendices.) A second PDF is also available here, which includes just the narrative.... At the moment, this is the only format we have for making these reports generally available - you will need to have a PDF reader (such as Adobe Reader, for example) in order for the file to open for you.... I apologize for any inconvenience this might cause. OK - here ya go:

OK - we'll keep you posted about further developments as they happen and as we learn of them! To all who have assisted us with this work, I can't thank you enough -- you've proven yet again just how special Flute Network subscribers are by your participation and all your support in this investigation.

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FLUTE NETWORK TESTIMONY AND RELATED FILES with the POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION (formerly known as the Postal Rate Commission)
are now fully available online! Click HERE - for how to find all that.

UPDATE - February 26, 2007: the PRC has released their OPINION! ...AND... WHAT WE DID MATTERED!
Here's where you can read more about that, and how they incorporated our concerns into their recommendations to the USPS!
---- Note: that link will take you to the info about how we/Flute Network got involved in all this USPS and PRC stuff in the first place... that's where you'll find "Chapter One"...

THANK YOU!!!

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HR

FluteNet.com is also proud to host Web Pages for the following companies:

Little Wizard Enterprises

HR

PLEASE LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK -- we value your ideas and will appreciate your feedback as we expand both Little Wizard Enterprises, The Flute Network, and FluteNet.com! Email to: jan@flutenet.com
A nice little finishing touch goes here

HR

Honors, and Other Internet Links you may find interesting:
In order to speed up your download time for this page, we have forgone this section of our openning page (that, plus the fact that - being an entirely volunteer entity - we were finding it increasingly difficult to keep up with the near-daily updating these "honors" and "web-ring" links required!)
-- If you really want to know about them though, drop me a line and I'll be happy to send you a list!

HR



jan@flutenet.com.


All text and graphics, Copyright © The Flute Network and others, 2021. All rights reserved.