Musician on a Mission

Local flutist, Erika Andres, sharing the joy of music flute by flute in her latest children's book "Flutie's Family Reunion"

Savannah native Erika Andres is on a mission. A lifelong music student, she’s committed to sharing her passion for flutes, their music, versatility, and unique history pre-dating human civilization. With undergraduate and graduate degrees in flute performance and music composition, Andres is well-primed for her pursuit.

On Monday, September 9, Erika Andres presents her new children’s book “Flutie’s Family Reunion” at the Southwest Chatham Library, 14097 Abercorn Street, Savannah. The reading begins at 10:30 a.m. and includes flute demonstrations with a question-and-answer session to follow. The event is free and open to all, child-friendly and adult inclusive.

In June, Andres self-published her book about different, yet related, flute-style instruments. In it, main character, Flutie, prepares for the big event in which she meets more of her kin. The book boasts colorful illustrations by Dylan Habeeb and QR code linking Andres’s musical compositions that highlight the uniqueness of each instrument.

“Writing this book is a way for me to connect with young readers and their families,” explained Andres. “And if that can be part of expanding their curiosity about music, especially learning about the flute, that’s really exciting. In fact, I already have ideas for the next book.”

Andres began studying flute as a child, later graduating from Savannah Arts Academy. She stayed local and went to what was then Armstrong Atlantic State University, now a campus of Georgia Southern, before earning a Master of Music from Florida State University. Andres currently teaches in her home studio as well as composes and arranges for flute and ensembles of voice, piano, cello, clarinet, and more. She has two recordings of original works that have aired on modern classical radio programs.

In 2018, she founded the Savannah Area Flute Association and has been directing the nonprofit community flute choir ever since. When Andres isn’t working on children’s books or teaching, she’s keenly focused on directing the choir. 18 players contribute to the group as they rehearse ahead of their fall concert in October at St. George’s Episcopal Church.

And this season, the ensemble is tasked with an important aim—preparing audition materials for next summer’s 53^rd annual convention of the National Flute Association.

“This is the biggest flute event in the country that attracts players from around the world,” said Andres. “And next year it will be held in Atlanta for the first time since 1999. For anyone interested in playing the flute, especially for serious local students, this is an incredible opportunity to learn and meet the best flutists, composers, and teachers.”

Though rehearsals are already underway for their fall concert, Andres is always on the lookout for new players. To join the Savannah flute choir, she prefers members have about a year’s worth of prior playing. Rehearsals take place every other Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. leading up to the performance, and though there is an annual membership fee, full and partial scholarships are available. Savannah-area flutists in the choir range in age from 10 years to their mid-70s.

Recently, Andres began playing the contrabass flute and is composing works for the instrument as part of the ensemble’s fall performance and audition pieces for the national convention.

“It’s a great instrument, pitched two octaves lower than a concert flute, but what makes it really fun is its size,” emphasized Andres. “The top part is shaped like a triangle, and the instrument stands about six feet tall. The low notes are deep and resonant, like a cello, but you can still get great sounding higher pitches from it.”

As Andres composes, she considers her current players, their experience, and skill level. Since she will perform on the contrabass flute on at least one composition, the ensemble needs another member to direct them.

“That’s something I appreciate about the people playing in flute choir,” considered Andres. “There are members who are band leaders and directors for other groups that can lead if I play on a piece. I also like to pair up more advanced players with newer learners to maximize learning and mentorship.”

Once Andres has all the players in place, music written and selected, excerpts from the ensemble’s October 20 performance will be recorded and submitted for consideration in Atlanta next August. Andres and her choir are serious contenders as in prior years she as soloist was selected to perform at the convention.

As for this year’s Savannah Area Flute Association’s season, October 20 kicks off their first performance, “Musicians and Mindfulness Day,” at St. George’s Episcopal Church in Savannah and proceeds like a mini-flute and music festival. The event is free to attend, with donations accepted, and offers an afternoon of workshops for a range of musicians, including a meditation class and instruction on best practices for supporting posture and body form when playing. In spring, the ensemble presents their annual pops concert.

In the meantime, locals can get an idea of Andres’s talent and what she’s up to musically Monday morning at the Southwest Chatham Library, where she insists that though it’s child-focused, there’s plenty in her presentation for grown-ups to enjoy.

“I know a few adults have already confirmed, and I think it will be an entertaining experience for all ages,” emphasized Andres. “I appreciate living and working in Savannah because the arts and music culture is so strong here. There really is a lot of support. And we welcome any local flutists to join us in the choir and participate in our events. We love sharing the truly unique sound of a flute choir with all music lovers out there.”

If you’re a flute player and would like to join Savannah Area Flute Association, visit their website to learn more: https://savannahflute.com/safa/