In the world of classical music, the printed program has long been a staple. Concertgoers traditionally receive a neatly designed booklet listing composers, pieces, and performers, often accompanied by historical notes or translations of lyrics. While this format provides valuable context, it also reinforces a certain formality—a separation between musicians and the audience.
Sue introduces the contrabass flute
At CAFE Flutes, we take a different approach. Rather than relying on printed programs, we introduce each piece ourselves, directly engaging with our listeners. This choice is not just about eliminating paper waste or simplifying logistics. It is a deliberate part of our mission to enrich, engage, and inspire by making concerts more interactive and personal.
Building a Connection with the Audience
One of the main reasons we introduce our music is to create a personal connection with our audience. Traditional concerts often maintain a sense of distance between performers and listeners. The musicians play, the audience listens, and the two groups rarely interact. At CAFE Flutes, we strive to break down that barrier.
By speaking to the audience, we introduce ourselves as individuals, not just as musicians behind our instruments. People hear our voices, see our personalities, and feel more connected to us. This interaction makes the experience more engaging and inviting, especially for those who may not be familiar with flute choir music.
Providing Context and Enhancing Appreciation
Nora introducing a CAFE song
Music can be enjoyed on a purely emotional level, but a little context can enhance the listening experience. Before we perform each piece, we share interesting details about the composer, the style, or the story behind the music. This might include:
- The historical significance of a piece
- How a composition connects to a particular theme
- Unique musical elements to listen for
- Fun trivia about the composer or inspiration for the work
For example, if we are playing a Disney melody, we might mention the arranger’s creative process in translating orchestral film score into a flute choir setting. When we perform a classical intermezzo, we might share how the piece was initially written to bridge the intermissions and acts in an opera and how it sets the mood for what follows. These insights help listeners feel more engaged and give them a deeper appreciation of their hearing.
Encouraging Audience Interaction
Concerts include a Q&A segment
Speaking directly to our audience also encourages participation and engagement. During our concerts, we often invite listeners to:
- Ask questions about the flute family, the music, or our performance
- Sing along to familiar tunes
- Interact with instruments, such as examining a demonstration piccolo or contrabass flute
- Join in the fun, whether it’s playing small percussion instruments during a festive number or celebrating birthdays with us
These elements transform the concert from a passive experience into an interactive and dynamic event. Audience members are not just spectators—they become part of the performance.
Adapting to Different Audiences
Another advantage of introducing our music live is the ability to adjust our presentations based on the audience. A printed program is static, but a spoken introduction allows us to be flexible.
For example:
- At a senior community performance, we might emphasize nostalgia, sharing memories associated with oldies and show tunes.
- At a library concert for families, we might keep explanations shorter and more animated, incorporating interactive elements for children.
- At an art gallery performance, we might focus on how the music connects to visual themes in the artwork on display.
Music/Art collaboration at Mesa Art Center
This adaptability ensures that our concerts are always relevant and engaging for each unique audience.
A More Inclusive Experience
Not everyone finds it easy to read a printed program. For audience members with visual impairments, dyslexia, or limited English proficiency, a written program can create a barrier to engagement. By introducing our music out loud, we make our concerts more accessible to a wider range of listeners.
Additionally, for those who may not have a strong background in classical music, hearing us explain a piece in a friendly, conversational way makes the experience more welcoming. No one has to worry about feeling “uninformed” because we provide the necessary context right from the stage.
Keeping the Performance Dynamic
Printed programs create a structured, predetermined order for a concert, but we sometimes like to switch things up! If we sense that an audience is particularly responsive to a certain genre, we might adjust our setlist on the spot. Spoken introductions allow us to stay flexible and responsive to the mood of the room, ensuring that our performances remain engaging and enjoyable.
A Tradition That Reflects Our Mission
Ultimately, introducing our music rather than using printed programs is not just a practical choice—it is a reflection of who we are as an ensemble. At CAFE Flutes, we believe that music should be a shared, interactive experience. By speaking directly to our audience, we invite them into our musical world, making each concert more engaging, informative, and inclusive.
Next time you attend a CAFE Flutes performance, listen for more than just the music. Pay attention to the stories, the humor, and the personal connections we bring to the stage. We hope you’ll leave not only having heard great flute music but also feeling like you’ve been part of something truly special.
About CAFE Flutes
CAFE enriches, enlightens, and inspires Central Arizona residents by presenting interactive concerts and educational programs that showcase the flute family’s diverse instruments.
The 7-member group offers interactive concert programs that feature various musical styles: show tunes, patriotic, folk, oldies, pop, and classical. They demonstrate all their instruments, including the 10-foot-long contrabass flute, and introduce each piece with interesting tidbits about the music and composer.
The flutists take it a step further during the concert by passing around demonstration flutes and piccolos, allowing the audience to experience the instruments firsthand.
Since 2014, they have performed over 250 concerts, including Desert Botanical Garden, Mesa Art Center, senior communities libraries, art galleries, Tempe History Museum, Arizona Broadway Theatre, and Peoria Center for Performing Arts.
With a music library of over 150 pieces, CAFE Flutes can customize their concert to fit the occasion. Themed programs include a selection of Patriotic, St. Patrick’s Day, Summer, Show Tunes, Singalong, Mother’s Day, and Winter Holiday melodies.
Are you looking for a fun, educational experience? “Fascinating Flutes” is a 2-person demonstration of flutes worldwide through live performance, storytelling, videos, photos, and sound clips. Diverse flutes are sent around the room for listeners to examine up close in this 1-hour presentation.
Music creates community while activating memories, movement, and emotions all at the same time! Research confirms that listening to live music, especially with others, enhances overall health. CAFE harnesses the power of music to connect people in our community.
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