This is my fourth consecutive year presenting a flute recital, and each year the scope of work expands. Although I create more work for myself each year, I also gain a lot from it personally and artistically.

My recital is definitely the most challenging flute playing I do all year, which is why I love doing it. It pushes me beyond my abilities and keeps the blade sharp, so to speak.

By the way… the Recital Diaries posts were inspired by the Diary of A Wimpy Kid book series by Jeff Kinney, which both kids were really into as I was working on this recital. I’ve kept a journal consistently throughout my adult life, so this style of writing is very natural to me. It never really occurred to me to really lean into the style, and that people might enjoy reading it. Frankly, I often get annoyed reading my old journals, so I don’t keep them for very long!

6/27/25: Recital morning

Today I feel very happy and excited to perform my recital program. I do feel that I have prepared to the best of my ability, and that gives me a lot of peace. It certainly doesn’t mean everything will be perfect, because I’m not (nor ever will be) “perfect.” Anyway, I really try to embrace imperfection, because it is such a genuine expression of humanity, and makes art/life a whole lot more interesting.

I’m very grateful to everyone around me that has supported me in my recital. It’s a million little things (I came up with a pretty good list below, but I know I missed some)- little acts of love and care that create the final performance. It’s so much more than just practicing my flute.

Tonight, I get to play music that I love with people that I love, for people I love. I get to shine a light on my inner world and share it with others, whom I hope will find some moments of beauty or reflection.

Here’s what I did, with the support of many others, to create tonight’s performance:

1. Develop concept
2. Research/listen to music
3. Select music for program
4. Listen to music as a playlist
5. Collect parts and scores
6. Transcribe D’Rivera to concert pitch
7. Practice with recordings
8. Flute adjustment
9. Schedule recital date with musicians
10. Schedule recital date with church
11. Schedule and do photoshoot/interview
12. Edit photos
13. Transcribe interview
14. Make recital webpage
15. Submit newspaper event
16. Make FB event, invite friends
17. Make and post posters
18. Regular social media promotions
19. Memorize flute parts
20. Practice piano accompaniments
21. Arrange D’Rivera flute duet
22. Arrange Shostakovich Jazz Suite
23. Schedule rehearsals
24. Edit, upload, and share rehearsal recordings (after each rehearsal)
25. Write Recital Diaries for blog
26. Research potential recital audience (flute teachers, music schools, community bands, music organizations, etc). Collect contact info.
27. Send initial recital email
28. Find page turner
29. Schedule piano tuning
30. Arrange and practice Debussy chord chart
31. Make thank you card art
32. Listen and practice with rehearsal recordings
33. Final flute adjustment
34. Make and print programs
35. Write thank you notes
36. Child care for dress rehearsal
37. Dress rehearsal
38. Recital reminder email
39. Set up the church for recital
40. Reset the church
41. Edit recital videos and recordings
42. Upload recital videos
43. Make album art
44. Upload recording to Distrokid
45. Send follow up emails, share videos and arrangements
46. Write final Recital Diaries post