BEGINNINGS

In  January of 1979, flutists from the Minnesota Orchestra, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Minnesota Opera, the Minneapolis and St. Paul Civic Orchestras, as well as freelance flutists, flute teachers and flute students met to form an association which would bring flutists together for concerts, workshops, and other programs of particular interest to flutists.  The association provides a common meeting ground for professional, student and amateur flutists, and is a place where new and unusual repertoire for the flute can be heard as well as the traditional literature.  The name “Upper Midwest Flute Association” was chosen so as to include a broader base than simply the Twin Cities metropolitan area.  The organization is entirely volunteer run with an Executive Board of Directors voted in by the membership.  Membership dues support the activities of the organization.  UMFA is incorporated as a tax exempt organization.  A regular newsletter is distributed as well as a membership directory.  Please see the Objectives and Purposes of the Upper Midwest Flute Association (UMFA) which was developed by our founding members. 

There was a logo contest during the first year.  An UMFA Ensemble Music Library, consisting of trios, quartets, quintets and music for larger combinations of flutes was also set up.  Initial 1979 Honorary Lifetime Memberships were awarded to Donald Berglund of St. Olaf College, Emil Opava, principal flute emeritus of the Minnesota Orchestra, and Emil Niosi, flute/piccolo with Minnesota Orchestra.  For their contributions to UMFA other Lifetime Memberships have since been awarded to Cyrille DeCosse, Russell Dedrick, Susan DeJong, David Eagle (in memory of), Elaine Eagle, Adele Lorraine, Polly Meyerding, Family of Laudie Porter (in memory of) and Mary Roberts Wilson.

So much has happened over the years within the Upper Midwest Flute Association.  A listing of the programs provides a sampling of the quality of activities that this exceptional organization has presented. 

UMFA developed it's own “Flute Fest”  which is now held yearly featuring an outstanding guest artist who offers both a Master Class and Recital, plus other educational and performance events are included in the day long event as well as exhibitors.  Other lectures, demonstrations, workshops, recitals, master classes, Flute Choir Showcases, plus our Laudie Porter Memorial Competition and Honors Flute Choirs for student members have been offered as well.  Collaboration events with other organizations plus the commissioning of new music has occurred.  There has been a wide variety of activities  throughout the years presented by the Upper Midwest Flute Association and we are hopeful for many more to come!