Collaboration is more important than competition... Don't you agree?
I help flutists discover a new way to collaborate & create memories.
Who is Vic Wheeler?
My flute education started in middle school... After being the first from my small town to join the All State Band as a freshman, I moved to Houston to attend the High School for Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA) for more opportunities...
Here my knowledge & experience of improvisation began to expand... including "Classical" & "Free" improv on flute! My senior recital included multiple pieces of improvised music, as well as classical & contemporary repertoire.
When continuing my education at the University of North Texas I found many opportunities to expand my skills & develop my ear!
But, when I found out...
WORKSHOPS
Find Your "Brave Spirit" - Improvising in a minor
Workshop
Using the song "Brave Spirit" as the basis for teaching improvisation, flutists are invited to start improvising using the simple framework I've learned for improvising in any song in "a minor" or "C major!"
We'll review the music theory fundamentals, and flutists will go home not only with a sheet music framework for improvising but also a backing track that can be transposed for technical practice in any key!
"Colors Flying" - Writing & Improvising Flute Parts for Rock Band - Live Play-Along
Lecture-Recital
Come ready to play along! Discover Vic's framework for writing & improvising rock parts: which notes to play, which extended techniques to incorporate, & how to play on a mic! Stay to the end to find out how to add your clips to the collaborative music video in a bonus Music Video Mastery class!
"Genuine" Improvising As Communication & Meditation
Panel
Join the circle as we create a safe space here to explore & improvise!
Attendees will observe how others use "what they know" to improvise - be it a little or a lot! and will have the opportunity to use what they know to improvise with the group. Listen as others describe their inner experience of improvising. Go home with new ideas for how to practice scales & other techniques with improvisation.
OPTIONAL CONCERT
We can be available to play a full or partial set, in a large or small venue.
Minimum setup is acoustic guitar and flute.
For a larger setup including bass, drums, and optional additional strings or voices, Find a Time to Discuss Further Details.
Optional Music Videos.
How do these align with NFA 2024?
NFA's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
The Cosmic Butterflies music not only roots from Cabe Lindsay's Native American heritage, but also harkens to cultural traditions from the American South to the Sufi & the Bodhisattva, striking a common chord shared in music & nature.
Flauta Mundi: The Far Corners of Flute
"Brave Spirit" is an homage to the Native American flute and its tradition as an instrument of enchantment & love. Flutists in this workshop will not only learn how to improvise & the pentatonic scale, but also how to play concert flute in the style of Native American flute!
Multi-Media & Flute as a Collaborative Partner
Experience the Cosmic Butterflies music videos as a multi-sensory experience. Gain insight on playing flute in a wide variety of acoustic scenarios, from "Rock Band" to "Coffee Shop" to "Camp fire." Explore flute as inspiration for ecstatic dance.
Our Musical Connection to Nature
The nature themes in Cosmic Butterflies not only "root us" & "ground" us... but also ignite our passions and elevate our spirits! Flutists are encouraged to hone in on the nature themes and incorporate the sounds of singing birds, humming insects, and rushing wind & water. By centering in on these natural ideas we can more deeply access our shared connection with the "Great Spirit" and Nature!
