NEWS FROM HIGH SPIRITS FLUTES

Dr. Cornel West's full quote reads:

"Music at its best...is the grand archeology into and transfiguration of our guttural cry, the great human effort to grasp in time our deepest passions and yearnings as prisoners of time. Profound music leads us-beyond language-to the dark roots of our scream and the celestial heights of our silence."

Dr. West is an American philosopher, political activist, professor, and music and literature lover. He follows the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., to tell the truth, and bear witness to love and justice. Dr. West graduated Magna Cum Laude from Harvard, where he obtained his M.A in three years. He then went on to complete his Ph.D. in Philosophy at Princeton. Throughout his career, Dr. West has taught at Harvard, Princeton, and Yale University. 

Author of twenty books, he is most known for Race Matters and Democracy Matters. He has partnered with MasterClass.com to provide influential courses on philosophy, empathy, and African American history. 

Quotes are designed for interpretation, much like poetry, literature, and music. Statements are words meant to express, bring comfort, or initiate dialogue to bring about change. West's profound quote can be interpreted in many ways while bestowing lingering thoughts and feelings upon his readers. Think about what this quote means to you. How does it make you feel? What visualizations come to mind?

Explore the imagery that language creates and allow Dr. Cornel's words to fuel your inspiration for your music and arts. When you pick up your flute today, play with the passion and guttural cries that Dr. West invokes within you!

Lao Tzu is the infamous Chinese philosopher who founded philosophical Taoism and is portrayed as a contemporary Confucius. Lao Tzu is a fictional name meaning 'Old Master,' and while he was indeed a historical figure, he was also understood as an embodiment of various philosophers and a deity. 

During the Warring States Period, Chinese philosophy was developed to find a solution to violence and establish a moral government. Lao Tzu strived to convince people to accept philosophical Taoism and live a life in harmony coexisting with one another. Eventually, he lived a self-exile life when he concluded that the human race would never listen to his teachings. 

Inspired by the intelligence, beauty, and tenacity of the bird we love: the Corvus, aka the crow, our Crow flutes have a unique musical voice because of their specialized finish. Crafted from ebonized Walnut, each flute is given time and attention through a multi-step hand-finished process that delivers the rich black-body shine and incredible sound quality.


For over two decades, we have offered the Crow flute in the keys of A minor, G minor, and F# minor. Over time our Crow flutes have evolved to incorporate different designs and fetishes.


We thought it would be fun to share images of our Crow flutes past and present with our High Spirits Flutes community, who have had the pleasure of adding them to their collection while sharing their musical and magical voices with the world.

Memorizing poet and civil rights activist, Mya Angelou is very well known in the United States. Angelou lived a rich life full of adventure, travel, and struggle. During her early adult years, she worked in numerous unusual fields. In 1993, Angelou performed at the first inauguration of Bill Clinton, becoming the second poet after Robert Frost to ever perform at a presidential inauguration. 

One of Mya Angelou’s most well-known works is I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Through her publication, she discusses personal aspects of her life. Active in the Civil Rights Movement alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, Angelou is regarded as a respected spokesperson for African American culture and African American women. Her works focus on themes of identity, family, culture, and travel. 

Mya Angelou’s quote “music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness,” paints an emotional and relatable portrait of profound musical imagery. 

Soaring 6,000 feet above the Arizona desert is our beautiful home in Patagonia, known as Sky Islands. Home to unique species of plants and animals that flourish in a non-traditional southwest environment. Sky Islands connect the Sierra Madre of Mexico with the Rocky Mountains of the United States, resulting in climate changes that can be experienced within the same day. High Spirits Flutes really is its own island in the sky!

Today we honor and celebrate the immense contributions that Native American People have made to the world. We recognize the suffering they have endured, the resiliency they have demonstrated, the sacrifices they have made, and the beautiful culture they have shared with us. Today we stand united in support of our indigenous community, their rights, and freedom. 

Here are seven ways you can honor and celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day:

1. Support Indigenous businesses, authors, and artists.

One influential Native American poet to check out is Mark Turcotte. He is the author of four books of poetry. Read his poem titled "No Pie," in Exploding Chippewas, an emotional retelling of a mother and son heading off the reservation to purchase a slice of pie in a nearby town and the racism and heartache they faced. 

2. Learn the true history of Native Americans

Schools often teach the rose-colored version of Native Americans breaking bread with Pilgrims. Muting the suffering and genocide of the indigenous people, while depicting the culture as stoic and exploiting stereotypes. Indigenous People have an important history worth sharing and preserving through truth and integrity. Begin by searching for the truth, learning from the indigenous people and tribes around you, and exploring the stories and retellings of Native American authors, poets, and artists. 

3. Attend a virtual or in-person event 

Many colleges and community colleges host events to educate and shed light on the truth of the indigenous people and their culture. Tribal leaders and artists often share their stories, history, and discuss the impact of cultural appropriation. 

4. Learn to appreciate the land you live on

Research the indigenous history of where you live and show your appreciation by doing something kind for the environment. Give life by planting a tree that symbolizes your respect and gratitude for both the earth and Native American history. 

5. Join the fight to end racist mascots

Athletic institutions often ignore the insensitive and disturbing exploitations of indigenous people. The National Congress of American Indians sheds light on this subject while striving to end the era of harmful mascots. 

6. Share the truth with your children

There are many children's books introducing children to indigenous history and culture that they will not learn about through mainstream media and textbooks. Visit your local library or search online for children's books written by Native American authors that strive to tell the truth. 

7. Learn to play the Native American Style Flute

Native flutes have a long history beginning with the indigenous people. Native American Style Flute music provides relaxation, fosters musical creativity, and shares a musical culture rich in history and beauty. 

Shop our collections of High Spirits Flutes.

Kahlil Gibran was considered a poet, painter, and philosopher during the Romantic movement. Although Gibran lived primarily in the United States, he was born in Bsharri, Lebanon, which at the time was considered Syra. Gibran was the most influential in Arabic literature. Gibran explored realism themes through a direct writing style that resonated with his readers. 

In 1923, Gibran’s publisher, Alfred Knopf, published Gibran’s famous book, The Prophet. Gaining popularity in the 1960s, The Prophet offered dogma-free universal spiritualism that led people away from their orthodox religion. Gibran encouraged people to be non-judgmental and open-minded. 

Gibran’s great affinity for the arts shines through his beautiful quote merging music, language, spirit, and peace.