Gina's Flutes at the Instrument Petting Zoo at Vail!

The Gina's Flutes Instrument Petting Zoo at Vail! Bravo was a big success. The Philadelphia
Symphony was warming up for their Peter and the Wolf concert while we set up. When the
gates opened, we were delighted that so many families came to try out the instruments. Some
kids selected one instrument--one boy kept coming back over and over to try out the alto
saxophone. And actually, he was quite good at it! And his puffed out cheeks made us all smile.
Some kids tried to get 4 notes out of just a flute headjoint. Some very small kids wanted to try
out the very large euphonium which was a cute picture. And some kids wanted to try and feel
every instrument. Even some parents couldn't resist giving the instruments a try! All enjoyed
the concert that followed. There is something about orchestra music--the blending of many
sounds into one, that gives us energy and excitement when we hear it. Music is interesting--it
touches people of every age!  Head to our Facebook page to see some pictures!

Gina's Flutes is participating in the Vail! Bravo Instrument Petting Zoo this Thursday, July 10.
What is an instrument petting zoo, you ask? It is similar to an animal petting zoo in many ways.
But instead of petting animals, you can see, touch, play, and hear all the different musical
instruments for yourself. Always wanted to try a flute? How about a Euphonium? Come by our
booth at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater this Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Kids of all ages can try
out a variety of woodwind and brasswind instruments. Already a player? Stop by and give us
your best memorized rendition. And stay for the free family concert performed by the
Philadelphia Orchestra at 11:30 a.m. They will be performing Peter and the Wolf--a classic for
kids of all ages.

I sometimes get the question, "How did you end up selling instruments"?

When I was a 4th grader ready to start band, my budget-minded parents took me to the local
music shop and bought me the cheapest flute in the store. It was very old, ugly and leaking air.
Sheer determination helped me slog through the detriments of the beast, and I found I enjoyed
playing! Next came countless hours of babysitting and saving money for my first new flute. It
wasn't anything fancy by today's standards, but I earned it and used it all through high school
and college.

Do you still play? Yes, I do. I have moved on to a professional flute. I play in a trio group with a
cello and violin, sometimes alone too, and have found practicing as an adult to be a real joy
and not "I-have-to-get-the-time-in work at all.

So maybe that is the draw to all these beautiful instruments I sell. I want my customers to have
the best experience with music that they can afford--thus quality instruments of all kinds--not
just flutes!

Today is the first posting of the Gina's Flutes blog. We want to give musicians interesting and
useful ideas and tips about music news, becoming a better player, and finding the perfect
instrument--whatever you play!



Summer is foremost on our minds in this first part of June. We want to relax and enjoy the
beauty of summer, but we also want to make it a productive time to maybe do something we
don't do during the regular part of the year.



If you are a music student, find some music you've always wanted to learn. Practice it a little bit
each day. Mark your progress at the end of the week. Goals are important too. So instead of
just practicing with no goal in mind, find others with your skill level and form a little group. Play
for visitors. Record yourself! And watch yourself takeoff to new places. Make your summer
worthwhile and fun!