LOUD Flute

[MissyHPhoenix]

I've been thinking about this problem for a while, and decided to get opinions from other experienced flutists on this forum. Hope you can give me some good insight into this.

I know another flutist who is quite accomplished, has played for many years. This person plays in several community bands as well as small individual flute groupings such as duets, trios, etc. The issue in contention is this: this flutist always plays so LOUDLY that the other flutes in the group/band are drowned (drownded??) out. Even in sections or phrases that are supposed to be piano, the flutist continues to play LOUDLY. If it was just a matter of the other musicians not playing their instruments resonantly (what is the word I am looking for .... completely filling the flute with air ... ), then I would say that is the other people's fault. However, the other flutists do know how to project (that is the word!!!) correctly, and still they are overpowered.

My question, therefore, is this: would you consider this to be a problem of the instrument simply being a loud, overly projecting instrument as compared to the other flutes. OR -- do you think the musician is just not being considerate of the rest of the section. OR -- a combination of the two? And then that leads into another question: how would you handle it if you had to play with this person? Do you have any suggestions as to a way to get the point across without being nasty or having hurt feelings? I mean -- the very bottom line is, when you play a solo, you have license to project as strongly and vibrantly as you like; but when you play with a group, the idea is that the group harmony should be heard, not just one individual player, correct???

I welcome any and all suggestions and comments. This is a matter that has been bugging me for quite a long time now and I really don't know how to handle it. Thanks in advance!!

[Fleming]

I do think it's the player and not the instrument, but it's also possible that the instrument might play a part and playing loud has simply become a habit for the best possible sound.

First and foremost, approach it by not assuming that this player is in the wrong. Dynamics are up to interpretation, so this player may be playing what (s)he thinks is piano and the rest of the players have a different interpretation. Or (s)he doesn't realize that there's a problem. Sometimes it's hard to tell what effect you're having for the group when you're so close to yourself.

I've had a similar situation, and the player didn't realize he was drowning everyone else out. He was happy to tone it down and thankful that somebody mentioned it. Of course, we knew each other pretty well so I didn't have a problem directly saying "Dude, you're drowning us out here. Shouldn't this piece be played more softly?"

It's a good idea to get everyone on the same page as far as what the dynamics mean and the baseline intensity for the piece. In the interests of playing together, it's also easier for one player to change to suit the group than the rest of the group changing to suit one player. Civil and friendly without placing blame is the way to go. Instead of approaching this one player in an accusatory manner, bring it up as a group discussion: "Hey guys, let's take a minute to get these dynamics down. I'm not sure we're together all the time."

By making it a group decision, nobody gets attacked and feelings don't get hurt.

[MissyHPhoenix]

Thank you so much for your suggestions! I like very much your ideas on how to approach this problem -- I was absolutely pulling my hair out worrying about hurt feelings.

Thanks again!