As the first sunny day of NeFlAc, we were able to do our non-flute warm up outdoors with some traditional Dutch games, including Annemaria Koekoek & Hoofd, schouders, knie en teen (Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes). We followed this with some physical warm ups to use in the practice room, which will help with our flute playing. In both the NTK's and YIP's flute warm ups we played scales, focussing on relaxation for the YIPs. Some of the YIPs had individual Technique classes; Nicky Crowe and Anna Cooper worked on breathing, legato playing and vibrato in a very in depth class with Jeroen. The NTKs had a theme lesson about pulse and tuning with Wieke. Because of the beautiful weather, the sound of the flute could be heard inside and out! An afternoon of masterclasses and flute ensembles was followed by an engaging talk given by Wieke titled making music, practicing and the brain'.

Julia Oostdam and Anna Cooper