Site Setup for Native Flute Schools

This page provides an outline and guidelines for the site setup needs for Native Flute Schools. Some of the items depend on the location of the event - with “distant” events being more than 300 miles from New York City.

This list is only a guideline … please contact us for the specific needs on an event.

Event Size and Length

The primary purpose of this page is to provide requirements for multi-day events for more than ten participants. For a half-day or less, with a small number of participants (such as a flute circle gathering), we can hold a workshop in almost any indoor space. We can bring our own small sound system. An optional element is video, for which we need a blank wall or other appropriate place to project.

The remainder of this page is intended for multi-day events, typically with ten or more participants.

The Space

In order to provide a safe space to encourage music-making, participants benefit most from a clean, quiet, well-lit indoor space. Outdoor locations can be wonderful for a (small) portion of a workshop, but we feel that using an outdoor space for the primary workshop space does not typiclly serve the needs of participants.

The space should not have large windows without curtains or shades that expose participants to being overly visible from the outside. For example, large store-front windows would not be appropriate. Also, spaces that are exposed to outside noise or wind (such as a tent at festival) are not appropriate.

For groups up to 50, the space should be large enough to fit participants sitting in a single circle with adequate space around each participant's chair. Larger groups can be accomodated with a double circle.

We've found that 30 square feet per participant is a good minimum amount of space.

Furnishings

  • Each person should have an armless chair. A padded, folding chair is typically used. Additional alternate seating could be made available as an option — back jacks, seats with armrests, etcetera — but these should be available in addition to an armless seat.
  • There should be at least one table of minimum 24" x 5' for the facilitators. It is also nice to provide tables for participants to place their flutes and other "stuff" — one table per 4 participacipants is ideal.

Example

Here is an example of a setup for a room measuring 60 x 48 feet (approx. 18 x 12 meters). 42" are provided for each participant in the circle. With the 32 participants and facilitators shown, this setup is tight but workable. Click on the image for a larger version:

Example of a workshop space with 32 participants

Equipment

  • A large paper flip-chart easel with markers.
  • A sound system for distant events. For groups of 10 or less we bring a small portable sound system that is sufficient only for small groups. For larger groups at distant events, we need some type of PA or sound system for the room that accepts an 1/8" stereo input, one or two 1/4" inputs, or one or two XLR inputs.
  • Video: Since 2010, we have been using projected video as an integral part of our Native Flute Schools. We provide our own high-definition projector (even for distant events) - all we need is a good surface to project on that is visible to the whole group.
  • Electrical outlets providing 110v or 220v grounded (three prong) line service in various locations around the room. This is used for the sound system, speakers, and the projector. Power from a generalor is not suitable for use with our audio and video equipment.
  • One power strip providing six grounded outlets.
  • Three grounded power extension cords, minimum 25 feet (8 meters).

Instruments

  • Drums for distant events — at least one large drum such as an African djembe, ashiko, tubano, or other floor-standing drum. More drums for participants to engage in rhythm activities would be a plus.
  • It is nice to have a piano on hand, but not required.

 

For questions or issues, please contact Clint Goss by email.