By Alesha Capone
PLAYING the flute has been a part of Jen Bladon-Clark’s life for more than three decades.
The Keilor resident said she took up the instrument 37 years ago, while at school.
“Flute has been part of my life one way or another ever since,” she said.
Nowadays, the mother-of-two is a member of the Victorian Flute Ensemble, and she has arranged for their annual concert to be staged at the Brimbank Anglican Church in East Keilor, on Saturday at 3pm.
“Flute is a beautiful and versatile instrument,” Ms Bladon-Clark said.
“You can make the tone haunting, warm, bright, dramatic, playful…almost anything the music calls for.
“Turning breath into music is a very personal expression, and very uplifting.
“Music creates connections: amongst musicians, and between musicians and listeners.
“Those connections add richness to everyday life.”
Ms Bladon-Clark said the flute ensemble, which includes piccolos, concert flutes, alto flutes and bass flutes, has been rehearsing for their Keilor East performance since early this year.
Their show will include musical pieces like ‘Escualo’ by Piazzolla, ‘Songs of the Ocean’ by Hirose, ‘Arrival of the Queen of Sheba’ by Handel and ‘Tambourin’ by Gossec.
Ms Bladon-Clark said the flute was the third-most popular instrument for young people to learn, but classicial music activity in Melbourne tended to occur in the eastern suburbs, rather than the North-West.
“I have assisted with the music program at Overnewton College as a parent-volunteer, and music is a very big part of school life there,” she said.
“We have lots of aspiring young flautists on our side of town, and some good teachers. What our young people are missing, compared with the other side of town, is opportunities to go to local performances and master-classes by Melbourne’s top flautists.”
The Victorian Flute Ensemble will perform at the Brimbank Anglican Church, corner of Ely Court and Cemetery Rd, East Keilor, on Saturday at 3pm.
Tickets $15, $10 concession. Ticket inquiries: Carolyn Grace 9853 5291 or 0407 889 057.
