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Scott August

Radiant Sky

Lost Canyons

Ancient Light

Kokopelli's Flute: The Complete Guide to the Anasazi Flute

SCOTT AUGUST TEACHING
PUEBLO (ANASAZI) STYLE FLUTES AT
ZION FLUTE SCHOOL 2013

April 20-25, 2013
Zion Flute School
Springdale, UT
zioncanyonnativefluteschool.com

If you haven't been to the Zion Flute School, you are missing one of the best Native Americcan Style flute events of the year. Here is Scott August's reflection on his first year at the school.

I am very lucky that I get go to a lot of great events, perform for enthusiastic audiences and meet people who share a burning passion for the NAF. I always look forward to returning to these events, reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. However one of these stands out for me. The Zion Flute School.

Every spring a group of 30 to 40 NAF players and 5 or so instructors descend on the quiet town of Springdale, UT. Surrounded by the soaring red rock cliffs of Zion Canyon, which tower above the cool waters of the Virgin River as it flows past tree lined banks, Springdale has a serene, peaceful aura. The troubles of the world seem far away as the soft sound of flutes from the school echo through the canyon. Driving into the town is like entering an oasis. A Shangri-La.

The first year I taught at the school the Zion flute festival was the weekend before the school and held in Ivins, UT. The heat that spring was stifling and there had been scheduling conflicts regarding the stage. I had been on the road for several weeks and so I was tired and road weary. The thought of now starting the Flute School and stepping into a whole new experience, dealing¬Ýwith people I did not know seemed overwhelming and, admittedly, a little intimidating. However, once I left the festival and drove from sterile urban area surrounding Ivins and St. George and headed into the canyons of Zion I could feel my mood improve at the sight of the natural beauty.

I arrived in time for the early evening sign up/orientation. It was a chance to "meet and greet" people. Almost immediately I felt at ease and surrounded by friends, even though I had just met most of the people. By the end of that first I was in a much better mood, and was thinking to myself, "This is actually going to be fun."

As the week progressed I continued to enjoy myself more and more. My fellow teachers were some of the best players, as well as teachers, that I'd had the pleasure to meet. The way they approached the flute was pragmatic and easy going. My class was full of students eager to learn, yet we still had a lot of laughs and fun too. The schedule of classes was well laid out. Different levels in the morning and more free-form, exploratory classes in the afternoon. (I especially liked the ones with drumming.) In the evening there were presentations and flute concerts. Plus the little town of Springdale has some great restaurants. The Bit and Spur, Whiptail Grill, Spotted Dog Cafe and my personal favorite, Oscar's. Don't get me started on Oscar's carrot cake!

As I got to know the other people at the school better I began to realize that I was not the only person hesitant about attending the school. However, while I was tried and road weary, the students were nervous because they thought they wouldn't be "good enough" for the school. I heard this from many of the students. However, they had quickly realized that they fit right in. They were learning tons of new flute stuff, all the while having fun, and making new friends. By the last day of the school everyone was sad to have to let go of this wonderful experience, say good-bye to friends, new and old, and re-enter the real world. Yuck.

I've taught at the Zion Canyon Flute School every year since then. Most of the teachers are the same great bunch I met that first year, and the new teachers fit right in. I consider them great friends and look forward to seeing them and the students each year. Both returning and new students. Everyone who attends has left a better player and it is exciting to watch the students blossom and grow each during the week of the school.

If you have ever thought about going to the Zion Canyon Flute School, this is the year to do it. You'll never know what a wonderful experience it is until you have done it. Afterwards, you'll wonder why you waited so long.

To learn more and get an early sign-up discount visit the
Zion Flute School website.


The New album by Scott August
Hidden Journey
HIDDEN JOURNEY CD

DIGITAL DOWNLOAD ALBUM
A Cedar Mesa Music exclusive!
Not available on iTunes or other digital retail sites.

"Scott August has crafted a masterpiece with Hidden Journey." -Muzikreviews.com

"Hidden Journey captures the spirit of the Southwest.." -Music and Media

"August blurs genre lines, creating his own unique styles. His music is bold yet laid-back." [Hidden Journey is] "an exceptional album." -MainlyPiano.com


New Book!

The Complete Guide to the Native American Style Flute
by Scott August

The Complete Guide to the Native American style Flute

Available October 10, 2011

Discover how to:

Buy Your First Flute
Master the Native American Style Flute Scale
Strengthen Your Fingers
Explore the World of Rhythm
Master Special Effects
Expand Your Technique and Skill
Get out of Ruts and Stay out of Them
Learn the Secrets of the Pros!
Contains 24 Easy Exercises to Get You Started!



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