Adding Color
The original notion of adding color to the flutes came to me during dream-time, where a few vivid images of pottery, blankets and Kachinas displayed their colorful beauty.
How Low Can You Go?
From the very beginning I was attracted to the voice of deep, resonant bass flutes. They emit a spiritual quality that touches my heart and creates a peaceful mood.
Ebonized Crow Flutes
When I decided to give our flutes the names of bird families, the crows and the ravens stood out because of their abundance where I live. For me, crows have been valuable teachers since they’ve had me rethink the popular opinion that humans are the only intelligent species on the planet.
The Raptor Series
When I began creating flutes, it became clear to me they needed names. It would be easier to relate with my customers when discussing and showing the various differences of each flute. Naming the flutes by key alone did not give enough character. I realized my flutes would need their own identities as well.
Bill Miller visits High Spirits Flutes
Bill Miller visited High Spirits Flutes where he and Odell Borg had the opportunity to speak about Bill's musical career and play some songs together.
Double the Fun!
I had the opportunity to teach a few flute classes at “The Gathering” flute festival in Flagstaff, Arizona last month. On the way back, we stopped in Sedona. I had spent some time in the red rock country in the mid-90s. The breathtaking scenic views and nature were the inspiration of many of my design ideas.
Fetishes, Fetishes, Fetishes
The creation of a flute design can be relatively complex. The priority is to create the optimum voice and then work on an appealing design and the tonal structure of the flute. Of course there are limitations to what can aesthetically be woven into the body of a flute. The fetish provides a dominant sculptural opportunity to be the foundation of the overall design.
