Flutes

Tonya Adams played piano beginning at the age of six, switching to the flute in the fifth grade and realizing music was going to be a key part of her life. She finished her degree in music education, and not sure teaching was her path, she responded to an opportunity at West Music to sit with the repair technician to learn the ins and outs of that role and she was hooked. She enjoyed the team at West Music and their Flute Authority branch and the energy around providing musical instruments for people of all ages. She rose to the position of Assistant Director, which she thoroughly

Ian Anderson grew up in England during the 1960s and had a long list of guitar heroes who inspired him to play music. However, he found the power of people like Eric Clapton to be disconcerting, as young Ian felt inferior next to such guitar gods. He felt his best chances to success in rock was to play an instrument that Clapton did not play and so he found his way to the flute. Ian’s ear and passion for music allowed the otherwise non-rock instrument to not only fit in, but to become an influence. He formed the innovative rock group Jethro Tull, recorded a string of best selling

Vivian Artley’s brother formed the Artley Flute Company in Elkhart, IN, during the 1930s.  With an innovation that allowed the instrument to be made cheaper, Artley became a successful product for school band programs as well as a well-established and noted professional line of products.  Vivian’s brother, Hube, and their cousin Don went into business together developing a brand of flutes still being made today.  The family history has not been well documented until our interview with Vivian, which was full of family stories and her memories of the flute making days.     

Rod Baltimore has been a music retailer in New York for over 40 years. Much of that time was spent on the famed 48th street music central. Working with brass and woodwinds, Rod has maintained one of the most sought after repair shops in the state and often does work for customers outside the state and country. His career is highlighted by stories of Manny’s Music across the street and Sam Ash as well as the many friends and celebrities he has worked with over the years. Today, Rod is owner of New York Woodwind and Brass Music Company and, yes, you guessed it, it is located on 48th

Keith Bishop is an accomplished woodwind musician and educator whose early passion for performance set the stage for a remarkable career. After earning dual degrees in music and music education from Carnegie-Mellon University, he embarked on a professional journey that quickly brought him to the national spotlight. From 1981 to 1983, Keith toured with the legendary Buddy Rich Big Band, performing on alto and baritone saxophones, flute, and oboe, and arranging several charts for the ensemble. He recalls this period as a pivotal and inspiring learning experience that shaped both his

Carl Bosse played an important role in the uncovering of our industry’s history when he sat down for our interview to discuss the Artley Flute Company. Since Mr. Artley had passed away in the 1960s and Carl’s father, Richard Bosse, who had owned the company but was in poor health to relay his stories, Carl stepped in to help. Carl had worked for the company and kept many of his father’s papers. Carl spoke of his friendship with Mr. Artley and the product line that made the company world renowned. He also outlined some of his father’s innovative marketing ideas that made him a pion

Steve Bosse served as president of the Artley Flute Company in the years after his father, Richard, led the company.  Richard and Steve worked together to expand the company and relocate the main manufacturing from Elkhart, Indiana to Nogales, Arizona.  During that time, Steve also ensured the quality of the products remained at its peak and sought ways to improve the flutes during the transition time and the years to follow.  Steve’s brother Carl was also interviewed for the NAMM Oral History program and spoke about how their father played a vital role in the progression of the A

Aria Boyd grew up immersed in a world of music, with her mother and aunties all playing instruments that filled her life with melody. Inspired by their talent, Aria picked up the flute in middle school, where her music teacher helped instill in her the values of patience, discipline, and self-worth. Although her flute lay silent for over a decade, she eagerly embraced the chance to play again with the New Horizons Band. Aria finds deep joy and fulfillment in being part of this vibrant program at NAMM’s Museum of Making Music, where players of all backgrounds and skill levels can f

Susan Burke started on the clarinet in the 5th grade and in her 20s she was given a bonus at her work so she made a purchase she always dreamed of, she bought a flute. She gravitated towards the flute thanks in large part to the Brazilian Jazz composer Antônio Carlos Jobim. Susan is a proud member of the New Horizons Band located at NAMM’s Museum of Making Music. This program was created for people who never had the opportunity to play an instrument or for those that played back in school and want to pick it up again. No matter what your circumstances, New Horizons Music provides

Joe Butkevicius became a flute specialist as an instrument repairman. Over the years Joe worked in music retail, for Pearl Flutes and now is employed by KHS.  Joe has also been very active with NAPBIRT, the National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians.  In addition to its newsletter and regional meetings, the association offers training classes and exhibits during its annual conferences. It was at the 2015 annual conference in Normal, Illinois where Joe was interviewed for the NAMM Oral History program.

Jacobo Cargua grew up in Riobamba, Ecuador, surrounded by music that has been a constant source of joy and inspiration throughout his life. Encouraged by his artistic family, Jacobo explored a wide range of instruments—from melodica, guitar, piano, bass, and flutes to cymbals in his school band—nurtured by dedicated teachers and later guided by the renowned guitarist Rugeik Kawayashi, who inspired him to practice with discipline and passion. His first role as a high school music teacher sparked a lifelong love of sharing music with children of all ages, a calling he continued for

Lauren Carr discovered her love of music in middle school when she began playing the flute, inspired by the sounds of her mother singing in church. Those early musical memories shaped her path, leading her to earn a degree in music education. Always curious about how things worked, Lauren developed a passion for the technical side of music and attended instrument repair school, turning her natural talent for tinkering into a rewarding career. She often jokes that it started with taking her own flute apart to fix small leaks—and grew into a lifelong dedication to helping others mak

Gene (Cip) Cipriano began his musical career with the big bands led by such stars as Harry James, Tommy Dorsey, and Tex Beneke. He later moved to Los Angeles where he soon began his incredible career as a noted studio musician playing primarily the saxophone, oboe, flute, and clarinet. As a member of the Wrecking Crew, Cip can be heard on hundreds of hit recordings including the clever oboe intro to Frank Sinatra’s “It Was a Very Good Year.” He played for hundreds of movies and television programs, several under the musical direction of his longtime friend Henry Mancini.

Buddy Collette changed music in more than one way. As a noted reed man, he played jazz along some of the greatest players in history including his boyhood friend, Charlie Mingus. Buddy was instrumental in the birth of the Los Angeles jazz scene. Beginning in the late 1940s, Buddy set out to break the color line within the American musicians’ union, which at the time separated the black performers from the whites within their directories. Thanks to Buddy’s efforts the Los Angeles chapter of the union was among the first to classify all members as equal.

Joe Cook began working in the music products industry with Selmer in 1966 with a focus on the saxophone products.  He joined the Gemeinhart Flute Company in 1986 and remained with the famed Elkhart, Indiana firm until the time of his mini interview in 2011.  While working with the Selmer Company, Joe played a role in the assembly, testing and artist relations including getting to work first hand with such performers as Boots Randolph.

Michael Cooney taught music in the public schools in Massachusetts for over 25 years. During the time of his teaching he also established a high-end flute company in the early 1970s called Northeast Winds. Over the years the company built a worldwide reputation for quality of product with a special focus to customer satisfaction. After retiring from teaching he spent more time with the company, which expanded to include Cavallaro cases for a time and added products such as piccolos and clarinets. Michael continued to teach and play the flute and took pride in the products that he

Marilyn Creamer likes to tell people that the only day The Magic Flute was closed, besides holidays, was for her wedding! She met her husband Michael while both were working at the store, which is located in San Rafael, California. When she began working at the store her focus was maintaining the sheet music department and helping music teachers. During the pandemic of 2020, her focus shifted to the store’s social media and marketing needs. With a passion for art, Marilyn happily applies her skills to the creation of posters promoting upcoming events as well as their website.

Emerson DeFord was a master craftsman who as a builder designed a number of flutes ranging from student models to professional instruments. As a businessman, he formed a number of well-branded companies including E. L. DeFord Flutes, the Picolo Company, Custom Woodwinds and Emerson Musical Instruments. As a passionate music maker, he supported school music programs, donated countless instruments and designed flutes for those with special needs. As a teacher, he mentored younger generations on the art form of flute design and building. He began making flutes in 1952 and was still h

Karl Denson has played the saxophone alongside Lenny Kravitz, The Rolling Stones, Jack DeJohnette, Switchfoot, and the Blind Boys of Alabama (among others). He was the co-founder of the acid jazz band The Greyboy Allstars, which was formed in 1993.  The band originally got together for a CD release party for DJ Greyboy, but soon added elements jazz with funk. Karl and DJ began writing original songs for the band, which also featured Robert Walter, Elgin Park and Chris Stillwell.

Colleen Foster grew up in a musical family with her father often playing the organ and piano. She played throughout school in the bands on clarinet and flute. She put playing music aside to focus on her career, however after retiring she looked for an opportunity to play again. Colleen is a proud member of the New Horizons Band located at NAMM’s Museum of Making Music. She joined the band playing her flute but soon realized the band did not have a tuba, so she learned the tuba! The New Horizons Band program was created for people who never had the opportunity to play an instrument

James Glanville was part of the team that relocated the Conn instrument manufacturing operations from Elkhart, IN to Nogales, Mexico, back in 1972. The result was a heavy blow to Elkhart, which had once been the Band Instrument Capital of the World. However, it was a needed move in order to keep the company viable in the changing world of manufacturing. James worked hard to produce quality instruments in the Nogales factory, which remained open until the early 1980s.

Roger Glenn recalls with a smile the years he attended the NAMM Show as a product endorser, showcasing the FRAP.  As a second generation jazz musician (his father was Tyree Glenn who played with Cab Calloway and Duke Ellington) Roger gained a noted reputation for being able to play several instruments.  His main instrument for years was the flute, which Arnie attached his FRAP, flat response audio pickup.  The pickup was created for use on acoustic instruments and Roger’s versatile skills provided the perfect setting to showcase the strength of the pickups.

DeAnne Gordy began working in the music industry with Gemeinhardt in 1989.  The world famous flute and piccolo maker, located in Elkhart Indiana, was established in 1948.  Over the years the company perfected the craft of handmade instruments and today, even with the use of some computerized machines, the role of hand crafted processes is still very much a part of each instrument.  DeAnne has enjoyed her role in making musical instruments and takes pride in the fact that her work goes on to make music!

Joe Guth’s career in the music products industry began with a short stint with Selmer and as a former band director he brought a great perspective to selling instruments to school music programs. He later had a storied 25-year career at Gemeinhart Flutes in Elkhart, IN, where he furthered his relationships with dealers in larger markets along with the band directors with whom he could so easily relate. One of Joe’s most satisfying aspects of his career in the industry was the many friendships he developed along the way.  

DeDe Guth joined the customer service team at Yamaha’s band instrument factory in Michigan in 1980. There she learned first hand the company’s philosophy and attention to customer satisfaction. Ten years later she was offered a job in Elkhart, Indiana to work at the Gemeinhardt Flute Company, where she also stayed for ten years. During that time she worked closely with then-president Glenn Holtz and the sales team to provide the best possible service to their customers. While working for the company she met her husband Joe who worked as a sales rep for Gemeinhardt.  

James Hall saw his sister’s flute and wondered if he could make one out of glass. He bought a glass tube from his university’s science supply and used his brother’s blow torch to make finger holes in the tube. His first flute wasn't completely in tune, but James knew he was on to something new and interesting. James sold his flutes for 10 years up and down California at craft fairs.

Holly Hofmann is one of the only female jazz flute players who does not double on other instruments but in fact prefers to focus her time and talents as a flutist. With little in the way of jazz flute history, Holly has been a pioneer in the field for the last several decades. She has also been a strong supporter of jazz, especially in the San Diego area, providing gigs for working musicians in several clubs and festivals. In 2000, Holly married jazz composer and pianist Mike Wofford and together they have performed and recorded together around the world.

Glenn Holtz was raised in the music products industry. His father, Ed, was a sales manager for Ludwig Drum Company. Glenn spent 9 years as Selmer District Manager then 2 years as Field Manager. He left to be President of Gemeinhardt Flutes for nearly 20 years, and as a sales manager for Selmer. In 2002, he established the G. Holtz Musical Instrument Company and a brand of products called Glenn Edward, which included flutes, piccolos, saxophones, trumpets and tuba.

Jim Horn, part of the “Wrecking Crew”, started playing the saxophone as a child and eventually expanded his musical reach to include the flute, oboe, and French horn, even playing the oboe on a Carpenters album. Jim firmly believes that the key to being a successful session player is having the determination to always play your best. Jim can be heard on such recordings as “Good Vibrations” by the Beach Boys, Frank Sinatra’s “Strangers in the Night”, and Canned Heat’s “Goin’ Up Country” to just name a few. If you hear a sax or flute on a recording, there’s a pretty good chance that

Haruhiko Ikebe developed a novel way of approaching music retailing, creating Super Pro Shops that stock vintage and new instruments along with accessories and knowledgeable sales staff for a very specific item. In other words, Mr. Ikebe created a saxophone store, a guitar store, a flute store and several others that market and sell to all musicians that play that given instrument. His passion for music included his involvement with music education programs, which were close to his heart.  

Cornelia Kinzelmann is CEO of ESM which produces mouthpieces for clarinets and saxophones. Cornelia remembers her grandfather, Wenzel Schreiber, from the time when she was a child. Wenzel Schreiber and his sons, Ernst and Hugo, made the company W. Schreiber a great success. After the company was sold, Cornelia’s father, Ernst Schreiber, decided to move to Tyrol, Austria in 1977 and started his own company producing clarinets and piccolo flutes and later specialized in mouthpieces for clarinets. Following an apprenticeship at Buffet Crampon in France, Cornelia entered the family bu

George Koregelos made a series of well-respected flutes under his name in the 1970s that was but one of his career highlights in the music products industry. After studying instrument repair at the CG Conn Company in Elkhart, Indiana, George began designing his own instruments with a focus on the flute. As is the case with many innovators, George sought to find solutions for some of the problems musicians were having, so among his creations is a successful instrument cleaning kit.