The Tucson Flute Club (TFC) was founded in 1970 by then-professor of flute at the University of Arizona, Philip Swanson, along with Lillian Porter and other local flutists. Several of the original members continue to play with TFC today. The objectives of the Club are to enable flutists to meet for ensemble playing for their own enjoyment; to broaden the knowledge of flute literature by providing performing opportunities for members & guest artists; and to increase knowledge of the flute through lectures, discussions and related activities. Current membership numbers about 70, of whom perhaps 35 play on a regular basis with the club.
Our repertoire includes adaptations and arrangements of familiar melodies, classical pieces, as well as original compositions for flute choir. Past performances have included appearances at local retirement centers, churches, baseball games, local botanical gardens, the mountaintop Kitt Peak Observatory and the Mount Lemmon Community Center, Tucson International Airport, and fundraisers that raised over $5,000 for the Tucson Community Food Bank. TFC has also teamed up with our Phoenix counterpart (the Arizona Flute Society) to present joint concerts in both cities and at the National Flute Association’s convention.
TFC members also figure prominently among the musicians playing in many of Tucson’s community bands and orchestras.
In 2023, TFC toured Japan for two weeks, concertizing and collaborating with Flute Ensemble for Social Contribution. The two groups performed together again last August at the NFA convention.
Board of Directors
Chris Smith, President Sandy Schwoebel, Vice-President
Laurie Mering, Secretary Conrad Paul, Treasurer
Jill Klein Paul Scott
Caleb Hathaway Shirleen Lee
Non-Board Appointments
Jan Smith, Librarian Jutta Elguindi, Assistant Librarian
Sue Agnew, Publicity Charlotte Raby, Historian