July 19 -25th, 2008

Lunenburg, Nova Scotia becomes the traditional flute playing center of the world during the last week of July each year as top performers, teachers, scholars, makers, students and enthusiasts gather for a week to learn and share. Many of the musical traditions explored at Boxwood typically employ simple-system wooden flutes, but it's not required that you bring one - nor is it necessary for you to even know how to play one!

About Boxwood

Boxwood is a non-profit organization whose aim is to provide opportunities for the dissemination, sharing, presentation and celebration of the traditional music of the flute. Through festivals, workshops, classes and concerts, and a variety of media Boxwood invites multicultural dialogue between performers, teachers, scholars, students, flute makers and members of the local community. In addition to Boxwood's annual weeklong gathering in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, and the Winter Weekend in Eau Claire Wisconsin the organization works to present and produce concerts, workshops and media that promote a deeper appreciation for the traditional music of the flute.

The musical styles presented at Boxwood include those which have been traditionally passed along as a part of the oral tradition. Participants have explored the folk music of Scotland, Ireland, Cape Breton, Quebec, New England old-time, Breton, Galician, Cuban Charanga, Native American and classical Indian. Students have also been invited to try improvisatory, learned-by -ear elements of classical styles including renaissance, baroque and some contemporary music. In short, Boxwood aims to present the music and ideas that encourage musicians to leave the printed page to find their own musical voice.

The Boxwood Festival is not just a "camp" for flute players. Our participants have included all sorts of musical enthusiasts ranging from dancers, singers, violists, recorder and double bass players to music aficionados from all walks of life.

Concerned about your place at BOXWOOD? Don’t be! BOXWOOD offers a unique, friendly, non-competitive and encouraging environment. No auditions are held for placement. BOXWOOD is meant to be a fun learning experience! Each class is offered at three different paces (slow , medium, fast), largely defined according to your ability to learn by ear. You are not required to confine yourself to one specific group, so experiment and find the pace which will allow you to get the most out of your week.

For more information on this year's Boxwood Festival in Lunenburg please visit the official Boxwood Canada Web site.