In Reflection...

The following was shared with permission by a student after the 2018 Solstice Flute School.

​I want to bring light to how valuable to life the information and classes were that I received, and how they have played out to date in very meaningful ways.
​
Michael Graham Allen was the special guest-artist-in-residence last year. Rim Blown flutes were the focus of his instruction – something completely new for me. I ended up accepting the challenge of learning a new instrument and purchased the instrument he played for his final performance...hold on to that thought.

Kalani taught a class on healing through the medium of Music as it applies to the Native American Flute. Both classes were great for value they represented and the new information I walked away with.

Upon returning home I was faced with discovering my best friend of 50 years had been diagnosed with Stage 4 Brain Cancer and was struggling in the environment I found him in. We soon realized we needed to enter him into our home to maintain his dignity, give him a safe clean place and build a loving medical team around him. His Mom, Sister, hospice staff, my wife and I surrounded him with great love and care until he passed Saturday 9/08/18...11 days in our home.

During this time, although heavily medicated, there were periods of severe restlessness and agitation where he wanted to get out of the bed. His medication should have been able to override this agitation however by itself it wasn't enough despite all our efforts to console his agitation.

So, at one point I said, “would you like to hear me play my flute”. He said “yes”, so I grabbed my new rim flute and just played. He immediately settled back into the bed, let out a stressful sigh...ahhhh... and all of the anxiety in the room and in his restless spirit immediately reversed, calming my friend and allowing the medication to settle in.

All this to say “Thank you” for those who put on this wonderful Flute Camp and the amazing staff of guest artists and specialty courses. Playing the flute worked 100% of the time at all times of the day. And in it all, I too found great peace and inner connection. My friend’s Mom says..."that flute is magical..." Pretty cool right?!

Hope to see you all next year. Just know this...The heart of this Flute camp is filled with love and respect, and has proven to be an amazing life experience...all built around a gathering of like-minded humble Flute players. Wow. I am beyond grateful for the value this new life experience and friend set has added to our lives. 

– J.M., Florida