2026 Workshops
Tull Tales: Ian Anderson and Rock Flute Techniques
Galway, Rampal, Baker…of course these are the legendary names of 20th century flute artistry, but perhaps no player is more internationally famous and identifiable than Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson. Now in his sixth decade of performing, since picking up the flute on a whim in 1968 the self-taught instrumentalist, songwriter and inimitable performer has continued to evolve his immediately recognizable style.
Chris Devine, ‘the Ian’ and multi-instrumentalist in New England’s Jethro Tull tribute Minstrels In the Gallery, will present and share his own experience and techniques acquired from Anderson, including the use of harmonics, ’voice-boosting’, and many of Ian’s trademark licks and iconic songs. Chris is musically literate, a Bach maven and a schooled violinist, guitarist and woodwind player of long experience including international tours with Deep Purple’s Ritchie Blackmore and decades as a comedic musical performer, actor, teacher and commercial composer. Standing on one leg not required!
Galway, Rampal, Baker…of course these are the legendary names of 20th century flute artistry, but perhaps no player is more internationally famous and identifiable than Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson. Now in his sixth decade of performing, since picking up the flute on a whim in 1968 the self-taught instrumentalist, songwriter and inimitable performer has continued to evolve his immediately recognizable style.
Chris Devine, ‘the Ian’ and multi-instrumentalist in New England’s Jethro Tull tribute Minstrels In the Gallery, will present and share his own experience and techniques acquired from Anderson, including the use of harmonics, ’voice-boosting’, and many of Ian’s trademark licks and iconic songs. Chris is musically literate, a Bach maven and a schooled violinist, guitarist and woodwind player of long experience including international tours with Deep Purple’s Ritchie Blackmore and decades as a comedic musical performer, actor, teacher and commercial composer. Standing on one leg not required!
Workshop Topic TBA with Dr. Eileen Yarrison
Dr. Eileen Yarrison is an accomplished flutist, conductor, and educator with a distinguished career across academic, orchestral, and community music settings. Currently, she serves on the faculty of Salem State University and Gordon College while maintaining a private studio and supporting public school music programs in Massachusetts. Her extensive collegiate teaching background includes serving on the faculties of several institutions like the College of the Holy Cross, and notably, she stood in for her former teachers at the University of New Hampshire, the University of Nebraska, and the Pennsylvania State University during their sabbaticals.
Yarrison is highly active as a conductor and ensemble member, showcasing her dedication to both traditional and contemporary music. She is the conductor of the Me2 Boston Flute Choir, an ensemble part of Me2 Music, which is the world's only classical music organization dedicated to individuals with mental illnesses and their supporters. This group has performed in mental health centers and, by invitation of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, at Symphony Hall. For 25 years, Eileen conducted the renowned Nashua Flute Choir/New England Flute Orchestra, which performed at numerous National Flute Association conventions and recorded three CDs.
As a performer, Dr. Yarrison is the principal flute soloist, covering the full flute family (piccolo through contrabass), for The Orchestra On The Hill, a contemporary multi-media orchestra. Her diverse performance background also includes orchestral work with ensembles like the Omaha and Lincoln Symphony Orchestras and various Pennsylvania-based orchestras. In addition to her classical work, she co-founded the contemporary woodwind trio Triage, which commissions and performs new music, and she plays Irish flute and whistles with the Boston-based Irish band, Killeeshil.
Dr. Eileen Yarrison is an accomplished flutist, conductor, and educator with a distinguished career across academic, orchestral, and community music settings. Currently, she serves on the faculty of Salem State University and Gordon College while maintaining a private studio and supporting public school music programs in Massachusetts. Her extensive collegiate teaching background includes serving on the faculties of several institutions like the College of the Holy Cross, and notably, she stood in for her former teachers at the University of New Hampshire, the University of Nebraska, and the Pennsylvania State University during their sabbaticals.
Yarrison is highly active as a conductor and ensemble member, showcasing her dedication to both traditional and contemporary music. She is the conductor of the Me2 Boston Flute Choir, an ensemble part of Me2 Music, which is the world's only classical music organization dedicated to individuals with mental illnesses and their supporters. This group has performed in mental health centers and, by invitation of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, at Symphony Hall. For 25 years, Eileen conducted the renowned Nashua Flute Choir/New England Flute Orchestra, which performed at numerous National Flute Association conventions and recorded three CDs.
As a performer, Dr. Yarrison is the principal flute soloist, covering the full flute family (piccolo through contrabass), for The Orchestra On The Hill, a contemporary multi-media orchestra. Her diverse performance background also includes orchestral work with ensembles like the Omaha and Lincoln Symphony Orchestras and various Pennsylvania-based orchestras. In addition to her classical work, she co-founded the contemporary woodwind trio Triage, which commissions and performs new music, and she plays Irish flute and whistles with the Boston-based Irish band, Killeeshil.
All participants will have the chance to see all the presentations, and many are participatory. Bring your flute, your curiosity, and your playfulness!
