by Ruth Ballantyne
4Flutes was created in 2003 from my passion for the flute and the desire to learn. I can remember fresh out of university 12 years ago talking to Jon Parkinson (director of John Packer) about the ideas I had for workshops and numerous flute orientated initiatives. I was keen to learn and to help inspire others but found only limited opportunities that were affordable and accessible; virtually nothing in my local area. I had no experience of running events and had only just started teaching but I loved the flute and I was enthusiastic to encourage others. That’s the one thing you have in bucket loads at that age, enthusiasm! It often helps you achieve the seemingly impossible and it was invaluable in the formation of 4Flutes. Jon was and still is an amazing mentor, totally unflappable and the eternal optimist able to make the seemingly impossible possible; the type of person every venture of this scale needs. He helped turn my crazy dreams into reality.
4Flutes started out providing an annual event for flute players of all ages and abilities with leading flautists; hence the name 4flutes/for Flutes. Visiting artists so far have included: Mike Mower, Jonathan Snowden, Clare Southworth, Gareth Mclearnon, Pete Long, Emma Williams and Ian Clarke. The first few events were a huge learning curve - mainly on what not to do which inevitably sticks in your mind. However the impact on students was overwhelming and I think that has been a driving force throughout. Playing the flute can be a solitary hobby for many flautists and the opportunity to experience new repertoire, ensemble playing and hear others play can provide great inspiration.
Mike Mower was a great support in our early events encouraging many local flute players with a wide variety of music and awe inspiring performances. So we were delighted that on formation of 4Flutes as a registered charity Mike Mower agreed to become our patron.
In addition to our annual event we now run a regular flute choir and own 2 bass and 2 alto flutes available to event and workshop participants to play. It is wonderful to be able to introduce such instruments to beginners who weren’t aware they even existed and give more experienced players the opportunity to play instruments they might not otherwise have access to.
Like many other flute players and teachers the ability to take on such projects is driven by my love of the instrument as well as a desire to encourage and inspire others that are learning in any way I can. I’ve been lucky to meet people along the way that have helped me and I also have the most amazing husband without whom most of what I do including 4Flutes would not be possible. I met a great friend, Ineke, at my very first event (11 years ago!) who has been involved with every event since and is a highly valued member of the 4Flutes committee. We were also delighted to welcome 2 new members to the 4Flute committee last year; Liz and Steve.
All the work involved in creating and running 4Flutes has been an inspiration to me and my playing. The artists that have visited us have been amazing and have always had so much to share.
The creation and running of 4Flutes has been hard work at times, but the reward … priceless!!
Ruth Ballantyne
If you would like to find out more about 4Flutes events and activities please visit our web site: www.4Flutes.com
