Utah Flute Convention

Musicians often face unique physical challenges due to the repetitive and stationary nature of instrument practice. Flutists, in particular, are prone to tension and postural imbalances, which can lead to discomfort or long-term injury. This presentation will explore how mobility training and strategic stretching can promote physical health, prevent injury, and enhance overall performance. Attendees will learn practical mobility exercises and stretching routines designed specifically for flutists, integrating them seamlessly into practice sessions to maintain a balanced, healthy body while mastering their art.

Bio

Gabriel Gutierrez holds a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance from the University of Texas at El Paso, and a Master of Music in Flute Performance from Bowling Green State University. He has performed with the Orchestra at Temple Square, El Paso Symphony, El Paso Opera, Las Cruces Symphony, Orquesta Sinfónica de la UACJ, Ohio Lima Symphony, and the Salt Lake Symphony. Gabriel currently performs with the Salt Lake Choral Artists and freelances in the Salt Lake City area. Gabriel has been teaching flute at the Gifted Music School for the past year. 

Gabriel’s primary teachers include Dr. April Clayton, Dr. Melissa Colgin-Abeln, and Dr. Conor Nelson. He was the 2013 young artist concerto competition winner with the El Paso Symphony and has participated in masterclasses with Linda Chesis (Manhattan School of Music), Bradley Garner (Cincinnati Conservatory), Susan Milan (Royal College of Music, London), Christina Jennings (University of Colorado at Boulder), Amy Porter (University of Michigan), Marianne Gedigian (University of Texas at Austin), Sheryl Cohen (University of Alabama), Nicolas Duchamp (Paris/NYC), Patricia Nagle (École Normale de Musique de Paris), and Dr. Charlotte Daniel (Baylor University).

Learn about Laura Lentz’s recently published book (Conway Publications, December 2023), Modal Flute Warmup: Sound Discovery and Color Palette Expansion Through six different types of exercises, all based on modes, this warmup book engages the flutist’s attention and imagination, encouraging awareness, curiosity, and creativity. All are welcome, bring your flutes or come to listen. 

“Laura has created a new path for all of us.”
“Enthusiastically recommended.”
“Experience the fun in creating your own flute voice.” — National Flute Association

BIO

Laura Lentz is a passionate interpreter of contemporary music, praised for her “striking, meticulous flute playing” and deep commitment to sharing the work of today’s most forward-thinking composers. Based in Rochester, NY, Lentz’s performances have been described as “gorgeous” and “riveting,” and she is dedicated to both performance and mentorship through her work as a soloist and collaborator. Debut solo recording includes works dedicated to her by Dutch composer JacobTV, and her recently published book, Modal Flute Warmup, encourages discovery in one’s playing using modes, is sold internationally. Flutist/Artistic Director of award-winning fivebyfive, her solo work this season includes the release of her third EP Prismatic/Plasmonic and new works by Marc Mellits and JacobTV for flute + string quartet as part of a new project, Serendipity. She has taught at the Eastman School of Music’s Institute for Music Leadership, and is on faculty at Nazareth University, guiding students of all arts disciplines to seek funding for their creative projects. Additionally, Laura created The Insightful Creative, with interviews, articles, and resources to support creatives in their work.

Only 3 spots available! Sign-ups will close once filled. Register for the masterclass as one of the three participants in the member registration page under the convention section, found here!

Have unanswered questions about teaching the flute? Feel as though you’ve figured some things out and want to share the love? Come to Networking Hour- Flute Teacher Speed Dating! Take a few minutes to get to know another teacher and exchange your brilliant ideas. Current, former, and prospective teachers.

Watch the three finalists for this year’s Artist Performer competition perform Sonata in a minor, I – Poco Adagio by CPE Bach and a selecton from Flute Music by French Composers. The winner will be announced along with all the other winners at the end of the convention. 

Molly Barth is constantly in motion. This Grammy Award-winning flutist, professor and clinician moves effortlessly from concert hall to teaching studio to rehearsal room to
orchestral section. Molly needs fuel for this fire.

Molly is fueled by visceral communication with listeners. The halls may be large or small, the music may be old or new, but the performances are always concentrated, intense.

Molly is fueled by the smell of wet ink and spark of chamber music. Molly has premiered hundreds of pieces, finding the creation of new music uplifting and miraculous. Molly has toured the world, recorded a dozen albums, and—with Eighth Blackbird—won a Grammy Award. Molly is a co-founder of the Zohn Collective, a group of curious musicians who share a love of risk and exploration.

Molly is fueled by her work as a teacher. Molly is Associate Flute Professor at the Blair School of Music, Vanderbilt University, and Molly guides her students to become
comprehensive flutists. Molly took her inspiration primarily from her stellar teachers at
Oberlin, the Cincinnati Conservatory, and Northwestern.

Molly is fueled by involvement in community. Molly is the Associate Director of the Curb
Center for Art, Enterprise and Public Policy, where she curates connections among
people. Molly leads the Curb Scholars Program, a selective group of undergraduate
students who work at the intersection of creativity, entrepreneurship, and public
engagement.

Molly is fueled by her desire to document her adventures as a performer. You can hear
Molly’s blend of control and ferocity on these featured albums: Vento Appassionato,
digging into 20th century solo flute repertoire; Thorn, focusing on the chamber music of
David Lang; and Castillos de Viento, performing intimate music with guitar.

To help fuel Molly, contact Molly via her website: mollybarth.com

Dr. Mitchell Giambalvo moved to Salt Lake City on a whim right before the pandemic. Originally from Pennsylvania, he received his doctorate from Florida State University in piano performance. After his doctorate he went back to complete a second Masters degree in collaborative piano. Following his second masters, Dr. Giambalvo was an adjunct professor of piano at Troy University in Alabama. After moving to SLC in 2019, Giambalvo has become highly active in collaborating.

On staff at the University of Utah where he is the pianist for the graduate vocal quartet, Giambalvo is also a freelance vocal diction coach for singers and works with instrumentalists. Fulfilling a life goal, Giambalvo is also a substitute pianist with the Utah Symphony. Giambalvo performs regularly with faculty at UVU, BYU,  and U of U, as well as on the NOVA Chamber Series. He is on faculty of the Red Lodge Music Festival in Montana during the Summer and will be a pianist for the International Trombone Festival this Summer, held at the University of Utah. 

Winners of the Orchestra Mock Audition on March 14th will have a chance to work with the Flute Section of the Utah Symphony in this unique masterclass setting.

Excerpts

DVOŘÁK: Symphony No. 8 (Flute 1) – Mvt IV, Reh D to E (or bars 75-92)

BARTOK: Concerto for Orchestra (Flute 2) – Mvt II, bars 60 to 86

BERLIOZ: Symphonie fantastique (piccolo) – Mvt V, 7 bars after Reh 63 to 4 bars after Reh 64

This event was made possible by the generous support of Utah Symphony | Utah Opera.

BIO

Ligia Verduga will obtain her Doctorate in Musical Arts in Flute Performance at the University  of Nevada, Las Vegas under the direction of Professor Dr. John McMurtery in May 2025. With  an incredible academic record, she already holds and Master’s in Music from the University of  Utah, obtained in May 2022. In addition, she is an active and committed member of important musical associations, including the NFA, Las Vegas Flute Club, the Utah Flute Association, The  Washington Flute Society, among others, which shows her dedication and passion for music.

Recently she participated in the Concert for Peace scheduled for February 2025 with the Latin  American Orchestra in Argentina as principal flutist. She will also participate as a panelist in the  Moyse International Flute Competition to be held in Bulgaria in June 2025. Her talent has been  recognized through multiple awards in international competitions (American 2024 and  Charleston for 19th Century Music, European Music, and Romantic Era in 2022 and 2023;  Birmingham 2023 in the Professional Flute category), and he has shone as principal flutist and as  a soloist in a variety of orchestras (Utah Valley Symphony 2002, the Timpanogos Symphony  2010-2012, the Nebo Philharmonic 2012-2015, the Salt Lake Pops 2013-2016, and the  Guayaquil Symphony Orchestra 1994-1999), National Symphony Orchestra of Quito, Ecuador.  Founding member of the Aspen Wind Quintet from 2010-2012. Graduated from the Antonio  Neumane Conservatory of Music in Guayaquil, Ecuador in 1996. She received her Master’s  degree in English Teaching from UTPL in 2022, and her Bachelor’s degree in Secondary  Education from UTPL in Literature in 1999.