Our Flute Choirs

Inspired by Monica Bailey, Flutes by the Score is committed to the facilitation of cooperative music making and is the home of three flute choirs - Sweet Silver and Silver Winds.  The unique sound of a flute choir is a result of combining all the members of the flute family - piccolo, soprano, alto, bass and contrabass - to create a blend that resembles something between the viola and the human singing voice.  While flute choirs exist in other parts of the world, Monica’s choirs are the first in Winnipeg and Canada to reach the size and stature of 25 members in any one ensemble, performing everything from Mozart overtures to new music like “Blow Them Away” by Diana McIntosh.

Monica learned to play the flute at a time when there were only three competitive flute spots available in community orchestras, and 100 flutists wanting to play.  She dreamed of providing skilled flutists with the opportunity to play in a quality ensemble like an orchestra, only with more room for flute players - room in fact for as many as want to play. The result of her vision is a flute choir program where skill, passion and friendship combine to form a magical, heartwarming musical experience.  Flute choir is an ensemble where all flutists can discover a love of playing with others that lasts a lifetime.  Many people have achieved - and will continue to achieve - thrilling musical satisfaction through this wonderful community.

Sweet Silver is Winnipeg’s foremost performing community flute choir.  The choir was founded in 1991 and has mentored many a “newbie” to become proficient in the art of ensemble making.  Each player has had four or more years of training as a soloist before auditioning for, or being referred to Sweet Silver.  While originally a youth group, Sweet Silver is now comprised of mainly 18 to 65 year olds who invite younger and older players into the inter-generational experience.

Silver Winds began in 2003 out of a the desire to include people aged 55 years and more by offering day time classes.  This ensemble grew out of a class instruction for people with no previous experience playing the flute and have blossomed into their own flute choirs. Potential players now require two to three years experience to join.  While Silver Winds was initially intended for the 55+ population, they now include mothers with school age children, and others wanting to rehearse during the day.