Wil Offermans has initiated the new website For the Contemporary Flutist Online which offers extensive information and illustrated exercises related to the extended flute techniques, especially to his etude book For the Contemporary Flutist. The idea was inspired by the twelve articles he wrote last year for the Japanese music magazine Pipers. Each article focused on one etude and its extended technique. Also, the importance of the extended techniques as a modern and effective tool for all flutists is comprehensively explained. The website including some additional audio materials (video will be added later) and is available as a free online source for all flutists. The URL of the website is: www.forthecontemporaryflutist.com.

The 21st international Flute Summer Course by Dutch flutist-composer Wil Offermans will be held from August 18th until 25th, 2012 in Sayalonga (Malaga), Spain. In this wonderful and inspiring ambiance and a climate of dynamic nature and cultural inspiration Offermans conducts the course, sharing his contemporary approach on flute playing with the participants.
The course is open for flute students, flutists and flute teachers, and is a perfect way to get introduced to contemporary flute playing or to further extend your views and possibilities. Main material will be Offermans' etude book For the Contemporary Flutist (published by Zimmermann a.o.). Other topics include extended techniques like bamboo tones, harmonics, circular breathing, multi-phonics and whisper tones; sound development; body movement; improvisation in performance and education; ensemble playing; ethnic flutes. The course has been visited by flutists from all over the world (see here).
The total fee for the course, including all lessons, all the meals and the lodging in double rooms is 495 euro (also single rooms available). Maximum number of participators is 18. For more information and registration go to www.flutesummercourse.com.

Music publishing house Zimmermann, Frankfurt, just released the publication of a new composition by Wil Offermans for flute ensemble titled Bamburia. The piece is for 1 flute solo, 5 flutes and 1 bass flute. Alternatively, the bass flute part can also be performed on a regular flute… A main element in Bamburia is the fascinating spanish flamenco rhythm: the buleria. …in the central part the flutists put their flute aside and perform the buleria-rhythm by clapping the hands… There are a few special techniques used like the 'tongue pizzicato' and the 'breath attack'. The piece is, of course like all the editions of Zimmermann, world-wide available through your local music store, but also online through the artist-run Studio E Online Shop. Click here to learn more about the piece, including video and score details.

There are some new videos available of the recent Japan Xmas Tour 2011 at the YouTube Videos page. This includes the world-premieres of Bamburia for flute ensemble; Forbidden Valley for 5 low flutes (from bass flute till double contrabass flute) and the Heike Monogatari Duo with Junko Ueda. You can find the videos here.