Local flute maker shares
his passion

BY CHUCK TUCK | JOURNAL REPORTER There is a movement of sorts happening around Lake Stevens, and Washington, and it is called a flute circle

A flute circle is a gathering of people who enjoy playing the Native American Flute for its unique and enchanting sounds.

The Native American flute is shrouded in mystery as to its exact age, and differs from its Asian, European and Neanderthal heritage with its two air chamber design.

There is a wall within the flute itself which separates the top and bottom of the flute with the top chamber acting like a second resonator thus giving it its distinctive sound.

Rick Barney is a woodworker and flutist living in Lake Stevens who enjoys making his own flutes, and shares his love for the instrument.
Barney says that he and his friend Nels Rushton facilitate a flute circle in Everett where musicians come together to play a variety of instruments.

“A flute circle usually consists of individuals who play the flute, or enjoy listening to flute music,” Barney said.

“My friend, Nels Rushton and I facilitate a flute circle in Everett at The Vision Quest.  We play many different kinds of instruments beside the flute.  There are always plenty of drums, rattles and other percussion instruments to play as well.  We all just love music,” he said.

The flute circle isn’t just about playing. There are some who come because they love to listen to the music says Barney and all are welcome.

“There is never any pressure to play or perform; the music is there for all to experience. I know only a few songs, but rather play from my heart and let the melodies just come out,” Barney said.

He also says that many flute circles are springing up all over the United States in small towns and cities everywhere.

Last year many flute players and musicians, some of which were Grammy award-winning artists, converged in one spot for a music festival that touched all that were present and became known as the first Flute Quest in the area.

This year the Flute Quest will be held at Country Village in Bothell on August 24, 25, and 26 beginning at 10 a.m. each day.

Barney says that there will be many musicians and vendors from all over the States sharing their own unique talents and stories, and encourages everyone to come out.

The flute is known to be the oldest instrument in the world dating as far back as 43,000 to 82,000 years.

Discovered in Slovenia these flutes and the flutes of the Chinese dated 7,000 BC to 5,700 BC are unlike the Native American flute played in most flute circles of today.

Anyone can go to www.flutequest.com or www.countryvillagebothell.com for more information on the upcoming event.

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