Interview with Japanese Musician, Moto Ozaki
We were excited to welcome Japanese musician, Moto Ozaki, to our High Spirits studios in Patagonia, Arizona. Moto shared the story of how he became interested in the Native Flute and explained how its popularity in Japan is growing. He delighted everyone with a traditional Japanese song, “Red Dragonfly” played on a High Spirits Sparrow Hawk in the key of “A”. Thank you to Ken Koshio for the translation.
Odell Borg - the History of His First Handmade Flutes
The Native Flute came into my life when I received one as a Christmas gift in 1988. I had never played an instrument before, and as I started to play, I was overwhelmed with the joy that playing an instrument brought into my life. It quickly became my close and comforting friend.
The inspiration to create a flute came in 1990 while I was going through a very difficult time in my life, when I had lost everything and I was struggling to rebuild myself.
Tobias Tåg – “The Frozen Age”
Finnish musician, Tobias Tåg, created this beautiful tune with a High Spirits Pocket Flute. Tobias has this to say about his process – “It was the flute that inspired me to write the song. I mainly play Celtic and Scandinavian flutes, so the pentatonic setup was new to me. The tone and vibe of this flute has an ancient feel to it, so I wanted to create a tune that had the same feeling.”
Patagonia Fall Festival
As in years past, High Spirits was happy to be a part of the 2014 Patagonia Fall Festival. This video is just a sample of the wonderful arts, crafts, and music presented during this annual October event, here in the mountains of southern Arizona. We hope you enjoy!
Benefits of the Native American Flute
Kalani Das, also known simply as Kalani, is an American classically trained percussionist, performer, author, music therapist, educator, and personal development professional. In this video he uses a High Spirits’ Sparrow Hawk flute in the key of “A” to demonstrate how playing the Native Flute is an easy way to activate your creative spirit. And, as Kalani states, playing the Native Flute can be emotionally, mentally and physically therapeutic.
Children Can Play the Native Flute!
You all gave such a positive response to the video of Odell teaching kids at Patagonia Elementary School, we wanted to share this new video series with you. Odell explains how you can teach kids to play the Native Flute too. Three videos address specific age groups, and the final video gives suggestions on what type of flute is best for kids to start with.
Odell Visits Patagonia Elementary School
This month High Spirits was invited to visit our local Patagonia Elementary School music class. Odell joined the children and gave them a great Native Flute lesson. The kids were like little sponges and picked up his techniques really quickly. It just goes to show, it is easy and fun to play the flute - even kids can do it!
