photo by Chris Leck

Mission Statement:
            The Rose City Flute Choir (RCFC), a community flute ensemble, is dedicated to weekly rehearsals and the performance of quality flute ensemble literature. We perform at a variety of community and private functions, and provide both a valuable performance opportunity for adult flutists, and a unique concert experience for our audiences throughout the Portland Metropolitan Area.

About Rose City Flute Choir
            Rose City Flute Choir (RCFC), a community performing ensemble and non-profit organization, was formed in the fall of 1986 by Treese Kjeldsen. Dedicated to weekly rehearsals and the performance of quality flute ensemble literature, we perform at a variety of community and private functions. The diversity of our programming allows us to reach audiences throughout the Portland Metropolitan Area: we perform annually at The Hillsboro Farmers Market, at various Retirement Centers, such as Calaroga Terrace and Mary's Woods, and at community events such as the Grotto’s Festival of Lights and Festival of Trees.

            Our membership of approximately 20 flutists draws from all walks of life and includes professional flutists, educators, homemakers, business professionals, computer specialists, doctors, nurses, retail employees, and retirees. We have come together for the love of the flute and to provide a performance outlet that some may not otherwise have. Our organization provides valuable performance experience to flutists in our community, as well as a unique concert experience for our audiences. Our repertoire includes music from Bach to contemporary, as well as arrangements and compositions specifically written for us by several of our members. We accept adult flutists of ability levels ranging from intermediate through advanced.

            Rose City Flute Choir uses many flutes in the flute family. The highest voice of our flute choir is the piccolo, which is much smaller than the flute and sounds a full octave above the concert flute. Next highest is the concert flute, which is the same instrument that is played in most bands and orchestras. We also use alto flutes, which are longer and larger in diameter than a concert flute--this flute is in the key of G (unlike the rest of our instruments, which are in concert pitch) and sounds a 4th lower than a concert flute. We have two types of alto flutes in our group: some that are straight like a concert flute, and others with a curved headjoint (looks like a "J" or a candy cane) which helps the player reach the keys more easily. The lowest (and biggest) flute that we use is the bass flute. This flute sounds a full octave below the concert flute and has a curved headjoint (looking like a "J" or a candy cane) to make it possible to reach the keys. We joke that this flute looks like a pipe found under the kitchen sink. Together, these instruments produce a range of 5 full octaves. One of the most popular features of our concerts is the instrument demonstration where we introduce each of the types of instruments and let the audience hear what the different types of instruments sound like individually.

Performance Schedule for a Typical Season:

Fall/Winter Season (September-December):  performance at GPFS Members Recital in late Oct/early Nov (20-30 min.); usually two Holiday Performances, including a 45 min. performance at The Grotto Festival of Lights in NE Portland, Queen Anne Victorian Mansion in N. Portland, and sometimes at a retirement home or shopping center

Spring Season (January-May):  performance at GPFS Flute Fair in early April (25 min.), full concert in early May

Summer Season (May-July):  2-3 informal outdoor performances at local Farmers Markets or Community Park Concerts.  There are generally no rehearsals in August.

Rose City Flute Choir has also performed joint concerts with the Metropolitan Youth Symphony Flute Choir, been part of community events, and private functions.

Rose City Flute Choir Board of Directors:
President and Treasurer: Phyllis Louke
Librarian: Lisa Steinkamp
Publicity: Donna Schmidt
Secretary: Elicia Harrell
Attendance:  Daphne Settle
Church Liaison:  Julie Campbell
Refreshment Coordinator:  Pamela Davis

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