Flute Festival returns to town

The sound of silver and song will fill the halls of the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint later this month as the North Idaho Flute Festival returns for its third year.

The event brings together students, teachers, and professional musicians for a day devoted to celebrating the flute — a beloved instrument in school bands and orchestras, yet one that is often under-taught and under-appreciated.

This year’s festival will showcase guest artist Jennifer Slaughter, an accomplished flutist from the Spokane Symphony, performing with local musicians and Conservatory faculty, with contributions from longtime faculty member Alisha Dawson. “Jennifer’s expertise is a precious gift for young and aspiring students,” said festival co-founder Dawson, who hopes the event will inspire players of all ages to discover the flute’s expressive possibilities.

The festival begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, with its opening performance by local flute teachers, followed by the student competition. Participants of all ages — from Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry, Liberty Lake, and beyond — will showcase their skills before judges Slaughter and Maestro Jan Pellant of the North Idaho Philharmonia. The stakes are high: The top overall flutist will be awarded the chance to perform with the Philharmonia in an upcoming concert.

The competition and awards ceremony (scheduled for 1 p.m.) are open to the public, giving the community a chance to cheer on these rising musicians.

In the afternoon, Slaughter will lead a masterclass from 2 to 4 p.m., offering students hands-on instruction. Registration remains open until the day of the event.

Culminative at 7 p.m., the festival will encore in Little Carnegie at 110 Main Street with Winds of Expression, an evening performance featuring Jennifer Slaughter, alongside more Conservatory faculty members Gosia Szemelak-Pellant (flute) and Melody Puller (piano) — bringing the Flute Festival’s featured instrument to life in a program that promises both elegance and inspiration. Tickets are $35 for adults and $15 for students.

“Music has a way of carrying our voices even when the world is silent,” Dawson reflected. “That’s what this festival is about — giving students the tools and inspiration to let their sound be heard.”

Admission to the competition and concert portions of the festival are open to the public. For details on registration or tickets, visit sandpointconservatory.org/events, or call the MCS Office at 208-265-4444.