I will begin my second year of teacher training in the Alexander Technique with our usual 3 day weekend session occurring this weekend, Sept. 16-18.  The more I learn about this way of balancing and moving, the more intrigued I become.  It's really pretty ingenious!  From playing the flute to brushing the teeth, it can be employed in everything that one does.  It results in effortless movement, and the end of struggles with tense places in the body.  I'm sold!  I attended a 5-day training session at Sevenoaks Retreat Center near Charlottesville, Virginia in June.  I learned a lot and ate incredible food!  I hope to return for another session next summer.

I will no longer be teaching Flute and Instrumental Chamber Music at Houston Baptist University, because it has cut it's instrumental music program.  I was a part of HBU's adjunct faculty for 27 years.  I will greatly miss the music faculty and students.  We had a very nurturing and supportive community.  Changes may occur again in the future.  Some courses may return.  In any case, I really appreciate the experience and connections that I gained from so many years of teaching there.        

I will begin a 4-year training program in the Alexander Technique in September. My goal is to become a certified teacher in this technique, which has taught me how to stand, sit, walk, and very importantly, to play the flute without causing tension in my neck and back! This method of body alignment and easeful movement is ever more popular with musicians, dancers and actors. It trains one to be very aware of the skeleton, and teaches how to free it from our daily habits of "crunching" it (my term!) in various ways. For better descriptions and a wonderful teacher, visit Chris Lidvall's web page at "A Healing Collective". http://www.ahealingcollective.com/christine_lidvall.php

Looking forward to the increased musical activity that September brings! On September 28 I'll be premiering a new work by Ann Gebuhr entitled "Contemplation on the Trinity" for alto and C flutes, accompanied by rainstick, tuned bowls, and chimes, played by the composer. It's one of three pieces featured on this "Soulscapes" concert, presented by the Houston Chamber Music Society.  Performance is at 8 P.M. in Belin Chapel on the campus of Houston Baptist University.
 

I am happy to announce that my professional bio will be listed in the upcoming 2010 edition of "Who's Who in America", scheduled for publication in October 2009.
 

A CD of relaxation exercises was put together by a discussion group in Waco, Texas, for soldiers who return from deployments "experiencing stress and difficulty sleeping, as well as other symptoms of PTSD." The group undertook the project at the request of Barbara Locher, Army Germany contract Social Worker and former member of the group. They contacted me and asked if they could use music from my CD "Mysterium". I was very happy to contribute to this cause. The CD is finished and found to be quite helpful.

On Monday, November 17, 10:30 AM I will give a presentation to music majors at Houston Community College, Central Campus on the flute, piccolo, and alto flute.