Reviews of Published Music:

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

by Phyllis Avidan Louke, ALRY Publications

"...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

"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 (2,3,4 or more)

arranged by Phyllis Avidan Louke, ALRY Publications

“… 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

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

by Phyllis Avidan Louke, ALRY Publications

“…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

“… 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

“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.  Parent's and teachers: get ready for enthusiastic new sounds -- and be prepared to hear the word "cool" a lot!”

~Robert Dick, 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

“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 2^nd 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

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

arranged by Phyllis Avidan Louke, ALRY Publications

“… 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

Of Wizards and Witches

by Phyllis Avidan Louke, ALRY Publications

“…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

“… 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

Suite Butterfly

by Phyllis Avidan Louke, ALRY Publications

"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..."

~Editor's Choice

www.justflutes.com, May 2008

There is No Rose

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

“…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

A 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

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