Reviews

Advanced Flute Studies:  The Art of Chunking

by Patricia George and Phyllis Avidan Louke, Theodore Presser Company

xArt of Chunkingl-450x600 Cover“…This is a new method designed to facilitate learning through chunking…  In this unique format, the flutist slurs an inch of notes followed by a rest… (to) allow for processing of patterns, and perform with greater accuracy and confidence… Additional musical bonbons provide opportunities for articulation, intonation, and embouchure and tone development…  Designed to follow the authors’ Mastering the Basics series, this new offering is similarly well-planned, concise, and pedagogically sound.”

~Diane Boyd Schultz
Flute Talk, September 2016

Flute 102:  Mastering the Basics

by Patricia George and Phyllis Avidan Louke, Theodore Presser Company

Flute102_flutebk“…This installment systematically takes the intermediate flutist through important stages of music development.  George and Louke do an excellent job of explaining all terminology and guiding the teacher on how to teach phrasing and other concepts.  In a way Flute 102 services as not only a method for students but also a pedagogical manual for teachers…  The material is interesting and varied and would easily allow the teacher to make sure there are not holes in the student’s knowledge…”

~Rebecca Johnson
Flutist Quarterly, Spring 2013

Flute 103:  Mastering the Basics

by Patricia George and Phyllis Avidan Louke, Theodore Presser Company

Flute103_flutebk“…is an excellent addition to the repertoire for the middle-level flutist.  Third in the inventive Mastering the Basics series, this well-organized volume includes five chapters devoted to studies in the keys of Ab, E, Db, B, and Gb and their relative minors…  “This innovative method is the most thorough and systematized approach available in today’s marketplace.”  
 
~Diane Boyd Schultz
Flute Talk, May/June 2014

“…Flute 103:  Mastering the Basics is the most comprehensive, thoroughly written, and well-organized method and solo collection available for the intermediate flute student.  George and Louke’s newest addition to the outstanding Mastering the Basics series is an essential volume for studio teachers working with developing flutists and for advanced flutists seeking an excellent source of creative and effective warm-up material to further their own practice.”  
 
~Cristina Ballatori
MTNA Journal, December/January 2013/2014

“With Flute 103:  Mastering the Basics, Patricia George and Phyllis Avidan Louke have compiled an excellent intermediate method book that includes a varied collection of solos and a supplementary volume of their piano accompaniments…  “This is a wonderful compilation of distinctive works for the intermediate player.  The outstanding performance guides and composer biographies add depth to the volume.  I especially like the creative exercises using techniques such as harmonics to find a tone that “blooms,” short tonguing exercises, multiphonics, trills, and the preluding exercises in each key… “On the front cover is a clear fingering chart and on the back cover are insightful, yet simple, suggestions concerning musical phrasing.  In addition, on the last few pages of the book, George has written excellent notes on methods of technical practice and ways to learn to play more musically.  These notes are appropriate for players or teachers of any level.  The area concerning musically informed performance covers the concepts of breathing (based on the teaching of William Kincaid), melodic contour, beat strength, and style.  I heartily recommend this book.  It is a wonderful addition to the flute library.”

~Andrea Loewy
The Flutist Quarterly, Summer 2014

The Flute Scale Book:  A Path to Artistry

by Patricia George and Phyllis Avidan Louke, Theodore Presser Company

FluteScaleBook“…Despite the lengthy list of exercises, the book is not a mere collection of notes but a well-organized approach that offers sample practice plans, thoughtful instructional prose, possibilities for players at every level, many variations of articulation and rhythm, and clear graphics…   … “While the title indicates an emphasis on scales, throughout the book it is clear that the true emphasis is on mastering technique as a means to heightened expression, phrasing, and musical artistry.  It is a must-have for flutists at every level…”  

~Diane Boyd Schultz
Flute Talk, September 2012

“…Throughout, Patricia George and Phyllis Avidan Louke have written excellent teaching materials, helping the student or teacher understand how sound is produced and by what means the flute can be played beautifully and efficiently.  Materials contained within the book can be used very early in a flutist’s study, and professional flutists looking for a new routine will have their needs satisfied by the exercises included.  This is one of the most carefully thought-out and comprehensive methods for flute study available, and a valuable resource for students and teachers of all levels.”

~Rebecca Johnson
Flutist’s Quarterly, Spring 2012

A New Beginning, for Flute Choir

by Phyllis Avidan Louke, ALRY Publications

ALRY A New Beginning

“…The spirited fanfare-like opening is followed by a simple tune based on a folk tune from the late 1600s.  A mournful short middle section gives way to a charming piccolo and bass flute duet.  The piece closes much like it began, with the final major chord an unexpected surprise after so much modality.”
 
~Diane Boyd Schultz
Flute Talk, January 2010

Beach Party! for Flute Choir

by Phyllis Avidan Louke, ALRY Publications

“…cute with a tropical flair in a groovy, Beach Boys style.  Players will enjoy the upbeat quality and playability of this piece.”

~Katherine Borst Jones
Flute Talk, Mach 2017

Big Sky, for Alto Flute (or C Flute) and Piano

by Phyllis Avidan Louke, ALRY Publications

ALRY Big Sky“…this four-movement programmatic work is reminiscent of Montana’s natural beauty.  The first movement, “Big Sky,” uses open chords and many perfect and wide intervals in the solo to express the vast landscape of the state, while “Riding the Range” captures the rhythms of a cattle drive with its alternation between 6/8 and 3/4 time.  “Cry of the Eagle” opens with harmonics, timbral trills, and pitch bends for flute alone to emulate the eagle’s cry and is followed by a tender and soaring melody.  The final movement uses rapid figures in both voices to suggest the sounds of both gently flowing water and agitated cascades.”   
 
~Diane Boyd Schultz
Flute Talk, July/August 2010

Blessings & Celebration, for Bass Flute (or Alto or C Flute) and Piano

by Phyllis Avidan Louke, ALRY Publications

ALRY Blessings & Celebration

“…The work is well-suited for the personality of the bass flute with consideration to range, articulation, and timbre.”

~Diane Boyd Schultz
Flute Talk, April 2008

 

Castle in the Mist for Alto, Bass, C Flute or Piccolo and Piano

by Phyllis Avidan Louke, ALRY Publications

ALRY Castle in the Mist

“This three-movement work is scored to showcase the timbres of flute, alto flute, bass flute, and piccolo (with piano).  The recommended instrument for each movement is flexible, however, so another sibling from the flute family can be substituted.  For example, the first movement is recommended for alto flute, but a part for C flute is also included.  The second movement is ideally for bass flute, but can be played on alto or C flute (transposed alto part is included).  The final movement is for piccolo, but can be played on C flute or alto.  If you enjoy playing the “other” flutes, this can be a Fabulous way to showcase the whole group in a solo recital.  The work evokes scenes of a Renaissance flavor, with program notes depicting knights, lords and ladies, and scenes of a peaceful kingdom.”
 
~Rebecca Dunnell, D.M.A.
Missouri State University
Kansas City Flute Association Newsletter, Spring 2007

 

Classical Music for Flexible Flute Ensemble, Volume 1 (2,3,4 or more)

arranged by Phyllis Avidan Louke, ALRY Publications

ALRY FFM Classical Music Vol. 1

“… well-conceived arrangements…”

“…a good investment for a flute ensemble music library.”

~Diane Boyd Schultz
Flute Talk, September 2003

“… very well arranged by Phyllis Louke, who is obviously a very experienced teacher…” 

~Liz Goodwin
Flutewise – Summer 2003

Christmas Landscapes for Alto Flute (or C Flute or Bass Flute) and Piano

arranged by Phyllis Avidan Louke, ALRY Publications

ALRY Christmas Landscape“… Each has a simple accompaniment under the melody in the flute part, followed by a descant.  Optional treatments (8va, right hand only on piano, ornaments) add variety to these beautiful carol settings…”

~Diane Boyd Schultz
Flute Talk, October 2008

Echoes in the Wind:  A Native American Soliloquy, for Alto Flute or C Flute and Piano

by Phyllis Avidan Louke, ALRY Publications

ALRY Echoes in the Wind - alto flute“…effectively utilizes the whole range of the alto flute, especially the haunting sound of the upper register…”

~Barry McGinnis, Newberry College, Newberry, SC
NACWPI Journal, Fall, 2003

“…The simple accompaniment supports the flute line well without covering the alto flute and lower notes provide freedom for musical expression.”

~Kimberly Sopata
Flute Talk, February 2002

Echoes in the Wind:  A Native American Soliloquy, for Flute Choir

by Phyllis Avidan Louke, ALRY Publications

ALRY Echoes in Wind FC

“… this haunting work includes two rhythmic and melodic ostinatos, contrasting slurred sections, and occasional flourishes in the high voices…”

~Diane Boyd Schultz
Flute Talk, December 2004

Extended Techniques—Double the Fun for two flutes (or multiples)

By Phyllis Avidan Louke, ALRY Publications

ALRY Extended TEchniques Duets“Kids are going to love Phyllis Louke’s “Double the Fun with Extended Techniques”.  These duos are easy, totally accessible, and cheerfully go into new and exciting musical zones.  Parents and teachers: get ready for enthusiastic new sounds — and be prepared to hear the word “cool” a lot!”

~Robert Dick, Flutist-Composer-Author, October 2003

“…Great fun, an excellent book and highly recommended.”

~Liz Goodwin
Flutewise – Summer 2004

“…clear explanations and each technique works well with the melody…” 
“…clever pieces, which could be performed at recitals.”

~Diane Boyd Schultz
Flute Talk, July/August 2004

Extended Techniques—Solos for Fun for flute(s) and piano

By Phyllis Avidan Louke, ALRY Publications

ALRY Extended Techniques Solos“Phyllis is a very experienced teacher of the young so she knows what works.  …this book… use(s) a variety of accessible extended techniques such as key clicks, singing & playing, harmonics, note bending, etc.  I particularly like Fright Night – which says ‘Experiment making spooky sounds on the flute’.  There is an easy 2nd flute part which makes this publication very useful for mixed ability group teaching.”

 ~Liz Goodwin
Flutewise – Summer 2006

“Flutist-composer Phyllis Louke has offered another collection of short pieces incorporating extended techniques, and they are Just Fabulous.  These are very appealing to the adventurous young player, and just plain fun for the adventurous “old” player!  Techniques include sing & play, flutter tongue, key clicks, harmonics, pitch bends, multiphonics, whistle tones, wind noise, and more.  Additionally, the material is rhythmically interesting.  This collection can be played for flute & piano, but she has also written a second flute part; additionally, these solos could be performed unaccompanied (she thought of everything!).  Louke includes explanations about the techniques on the back cover, and quick reference notes at the beginning of each piece.  The typography is excellent throughout.”

 ~Rebecca Dunnell, D.M.A.
Missouri State University
Kansas City Flute Association Newsletter, Fall/Winter 2006

“This lively collection of short pieces follows Louke’s earlier set of flute duets featuring extended techniques.  Included are seven solos:  “Kangaroo,” “Five is Fun,” “Frog Waltz,” “Fright Night,” “Carnival,” “Bird Song,” and “Catch the Train,” which incorporate techniques such as sing & play, flutter tonguing, multiphonics, pitch bends, key clicks, harmonics, and “wind noise.”  They are scored flexibly in that they can be performed for flute and piano, two flutes and piano, or for flute duet.  They really are fun, and can serve as a Fabulous way to introduce extended techniques to a student.”

 ~Rebecca Dunnell, D.M.A.
Missouri State University
Kansas City Flute Association Newsletter, Spring 2007

Four Renaissance Motets for Quartet or Flute Choir

by Tomas Luis de Victoria, arr. Phyllis Avidan Louke, Falls House Press

“…A delightful addition to the repertoire.  The selections offer a glimpse into the gorgeous late Renaissance polyphony so rarely seen in our standard repertoire….  Louke’s arrangement preserves the composer’s work and makes music from the Renaissance period accessible to flutists of a wide range of ability levels.  Her flexible scoring allows for performances by as few as four players, but she also offers additional parts for piccolo, alto, and bass.”

~Ginny Tutton
Flutists’ Quarterly, Summer 2019

“…The score contains clear peformance directions and time changes to distinguish the character changes between the motets.  Emphasis is placed on long phrases and texture changes….  The long notes and simple key signatures make this appropriate for students Grades 1-3, but is also a beautiful selection of renaissance motets for an expansive flute quartet…”

~Emily Hall
Pan, June 2020

Four Spirituals for Flute Choir

by Phyllis Avidan Louke, ALRY Publications

ALRY Four Spirituals

“…A particularly engaging aspect of these arrangements is the importance given to the alto and bass lines.  The parts are not just the usual rhythm keepers, but have nice solo lines.  Wade in the Water, this reviewer’s favorite, gives Flute 3 a solo…”

~Anne Bither Reynolds
Flute Talk, October 2011

International Music for Flexible Flute Ensemble (2,3,4 or more), Volume 1

arranged by Phyllis Avidan Louke, ALRY Publications

ALRY FFM International Music Vol. 1

“…allowances are also made for the addition of piccolo.  This volume features 16 short pieces from Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Latin American, and North America…”

~Diane Boyd Schultz
Flute Talk, September 2010

Irish Music for Flexible Flute Ensemble (2,3,4 or more)

arranged by Phyllis Avidan Louke, ALRY Publications

ALRY FFM Irish Music“… clearly marked with appropriate dynamics, articulations, and ornaments..”.

“… While these traditional songs and dances are not difficult, they are enjoyable by players at all levels and audiences as well.”

~Diane Boyd Schultz
Flute Talk, September 2005

“…well-known melodies, simply and satisfyingly arranged.  Each (of the fourteen pieces) has an optional descant part for the more advanced player.  Very useful teaching material and excellent for informal playing.”

~Liz Goodwin
Flutewise – Summer 2005

Madama Butterfly Suite for flute quartet or flute choir

by Giacomo Puccini
transcribed by Phyllis Avidan Louke, ALRY Publications

“This work features four arias from Puccini’s operatic masterpiece Madama Butterfly.”

“Each of the movements is graded for the college flute choir with the exception of the Humming Chorus, which high school flute choirs could perform.”

“One notable feature of the music is the low and high flute doubling, which is so characteristic of Puccini’s style of orchestration.”

~Anne Bither Reynolds
Flute Talk,  January 2018

Of Wizards and Witches

by Phyllis Avidan Louke, ALRY Publications

ALRY Of Wizards & Witches“…There is texture variety throughout, and all parts are musically interesting.  This experienced composer and arranger writes skillfully for flute choir.” 

~Julia Larson Mattern
Flute Talk, October 2004

“…While an obvious choice for a Halloween concert, Of Wizards and Witches adds interest to any program, because of its association with a literary and cinematic phenomenon that has enthralled young and old alike…” 

~Joanna Cowan White
Professor of Flute, Central Michigan University
NACWPI Journal, Spring 2005

 

The Planets

by Gustav Holst, arranged by Phyllis Avidan Louke, Falls House Press

Falls House - The Planets

“… Some orchestral pieces do not transcribe well for flute choir, but Louke’s outstanding and concise arrangement reflects her deep understanding of both the original work and the flute choir medium…”

~Diane Boyd Schultz
Flute Talk, September 2005

 

Reflections of Water

by Phyllis Avidan Louke, Sheet Music Plus (SMP Digital Downloads)

COVER--Reflections of Water--blue-page-0“… an attractive three-movement work …. written in memory of her father.  The three movements, based on the inspiration of water, are immediately playable in a range appropriate for intermediate flutists.  Two movements are in 6/8 time, the third in 3/4 with just a few mixed meters.  The piano part is a true partner…”

~Kathy Borst Jones
Flute Talk, November 2013

Russian Sailors Dance

by Reinhold Gliere, arranged by Phyllis Avidan Louke, Sheet Music Plus (SMP Digital Downloads)

COVER--Russian Sailors Dance--FOR WEBSITE-page-0

“… The introduction is followed by a pesante version of the main tune in the low flutes; then the piece gains in speed and intensity throughout as the main theme ascends to the upper voices…”

~Diane Boyd Schultz
Flute Talk, November 2011

Shadowlands–A Journey

by Phyllis Avidan Louke, Sheet Music Plus (SMP Digital Downloads)

COVER--Shadowlands--FOR WEBSITE-page-0“…Out of the Darkness features a melancholy and dolorous melody in hymn style.  Using quartal harmony, Into the Shadows opens with an alto and bass flute duet, then moves to a more energetic and syncopated section that drives the movement to a forceful conclusion.  Moving Toward the Light immediately expresses hopefulness with its C Major chorale….”

~Diane Boyd Schultz
Flute Talk, February 2012

Sonatina for Two Flutes

by Phyllis Avidan Louke, Falls House Press

“…the first movement is written almost homoponically with matching rhythms and articulations and nice harmonic inflections. The second movement is a lyrical andante with a flowing second part and a lovely melody on top. The third movement is a lively jig.”

~Anne Bither Reynolds
Flute Talk, December 2017

Suite Butterfly

by Phyllis Avidan Louke, ALRY Publications

ALRY Suite Butterfly“This suite of three pieces charts the stages in the development of a butterfly from caterpillar (a waltz with plenty of gentle major 2nds in the accompaniment that gradually winds down to a slow 2) to chrysalis( lots of chromatic effects) to the butterfly itself waking up with trills and fluttering away in 6/8. The parts have a good deal of independence but Phyllis Louke is an excellent writer so the challenge is always manageable. The style could probably best be described as enigmatic…”

~Just Flutes (UK)
Editor’s Choice, May 2008

 

There is No Rose

by Z. Randall Stroope, arranged by Phyllis Avidan Louke, ALRY Publications

ALRY There Is No Rose“…While not difficult technically, the arrangement is an excellent study in ensemble phrasing, balance, and blend and would be a fine addition to any flute choir program…”

~Julia Larson Mattern
Flute Talk, October 2004

“…The five and half minute piece, slow and straightforward except for occasional meter changes, scores another hit for Alry…”

~Joanna Cowan White
Professor of Flute, Central Michigan University
NACWPI Journal, Spring 2005

 

Under the Big Top

by Phyllis Avidan Louke, ALRY Publications

ALRY Under the Big TopA great piece for Flute Choir:
“…The three movements take you straight to the circus with the familiar parade of clowns, trapeze artists, animals and general merriment…”
“…You can almost smell those hamburgers!”

~Just Flutes (UK)
Editor’s Choice, Feb 2002

“… During the “Clowning Around” segment of Louke’s “Under the Big Top,” my foot was tapping and swaying to the music…”

~Lynda Irons
The Forest Grove News-Times
March 8, 2007

 

When Johnny Comes Marching Home

By Phyllis Avidan Louke, Sheet Music Plus (SMP Digital Downloads)

COVER--When Johnny Comes Marching Home--FOR WEBSITE-page-0

“…The form is theme and variation and includes other melodies.  The piccolo writing is florid and each part has the opportunity to play the melody…”

~Anne Bither Reynolds
Flute Talk, May/June 2012