CORONAVIRUS: Virtual flute choir in north Lancashire is a success

So when increasing numbers of players were unable to make the rehearsal due to the threat of the coronovirus, Sue Nicholls, Flutes & Co musical director decided to try an experiment.

She said: “I’d seen virtual flute choirs online and I’ve used Zoom for meetings, so thought, why not try it out for a rehearsal?

“Music is so important to our wellbeing, especially in time of stress and uncertainty.

“We’re very lucky to have such a supportive community at Flutes & Co and if we can, we want to keep playing music together in whatever way we can.”

So with 23 flute players, including young inspire flautists, at the Abbot Hall Social Centre in Kendal and eight flute players linked in online via Zoom, the group practiced music from an arrangement of Saint Saens’ Carnival of the Animals to ‘Yesterday’ by the Beatles.

Anna on her laptop in Ulverston gave her thoughts: “Really positive. I’ve had 3 concerts for other groups cancelled this week so it’s really good just to play my flute with other people.” Kath from Barrow said: “Great laugh tonight! Uplifting. Just what we need.”

Laura who made it to the rehearsal said: “At least something is carrying on as normal. Fantastic for morale.” Julie in Levens said, “It’s not as good as being in the room, but it’s a really good practice session and I enjoyed myself.”