Page 15 - Buzz Magazine - Issue 4 Fall 2022 | University of Rochester

that’s the science, math, and
business person in me—to keep
track of what I own and to note the
characteristics and history of each
flute. Today, I own more than 50
Native American flutes and another
50 or so world flutes. To my wife’s
chagrin, my flute collection has
taken over our dining room.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE
FLUTE?
I have many, and picking my
favorite depends on my mood
and the sound I want to produce.
There’s one particular flute that is
very special to me though. Years
ago, I took a flute lesson from Hawk
Henries, an Indigenous flute maker
from Maine. I told him about my
interests and my patients, and he
handcrafted a flute for me. Its body Flute Glossary
is made from northern cedar and
yew. He also carved a very NATIVE AMERICAN FLUTE
beautiful small bird that sits near The contemporary two-chambered duct
the mouthpiece, made from flute, made by both Indigenous and
yellow birch. non-Indigenous flute makers.
WHAT HAS PLAYING
TAUGHT YOU? NATIVE AMERICAN-STYLE FLUTE
It’s reinforced that we are all part This term may be used to describe
of one big human family. When we instruments made by non-Native flute makers.
have the false belief that we are
different or better or worse from WORLD FLUTE
each other, we become separated. This broad and encompassing term
But, when we care for, lift, honor, includes flutes from all cultures around the
and respect each other, we can
make the world a better place. world but does not include the modern
The flutes I play are instruments— silver concert flute.
literally—that can connect us all. It’s
a privilege for me to care for people
through both medicine and music.

Scan
VISIT SVENGSOUK′S WEBSITE
jefferson.me to listen

“Healing Waters”
“Breath of Life”
EASTMAN PERFORMING ARTS “Dream Weaving”
MEDICINE PROGRAM
uofr.us/EPAM

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