It's been a month and a half since I got home from Rhonda's 2009 Italy masterclass. But I'm still feeling that Italy "high" - intoxicated with the beauty of Casperia, the warmth of making new friends, and the confidence gained from learning and playing in Rhonda's masterclass.

I first met Rhonda and heard her play at the NFA convention in Boston in 1993. I remember being blown away by her musicality and creativity. And who can compare with her amazing double tongueing and those flying fingers. From that point forward, I became, unabashedly, a Rhonda groupie! I loved her story of growing up in the mountains of Montana, practicing outside under the big sky, becoming the youngest winner of the NFA Young Artist's competition, winning a Grammy for her work with the Paul Winter Consort, and choosing her own creative path in this predictable world of classical flute training.

I took advantage of every opportunity I could to hear Rhonda play at conventions. I bought her solo CD's, I bought the Paul Winter CD's, I bought her sheet music . I practiced gazing to the heavens and holding my head high, proud and noble like Rhonda. Several years ago at an NFA convention, she mentioned to me that she was going to have an Italy masterclass, and at the time I filed that tempting thought away as a possible once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the future. So I jumped at the chance to attend her 2009 class in Casperia, Italy.
I've had wonderful opportunities to participate in Jeanne Baxtresser's masterclass at Juilliard , and William Bennett's international masterclass in London. Both were very fulfilling and inspiring, but more traditional in their format. Rhonda has such a personal freedom and creativity, and her masterclass reflected that openness. She is so warm, nurturing, and full of grace. She welcomes you into the fold and sets the tone of support and positive reinforcement for the entire week. She uses analogies of nature in describing different musical interpretations. Her experimentation with flutes of other cultures reflects her global philosophy, and her passion for music is infectious. She speaks passionately of playing not just for ourselves, fellow flutists and other musicians, but to play to the heart of your audience, to play for them with joy and humility. Play music that will inspire them and make them happy. I learned so much from Rhonda about really connecting with the audience.

My favorite "Rhondaisms":
---"Our art is to keep the audience loving what we're giving them."
---"If you run out of breath, we'll all know. If you take an extra breath, no one will know."
---"Getting lost is human, but getting back on is divine."
---"Fake it until you make it."
---"It's your job to interpret a piece and give it life. You must consume it, reinterpret it, and make it your own."

We were immersed in the culture of Italy - the long, leisurely, multi-course meals, the friendliness and warmth of the townsfolk, and exploring the beautiful little villages of Casperia, Farfa and Roccantica. Rhonda's husband Lee was our guide for a day in Rome. He was an awesome "guido" - very knowledgeable about the city and such a great guy.
Now that I'm home, I realize there was an additional side benefit - this entire trip was very empowering and liberating for me. I have traveled all over the world for business and pleasure, but have never traveled out of the country by myself (let alone to country where I don't speak the language). I gained so much personal confidence from the experience.

I feel very privileged to have been part of Rhonda's masterclass this past summer, and am so thankful for my new flute friends and new experiences gained from this amazing week. Thank you so much, Rhonda!

Ginger Hedrick
Boulder, Colorado