Faculty
Barry Crawford, Woodwind Area Head, Professor
Marlene Witnauer
About the Area:
Each flutist at Fredonia experiences his/her own individualized instruction, with the selection of studies and repertoire especially designed to meet unique needs. While the focus of each lesson is largely on finding the heart of the music, in order to express the musical ideas with ease, we examine all parameters and perspectives of music, exploring music theory, music history, tone, technique, rhythm, and style. Other areas of study include orchestral excerpts, modern techniques, Baroque ornamentation, improvisation, and sometimes beatboxing! Lessons are a journey and collaboration between teacher and student, so specific requests for repertoire or genre are honored, while balance, continuity, and comprehensive knowledge is assured. It is a teacher's privilege and duty to nurture the student, both as a musician and as a person. Dr. Susan Royal and Professor Marlene Witnauer strive to encourage excellence with an enthusiastic, positive approach.
In addition to lessons, flutists perform in Flutasia, Fredonia's fabulous flute ensemble, which features flute quartets and trios, as well as larger ensemble works with piccolo, alto, standard, and bass flute. Occasionally, Flutasia collaborates with players on string bass, percussion, African drums, piano, voice, dancers, or narrators. The members perform a wide variety of repertoire, one-on-a-part, while learning the art of ensemble playing. Fredonia owns two alto flutes and a bass flute, so the opportunity to explore and specialize on the larger flutes is open to the whole studio.
While the Fredonia Flute Studio is widely recognized as having exceptional flutists, it is also known that these flutists are a kind, compassionate, and supportive group. They encourage each other, have each other's backs, and some become close friends for life. Find the Fredonia Flute Studio page on Facebook to see photos of current students and alumni.
At Fredonia, we strive to prepare you for all of life's challenges; to enhance musical skills, yes, but also to encourage the development of confidence, creativity, independent thinking, teamwork skills, emotional strength, and resilience. You will learn to both rock on flute and navigate life!