Cincinnati Fluteworks - Flute Stuff & Essentials

I just learned of the passing of one of my favorite people, Linda Beckmeyer. Linda worked with us for some 15 years blessing us with her surprising talents, abilities, and love.

Linda will always be our shining star as an example of what can happen when you least expect it and how people blossom when given a little respect, guidance, and kindness. I met Linda’s supervisor from LADD (Living Arrangements for the Developmentally Disabled) at dog school years ago and through the weeks she told me about Linda needing a job. I thought that we always needed extra hands at the shop and asked what Linda could do. She explained that Linda had Down Syndrome and they really didn’t know just what she was able to do. I have to admit, that startled me a little. Linda started the next week, coming with her Supervisor in tow to get her started. Possibly she could make literature packets? Linda did make literature packets for us as well as stocked literature racks, packaged accessories, packed boxes, AND did mailing mail merges on the computer every time we sent mailings. Frankly, she was the only one who could keep track and do it well! She was game to help with anything including when the shop needed a coat of paint… or a pizza party.

After her time with us ended, we made a point to have lunch (pizza) every few months and would wave and honk when I saw her at the bus stop in front of Good Samaritan Hospital where she volunteered at their pharmacy. Several months ago, I realized I hadn’t seen her in a while and eventually found her obituary on line. Her coworkers, who she all befriended, and I will always miss her sweet soul.

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/linda-beckmeyer-obituary?pid=190362837

Flute Emergencies!
I spend a lot of time helping young kids get started with their flutes – how to put them together safely, taking care of their flute, and blowing. I love how their faces light up when they get that first sound!
Some of my responsibility is helping players get through their emergencies. Reassurances that most anything can be repaired on a flute – with an offer of coffee seem to help before I dive into the repair. But sometimes I have to be the “doctor at the other end of the phone” and help long distance. Frequently in the Fall, I get the call about the Marching Band getting caught in the rain. It is so important to do immediate “triage” work as soon as you get off the field! The steel rods in many flutes can rust solid and pads can get irreparably damaged. Here are some quick tips to use in this kind of EMERGENCY:

-DRY the flute off as much as possible immediately.
-DRY the pads very gently by using drying papers or a paper towel: insert it under a pad, press the key down a few times, but DON’T PULL THE PAPER OUT with the key depressed.
-SWAB the inside of the flute
-OIL the keys: If you have key oil, great! If not, grab some valve oil from the nearest brass player. It is thin and won’t hurt the mechanism. It is important to use just 1 drop where the keys touch posts and at each ‘seam’ of the section of keys. Wiggle the keys up and down and wipe off any excess. It helps to put a little oil on a toothpick or something similar and then apply it from the end of the toothpick (then the oil doesn’t get everywhere). WIGGLE, WIPE EXCESS. It is important not to get oil on pads, so don’t sq**rt it everywhere.
-Ideally, wrap binding, hem cloth tape, strips of cloth, or something similar around the flute to keep the keys down touching the tone holes as the pads dry. It doesn’t need to be tight. This is the best chance of the pads staying seated. If you’re not able to do this, it is very possible the pads will all need to be replaced depending on how wet they were.
-Don’t store your wet supplies or swab in your case.
-Leave the flute out of the case IN A SAFE AREA to dry.

If you need help, just call or message and I’ll be happy to walk you through it. (I’m used to it!) 513-579-8294

Fall Kick Off 10% discount on all items through 10/11/19.
(Promo Code: Fallkickoff)
Free Shipping too!
We've added several new items in the last few days. Take a look! I spend a lot of time with students starting out playing and have really looked for "helpers" that will make holding - and playing easier. The Thumbport & Fingerports have become a favorite with beginners, Marching Band kids, Teachers, & even Professional Flutists.They may help you too. Thanks for looking!
https://www.flutestuffandessentials.com/

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Yes! We are in the process of setting up our new shop! Some equipment hasn't been installed yet, but I have a bench set up and repairs going. You will love it. It's big, beautiful, clean... and no stairs! Handicapped accessible. It is quite a process but will be a big boon!