Flute Choir attends National Convention

From August Wed., Aug. 10 to Sun., Aug. 14, the Mercer University Flute Choir attended the National Flute Association Convention in Charlotte, NC.  While at the convention, the flute choir had the honor or performing in a showcase.
Joanna Malcom, a member of the flute choir, said that the experience was wonderful. “Getting to go was a great experience. Our performance went wonderfully and has earned us an invitation to perform at another flute convention,” she said.
In order to be chosen for the performance, the group had to send in an audition tape over six months ago. The top ten chosen were able to perform in the showcase.
“There were a lot of audition tapes sent in. So, it’s a great honor,” Malcom said.
The flute choir is comprised of around 14 current students, alumni and a few community members.
As of now, the flute choir is unsure if they will be allowed to accept the invitation to play in the Florida Flute Convention.
Malcom is a senior communication studies major from Monroe, Ga. While she is not a music major, Malcom believes that this did not hinder her ability to enjoy the music convention.
“For me it was a great experience because I’m not a music major. It was eye- opening to be exposed to that environment. It was a great experience for music majors too because they met professional flute players and were able to try-out new instruments,” Malcom said.
Mercer’s flute choir practices once a week, under the direction of Kelly Via. Via is an adjunct professor who also teaches flute classes.
In order to prepare for the convention, members of the choir moved back early and began practicing before school started.
The Mercer University Flute Choir is part of the Townsend School of Music.