Flute circle facts for kids

Participants playing Native American flutes at a flute circle

A flute circle is a group of musicians who love playing the Native American flute. These groups usually meet regularly to learn and have fun with the instrument. Many flute circles offer lessons, especially for people new to the Native American flute. Often, an experienced leader helps guide the activities and music-making.

Using the Native American flute in community groups is different from its traditional uses. Historically, the flute was used for things like courtship, hunting, or special ceremonies. Because of this, flute circles are encouraged to use the instrument in a respectful way.

People in flute circles have all kinds of musical experience. Some are professional musicians, while others are just starting or simply enjoy the flute. Many circles help everyone improve their musicality (how well they play and understand music). They do this by using simple song structures, making up music on the spot, and hands-on learning. This includes playing in duets (two people) or groups. They might use drones (a continuous sound), repeated patterns called ostinatos, and call and response (where one person plays, and others answer).

While some flute circles explore parts of Native cultures, they usually don't focus on just one specific tribe or culture. Flute circles also organize events where members can perform. This might be at festivals, school presentations, or places like senior centers. Some flute circles even put on their own concerts, make music albums, or broadcast live performances.

What is Community Music?

Flute circles are a type of community music gathering. This means they bring people together to make music. Other examples include drum circles, community choirs, and orchestras.

One expert, Mary Jane Jones, explains why flute circles are special. She says that playing the flute uses your breath, much like singing. For people who feel shy about singing, or can't sing traditional songs in an ancestral language, the flute can be a great way to express themselves. It gives them a voice through music.

Organizations That Help Flute Circles

Several groups have formed to support local flute circles around the world:

• WFS — The World Flute Society (USA)
• FTF — FluteTree Foundation (USA)
• JIFCA — Japan Indian Flute Circle Association (Japan)

These organizations often keep lists of registered flute circles. As of 2016, there were 189 registered flute circles in 9 countries. This included groups in 44 US states and 5 Canadian provinces.

Two contemporary Native American flutes

Find a Flute Circle Near You

This section lists some flute circles by country and then by state or province. You can click on the links to find out more about each group. Being on this list does not mean the organization is officially approved or certified.

Australia

• Flute Dreaming Circle (Margate, Byron Bay, Mullumbimby, and Bribie Island)
• Earthsong Flute Circle (Kambah, ACT)

Canada

Alberta

• Northern Alberta Native American Flute Circle (Grande Prairie)
• Kiwidinok Flute Circle (Edmonton)

British Columbia

• Nanaimo Flute Circle (Nanaimo)
• Vancouver Island Flute Circle (Vancouver)

Ontario

• Native American Flute Association of Ontario (NAFAO)
• Kempenfelt Bay Flute Circle & Muskoka Woodland Echoes Flute Circle (Barrie)
• Loon Echoes Flute Circle (North Bay)
• Northern Woods Flute Circle (Uxbridge)
• Muskoka Woodland Echoes Flute Circle (Bracebridge)

Québec

• Québec City Flute Circle (Québec City)

Saskatoon

• Saskatoon Flute Circle (Saskatoon)

Colombia

• Flautas de Amor Flute Circle (Montenegro)

Japan

• Japan Indian Flute Circle Association (across Japan)
• Tokyo Flute Circle
• Happy Beat (Nagoya — Aichi)

The Netherlands and Belgium

• Dutch and Belgium Native American Flute Circle (Bergen op Zoom)

New Zealand

• Auckland Flute Circle (Auckland)
• Flute Swaray (Kapiti)
• Kapiti Flute Circle (Kapiti)
• Palmerston North Flute Circle (Palmerston North)
• Wellington Flute Circle (Wellington)

Peru

• Andean Native American Flute Circle (Cusco)

United Kingdom

• Walkingthunder Native American Flute Circle (Coventry, West Midlands)
• North Kent Native American Flute Circle (Welling, Kent)

United States

Alaska

• Alaska Flute Circle (Anchorage)

Arizona

• Westside Flute Circle (Tucson)
• Voyager Flute Circle (Tucson)
• Tucson Flute Circle (Tucson)
• Payson Flute Circle (Payson)
• CherryCows Flute Circle (Tucson)
• Quartzsite Flute Circle (Quartzsite)
• Green Valley Flute Circle (Green Valley)
• Central Arizona Flute Circle (Cottonwood)
• Tucson Five Star Flute and Drum Circle (Tucson)
• Yuma County Flute Circle (Yuma)
• Arizona Flute Circle (Phoenix)
• Tucson Presidio Flute Circle (Tucson)
• Tucson Kokopelli Native American Flute Circle (Tucson)
• Raa-ca-coons (Apache Junction)
• Montezuma Castle Flute Circle (Camp Verde)
• Yavapai Flute Circle (Prescott)
• Forest Sounds Flute Circle (Sun City)
• Desert Whispers Flute Circle of Tucson (Tucson)

Arkansas

• Bentonville Native American Flute Circle (Bentonville)
• Healing Hearts Flute and Drum Circle (Van Buren)

California

• Central Coast Flute Circle (Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo)
• Los Angeles World Flute Circle (Los Angeles)
• San Luis Rey Native American Indian Flute Circle (Oceanside)
• Ancient Winds Flute Circle (Orange County)
• Inland Empire Flute Circle (Cherry Valley)
• San Diego County Flute Circle (Potrero)
• West Los Angeles Flute Circle (Los Angeles)
• Pax Lobos (Gentle Wolves) Flute Circle (Auburn)
• Orange County Wooden Flute Circle (Anaheim)
• Mountainside Flute Circle (Cameron Park)
• Southern California Flute Circle (Modjeska Canyon)
• Yosemite Flute Circle (Oakhurst)
• Coachella Valley Flute Circle (Palm Desert)
• East Bay Flute Circle (SF Bay Area / Union City)
• Northern California Flute Circles
  • Bay Clan — San Francisco / Oakland / San Jose areas
  • Joaquin Clan — Modesto / Fresno areas
  • Loping Wolf — Sacramento area
  • NoNahme Clan — Garden Valley area
  • Valley Clan — Napa and Sonoma counties

Colorado

• Pike Peak Flute Circle (Colorado Springs)
• Purple Mountain World Flute Circle (Evergreen)
• Southwestern Colorado Flute Circle (Durango)
• Native American Flute Players of Colorado (Colorado Springs)
• Grand Valley Flute Circle (Grand Junction)
• Northern Colorado Flute Circle (Fort Collins)
• Mile High Flute Circle (Denver)
• Rocky Mountain Flute Circle (Kittredge)

Connecticut

• Connecticut Native American Flute Circle (West Hartford)

Delaware

• Whispering Woods Native American Flute Circle (Wilmington)

Florida

• Indian River Flute Circle (Cocoa)
• Central Florida Flute Circle (Plant City)
• Gainesville Flute Circle (Gainesville)
• Native Son Flute Circle (Hudson)
• Riverwind Flute Circle (Leesburg)
• Southlake Flute Circle (Clermont)
• The Journey Flute Group (Bonita Springs)
• Woodland Echoes Flute Circle (Gainesville)
• Cotee River Flute Circle (New Port Richey)
• Emerald Coast Flute Circle (Pensacola)
• Sunshine Music Circles (St Petersburg, FL)

Georgia

• Georgia Heron House Flute Circle / Healing Waters (Atlanta)
• Georgia Flute Circle of Atlanta

Idaho

• Boise Flute Circle (Boise)

Illinois

• Henry Presbyterian Church Flute Circle
• Senachwine Flute Circle (Henry / Putnam)
• River Spirit Flute Circle (Peoria)
• Rainbow Warrior Society Native American Flute Circle (Rockford)
• Healing Winds Flute Circle (Hinsdale)
• Healing Earth Native American Flute Circle (Hawthorn Woods)
• River Song Flute Circle (Evergreen Park)
• Living Water Native American Flute Circle (Downers Grove)
• River City Flute Circle (Chillicothe)
• Sangamon Valley Flute Circle (Springfield / Chatham)
• Spirits on the Wind Flute Circle (Bolingbrook)
• Woodland Spirit Flute Circle (Crystal Lake)
• River Spirit Flute Circle (Sparland)
• Chicago Native Flute Circle (Wilmette)

Indiana

• Indiana Flute Circle (Indianapolis)

Iowa

• Fairfield Flute Circle (Fairfield)
• Two Rivers Flute Circle (West Des Moines)
• Rolling Hills Flute Circle (Centerville)
• Cedar Valley Flute Society (Marion)

Kansas

• Prairie Wind Flute Circle (Topeka)

Louisiana

• Louisiana Native American Flute Circle (Baton Rouge)
• Red River Flute Circle (Shreveport)
• Cedar Branch Bayou Flute and Drum Circle (Holden)

Maine

• Spirit Raven Flute Circle (East Boothbay)

Maryland

• Maryland Flute Circle (Timonium)
• Chesapeake Shore Flute Circle (Stevensville)
• Windsongs Native American Flute Circle (Havre de Grace / Bel Aire)

Massachusetts

• Woodland Flute Circle
• Friends of the Native American Flute Circle (East Longmeadow)
• Flutes of Noepe Circle (Vineyard Haven)

Michigan

• Chippewa Valley Flute Circle (Sanford)
• Paint Creek Flute Circle (Rochester Hills)
• Gitchee Gumee Flute Circle (Marquette)
• Mitigwake Giiwitaashkaa ("Forest Circle") (Midland)
• MagicWind Flute Circle (Clinton)

Minnesota

• Ten Thousand Lakes Flute Circle (St. Paul)
• Bemidji Area Native American Flute Circle

Mississippi

• Hattiesburg Native American Flute Circle (Hattiesburg)

Missouri

• Native American Flute Circle of St. Louis (St. Louis)
• Ozarks Heartland Flute Circle (Springfield)
• SpiritTalkers Native American Flute Circle (Kansas City Area)
• Native Spirit Winds Flute Circle (St. Louis)
• Joplin Native American Flute Circle (Joplin)

Montana

• Northern Winds Flute Circle (Bozeman)
• Big Sky Flute Circle (Geraldine)

Nebraska

• Ni-Shudo Flute Circle (Omaha)

Nevada

• Desert Cloud Flute Circle (Boulder City)

New Hampshire

• Ancient Voices Musical Community (Manchester)
• Prana Flute Circle (Manchester)

New Jersey

• Skylands Native American Flute Circle (Hackettstown)
• Open Flute Circle and Music Improvisation (Jersey City)
• Whispering Winds Flute Circle (Monmouth Junction)

New Mexico

• Wind Spirit Native American Flute Circle (Albuquerque)
• Songs of the Mountain Flute Circle (Sandia Park)
• Desert Winds Flute Circle (Eunice)
• Mesilla Valley Flute Circle (Las Cruces)

New York

• Songcatcher Flute Circle (Florida, Mid/Lower Hudson Valley)
• Great Spirit Native American Flute Circle (New York City)
• Finger Lakes Flute Circle (Rochester)
• Tall Pine Flute Circle (Delanson)
• Silver Lakes Flute Circle (Staten Island)
• Hudson Valley Flute Circle (Staatsburg)
• Sunset Serenade Native American Flute and Acoustic Rhythms Group (Stuyvesant)
• Folkwinds Flute Circle (Fair Haven)

North Carolina

• Asheville Flute Circle (Asheville)
• Neuse River Flute Circle (Roxboro / Raleigh)
• Piedmont Flute Circle (Chatham, Orange, and Durham counties)
• Bear Tracks Flute Circle (Hendersonville)
• Kokopelli Native American Flute Circle (Highpoint)

Ohio

• Cincinnati Native American Flute Circle (Cincinnati)
• Central Ohio Native American Flute Circle (Grove City)
• Massie Creek Flute Circle (Cedarville)
• Miami Valley Flute Circle (Dayton)

Oklahoma

• Oklahoma Native American Flute Circle (Norman)

Omaha

• Ni-Shudo (Smoky Water) Flute Circle (Omaha)

Oregon

• Ashland Flute Circle (Ashland)
• Cascadia Flute Circle (Portland)
• http://www.columbiariverflutecircle.org (Hillsboro, Banks, Manning)
• Pacific Northwest Flute Circle
• Coos Bay Flute Circle (Coos Bay)
• Mid Valley Flute Circle (Corvallis)
• Oregon Flute Circle (Eugene)
• Bear In-Stinx Flute Circle (Grant's Pass)

Pennsylvania

• The Pennsylvania Native American Flute Circle (Harrisburg / Hershey)
• Warriors of the Light Flute and Drum Circle (Templeton)
• Susquehanna Native American Flute and Drum Circle (Gettysburg)
• Wind Dancers Native American Flute and Drum Circle (Nanty Glo)
• Turtle Moon Native American Flute Circle (Reading-Berks, Pennsylvania)

Rhode Island

• Rhode Island Flute Circle (Cranston)

South Carolina

• Cherokee Foothills Flute Circle (Greenville and Spartanburg counties)
• Low Country Flute Circle (Yemassee)
• Carolinas Flute Circle

Tennessee

• Smoky Mountain Flute Circle (Knoxville / Townsend)
• Flute Circle of Lebanon (Lebanon)
• Cherokee Winds Flute and Drum Circle (Winchester)
• Texoma Native American Flute Circle (Burkburnett)

Texas

• Lone Star Flute Circle (Austin)
• Heart of the Cedar Flute Circle (Richardson)
• Spring Cypress Native American Flute Circle (Spring)
• Greater Houston Flute Circle (Houston)
• Fort Worth Flute Circle (Fort Worth)

Utah

• Park City Flute Circle (Park City area)
• Utah Flute Circle (West Valley City)
• Zion Flute Circle (St. George)

Virginia

• Native American Church of Virginia Flute Circle (Bluemont)
• Northern Virginia Flute Circle (Vienna)
• Potomac Flute Circle (Springfield)
• Winchester Native American Flute Circle (Winchester)
• Spiritheart Flute and Drum Circle of the Shenandoah Valley (Staunton)
• Virginia Piedmont (Culpeper county)

Washington

• Good Medicine Flute Circle (Everett)
• Cascade Flute Circle (Kirkland)
• One Heart Flute Circle (Bothell)
• Firewheel Flute Circle (Everett)
• Spirit Song Flute Circle (Maple Valley)
• Wind Spirit Flute Circle (Puyallup)
• Saltwater Park Flute Circle (Des Moines)
• Golden Winds Flute Circle (Goldendale)

West Virginia

• West Virginia Native American Flute Circle (Elkins)

Wisconsin

• Healing Spirit Flute Circle (Milwaukee)
• Central Wisconsin Flute Circle (Stevens Point)
• Clear Water Flute Circle (Chippewa Falls)
• Downtown Milwaukee Healing Spirit Flute Circle (Oak Creek)
• Madison Four Lakes Flute Circle (Madison)
• Mitakuye Oyasin Flute Circle (Ashippun)
• Kokopelli Flute Circle (Metro Milwaukee)
• Wequiock Falls Flute Circle (Green Bay)
• North East Wisconsin Flute Circle (Baileys Harbor)
• Wokini Flute Circle (Ashippun / Waterloo)
• Spirit Lake Flute Circle (Baraboo)