West Michigan Flute Association
The remarkable joy of playing the flute together in a vibrant community since 1992
Since 1992, we have celebrated the joy of playing the flute together in a vibrant and supportive community. Our group fosters a passion for music, bringing together flutists of all skill levels who share an enthusiasm for creating inspiring music.
Through regular rehearsals, community performances, and collaborative workshops, we uplift each other and inspire a love for flute music that resonates throughout our community.
Join us in experiencing the transformative power of music and the deep connections forged through our shared passion.
What We Do
Flutists experience a great deal of competition. We need to balance this with a chance to learn collaboration, community, and compassion with other flutists-to feel “we” as well as “me”. With WMFO’s players on two contrabasses, the possibility of 10 basses, 22 altos, a variable number of C flutes and piccolos, and- on rare occasions-two Eb flutes, we have an opportunity to create beautiful textures, tone colors, and deep resonances if we truly listen to each other.” Darlene Dugan, Founder and Director and author, The Other Flutes: The Blossoming of Flute Choirs, The Flutist’s Handbook: A Pedogogy Anthology, Volume 2, NFA, 2012.NFA Permission Granted, 08/19/2025.
“I have asked several of the adults in our ensemble, “Why do you do this?” The answers include an opportunity to
Why Join the West Michigan Flute Association?
1) Learn repertoire by composers new to me,
2) Play different styles of music,
3) Play alto, bass, and contrabass flutes,
4) Play more challenging music,
5) Improve my reading skills and gain confidence in my ability,
6) Improve my tone by sitting next to flutists with a better or different tone than mine,
7) Improve my technical skills,
8) Become aware of varieties of tone colors and how to get them,
9) Become more aware of my intonation problems and how to solve them,
10) Be part of a flute community and meet other flutists interested in forming small ensembles,
11) Experience the joy of hearing the depth of an all-flute orchestra where I’m not drowned out by the brass and can still hear all the parts,
12) Get so involved in our music that there is no room for my personal problems, giving me a nice Saturday morning holiday.” Darlene Dugan , Founder and Director and author in her own words, The Other Flutes: The Blossoming of Flute Choirs, The Flutist’s Handbook: A Pedogogy Anthology, Volume 2, NFA, 2012.NFA Permission Granted, 08/19/2025